Tether and the UN: Building Security on the African Digital Economy Map

Strategic Partnership Against Cybercrime

The world leader in stablecoins, Tether, announced an expansion of its partnership with the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to strengthen digital security across the African continent. The initiative goes far beyond a typical collaboration: it is a comprehensive program aimed at protecting populations from fraud, preventing cybercrimes, and fostering trust in digital assets in the region.

According to recent Interpol reports, the organized crime landscape in cryptocurrencies in Africa is much more complex than previously thought. During a special operation in the region, over $260 million in illegal funds linked to criminal networks were seized. This fact triggered the development of a long-term UNODC roadmap through 2030, which identifies digital asset security as a key factor for the continent’s economic resilience.

Youth Education as the Foundation of Digital Literacy

Instead of solely law enforcement measures, Tether and UNODC chose a broad approach, with youth at its core. In Senegal, a multi-level cybersecurity training program has been launched, including virtual bootcamps and personalized mentorship. Participants will gain access to microgrants and support in developing their own digital projects.

This educational format aims to cultivate a generation that understands the threats of the digital economy even before they materialize. The program is supported by the Plan B Foundation and results from close coordination between Tether and the city of Lugano. The main idea is prevention — avoiding fraud through awareness-raising rather than reacting to crimes after they occur.

Humanitarian Dimension: Protecting the Most Vulnerable Groups

The partnership also extends to combating human trafficking, where digital finance often becomes a tool for crime. Tether provides funding to several NGOs operating in Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Malawi, Ethiopia, and Hungary. These funds are directed to the UN Voluntary Trust Fund for Victims of Trafficking (UNVTF).

Practical assistance includes providing emergency shelter, medical, and legal support to victims. Additionally, the program involves professional training and economic rehabilitation to prevent re-victimization by traffickers. Thus, digital finance is viewed not only as a risk factor but also as a means to empower vulnerable populations.

Africa as a Global Player in Crypto Trading

The scale of Tether and UNODC cooperation becomes clear when considering the growth rates of digital assets on Africa’s financial flow map. According to Chainalysis data, countries south of the Sahara processed over $205 billion in on-chain value from mid-2023 to mid-2024 — a 52% increase year-over-year.

This growth is primarily driven by retail activity, as people seek alternatives to devalued local currencies and high inflation. Stablecoins, especially USDT from Tether, have become an integral part of daily finance in Nigeria, South Africa, and other countries. Currently, about 43% of crypto transaction volume in the region is in stablecoins — a figure that vividly demonstrates the depth of integration.

Infrastructure and New Regulatory Framework

Security cannot be ensured without parallel development of the legal infrastructure. Some African countries have recently enacted laws regulating virtual asset service providers (VASP). Kenya has set an example by implementing clear legal frameworks for digital asset businesses, creating a favorable environment for both local innovators and foreign investors.

Tether actively builds infrastructure to support this growth. Recently, the company invested in Kotani Pay — a platform for on-ramp and off-ramp services that connects Web3 users with local payment channels across the continent. As a result, stablecoins are organically integrated with mobile money, providing access to the global economy for unbanked populations.

A Holistic Approach as a Response to Challenges

The combination of high-level international cooperation (UN cooperation) and grassroots infrastructure development (Kotani Pay solution) demonstrates the maturity of Africa’s digital asset market. While threats remain — from fraud to regulatory uncertainty — the presence of global organizations like UNODC signals that digital assets are recognized as a strategic factor in the continent’s economic development. Tether’s investments in security, education, and social aid reflect an understanding that long-term growth is only possible through trust and transparency.