For SMEs engaged in cross-border trade, international payments are often slowed down and burdened by traditional banking systems. Each transaction typically passes through multiple intermediaries—correspondent banks, clearing houses, and payment processors—each adding fees, delays, and currency conversion costs. Settlement can take several days or even weeks, making it difficult for SMEs to maintain healthy cash flow and predictability.
Blockchain-based payments streamline this process by allowing direct peer-to-peer transactions on a decentralized ledger. Instead of relying on intermediaries, both sender and receiver connect through blockchain wallets, and the transaction is executed almost instantly. Funds are settled in seconds, with negligible fees, and every payment is permanently recorded on the blockchain for transparent and auditable verification.
Where the SAHEL token fits in
The SAHEL token, built on the Solana blockchain, provides SMEs with an efficient, low-cost, and secure method for international settlement. By using SAHEL, businesses can bypass banking networks and avoid high remittance charges, while enjoying transaction finality in just a few seconds. Unlike generic cryptocurrencies, SAHEL is designed specifically with SMEs in mind, making it an ideal entry point into blockchain payments.
From a technical perspective, the process looks like this:
- Wallet Setup – Both the SME and its client or supplier create a Solana-compatible wallet (e.g., Phantom) where they can hold and transfer SAHEL tokens.
- Token Transfer – Instead of initiating a bank wire, the buyer simply transfers the agreed amount of SAHEL directly to the seller’s wallet.
- Instant Settlement – Thanks to Solana’s Proof of Stake mechanism, the transaction is confirmed in seconds, with costs typically below $0.01.
- Flexibility – The SME can choose to keep the SAHEL tokens, reinvest them in blockchain-based services (such as loyalty or DeFi applications), or convert them into local currency through a regulated exchange.
- Auditability – Every transaction is permanently recorded on Solana’s public ledger, providing verifiable proof of payment for accounting and compliance.
Example Implementation
A Spanish SME exporting artisanal goods to Chile agrees to accept payment in SAHEL tokens. The Chilean buyer opens their Phantom wallet, sends the equivalent of €5,000 in SAHEL directly to the SME’s wallet, and within seconds the payment appears as confirmed on the Solana blockchain explorer. The SME now has options: they can use those tokens to pay a supplier in Asia, allocate part of the tokens to a SAHEL-based loyalty program for customers, or convert the balance into euros through a partner exchange.
This approach eliminates correspondent banking fees, reduces settlement time from days to seconds, and empowers SMEs to explore new financial strategies within the blockchain ecosystem—all while maintaining transparency, trust, and full control over their transactions.