A7 Fintech Company Unveils New Cross-Border Payment Platform for Russia-Africa Trade
Russia-Africa Summit Unveils A7 Platform
Russian fintech company A7 presented a new cross-border payment platform at the third Russia–Africa Summit in Moscow on October 28–29, 2026.
The two-day gathering drew delegations from 48 African countries, including 22 heads of state or government, to discuss trade, energy, and finance.
Western sanctions have restricted Russia’s access to traditional global banking networks, prompting Moscow to seek alternative settlement channels. Trade between Russia and Africa exceeded $27 billion in 2025, marking an increase of about 50% from the previous summit in 2023, according to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
A7 System Enables Instant Conversion Between Digital and Real Currencies
The newly introduced A7 system allows businesses to convert funds between conventional and digital currencies. “With today’s technology, it is impossible to block such payments,” Putin told the delegates, adding that users can instantly shift between digital and real currencies online.
Finance Minister Anton Siluanov highlighted the platform’s speed and cost structure. “Payments are fast, with just one click, and the fee is only 0.3%,” Siluanov said.
The underlying architecture links cryptocurrency transactions to standard bank wires. A7 International, a recently launched service, uses the TRON blockchain for USDT stablecoin transfers while routing payouts to recipients via SWIFT. The company states that it distributes funds in US dollars, euros, Chinese yuan, and UAE dirhams, while applying artificial intelligence to assess transactions for cost, speed, and compliance.
A7 Processes Payments Despite US Treasury Sanctions
A7 operates despite fresh financial restrictions. The US Treasury imposed sanctions on A7 and its network on October 1, 2026, accusing the firm of helping clients evade penalties and handling transactions linked to Iran. A7 called the measures unlawful and reported that it continues to process payments for consumer goods and commodities.
Founded in 2024 with backing from state-owned PSB Bank, A7 handled over 10 trillion rubles, equivalent to roughly $110 billion, in cross-border settlements during 2025. The company opened representative offices in Lagos and Harare in September 2025 to connect African firms with trade networks in Russia, China, and India. Local regulatory approval will ultimately determine whether the platform can operate within Nigeria and Zimbabwe.