Celo at a glance.
Celo launched in 2020 as a standalone proof-of-stake L1 designed to run well on mobile devices with low-bandwidth connections. In 2024, the community voted to migrate the network to an Ethereum L2 using the OP Stack, settling security on Ethereum while keeping Celo's mobile-first features and native stablecoin suite.
$21.6M
Value locked in DeFi protocols on Celo. Updated Jun 2, 2026. Source: DefiLlama.
CELO
Used for fees and securing the network. See the live CELO price.
How Celo works.
After the L2 migration, Celo operates as an Ethereum optimistic rollup built on the OP Stack. Transaction data is posted to Ethereum for settlement, and the fraud proof system provides Ethereum-level security. The CELO token is used for gas fees and governance. Celo retains its own validator set for sequencing.
After the L2 migration, Celo operates as an Ethereum optimistic rollup built on the OP Stack. Transaction data is posted to Ethereum for settlement, and the fraud proof system provides Ethereum-level security. The CELO token is used for gas fees and governance. Celo retains its own validator set for sequencing.
Mobile-first design
Celo was built to work on entry-level smartphones with limited connectivity. Light client protocols and phone-number-based address mapping make it accessible without needing to understand hex addresses.
Native stablecoins
Celo has protocol-native stablecoins: cUSD (pegged to USD), cEUR (EUR), and cREAL (Brazilian Real). These can be used to pay gas fees, removing the need to hold CELO just to transact.
Ethereum L2
The 2024 migration to OP Stack means Celo now settles on Ethereum, improving security guarantees and interoperability with the broader Ethereum ecosystem.
Financial inclusion focus
Celo's design choices, phone-number addresses, stablecoin gas, mobile performance, are aimed at users in emerging markets who may be accessing crypto for the first time.
What Celo is used for.
Celo's ecosystem includes remittance and payments apps, microfinance protocols, and impact-focused projects. The stablecoin infrastructure and mobile UX attract projects serving users in Latin America, Africa, and Southeast Asia.
Stablecoin remittances
Send cUSD or cEUR internationally via a phone number at low cost, reaching recipients who may only have a basic smartphone.
Mobile DeFi
Lending, savings, and yield protocols operate on Celo, optimized for mobile interfaces and accessible entry points.
Microfinance
On-chain lending protocols built on Celo provide small loans to individuals and groups in regions with limited access to traditional banking.
Impact and regenerative finance
Projects using on-chain mechanisms to fund environmental and social outcomes have built on Celo, attracted by its mission alignment and community.
Hold, swap and spend CELO.
Celo is integrated in the Zypto App. Hold CELO in self-custody, swap it to any supported asset, and use it across Zypto’s features.
Be the reason Celo ships next.
Celo isn’t in the Zypto App yet. Post the request to your followers, chains with the most demand get prioritised.
Request on XCommon questions.
Why did Celo move from L1 to L2?
What are cUSD and cEUR?
How does Celo address phone-number mapping work?
Can Celo be used without a smartphone?
Can I hold CELO in the Zypto App?
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