Tether, a stablecoin giant, announced its collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to combat illicit cryptocurrency activities while strengthening digital resilience in Africa on January 9. The partnership comes as the continent experiences rapid growth in digital assets, which has also exposed many people to scams and organized crime.
According to a media statement, Africa has become the third-fastest-growing crypto region globally. However, weak regulatory frameworks and limited cyber infrastructure have left the region vulnerable. The report noted that Interpol had uncovered illicit cryptocurrency and fiat transactions across several African countries, underscoring the urgent need for stronger and faster protective measures.
The alliance advances UNODC’s Strategic Vision for Africa 2030, a framework focused on fostering peace, security, and inclusive economic development. Through the use of blockchain and other emerging technologies, the initiative aims to reduce exposure to cybercrime, expand access to financial services, and provide meaningful support to survivors of human trafficking.
A key component of the collaboration is the Senegal Project, which focuses on youth cybersecurity education through intensive bootcamps, mentorship programs, and microgrant opportunities. In parallel, the Plan B Foundation—Tether’s joint initiative with the city of Lugano—will deliver training sessions designed to equip young innovators with practical skills.
The broader Africa Project allocates funding to civil society organizations across Senegal, Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Malawi, Ethiopia, and Uganda, strengthening efforts to protect and assist victims of human trafficking. Beyond Africa, the Papua New Guinea Project partners with universities in Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands to promote financial inclusion and fraud awareness, using student competitions to encourage blockchain-based solutions.
The UNODC Regional Representative for West and Central Africa, Sylvie Bertrand, stated that the world is undergoing a major transformation in how people interact with money through digital assets, which could unlock Africa’s growth potential. She noted that the collaboration supports Senegal’s Digital New Deal by promoting digital inclusion, improving youth employability, and leveraging innovation to combat crime while advancing sustainable development.
As Africa navigates the opportunities of crypto-driven innovation alongside the risks of illicit financial activity, the Tether–UNODC partnership represents an important step toward building secure, transparent, and resilient digital ecosystems. By combining education, victim support, and blockchain innovation, the initiative aims to help African nations harness the benefits of crypto while protecting communities from exploitation.
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