The International AIDS Society (IAS) successfully distributed scholarships to 248 recipients across 50+ countries using USDC stablecoins via the Stellar Disbursement Platform and Decaf Wallet, eliminating cash handling and achieving 100% payment delivery with zero failures.
At the IAS Conference 2025 in Kigali, Rwanda, the International AIDS Society partnered with the Stellar Development Foundation, NOAH, and Decaf Wallet to modernize scholarship distribution using blockchain technology and stablecoins. Instead of transporting cash-filled envelopes across borders, IAS processed 425 payments totaling tens of thousands of USDC to 233 unique recipients in 50+ countries through the Stellar Disbursement Platform. Recipients received secure email links, downloaded the Decaf Wallet, verified their identity with a PIN, and claimed their USDC directly to their phones. They could then flexibly withdraw funds via MoneyGram in Kigali, transfer to local bank accounts, use a Decaf VISA card, or withdraw from their home country. The solution eliminated long queues, reduced administrative overhead, eliminated cash-handling risk, and provided real-time transparency for auditors and donors.
