Tether and UN Join Forces to Secure Africa’s Digital Economy

• Tether teamed up with the UNODC to improve cybersecurity awareness and safe crypto use across African countries.

• The partnership targets youth and vulnerable groups through education, mentorship, and programs to reduce crypto fraud risks.

• Initiatives span Africa and Papua New Guinea, aligning with the UN’s Africa 2030 vision for secure digital finance.

Tether announced a partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to strengthen cybersecurity across Africa. The initiative aims to educate the public on safe digital asset use. The collaboration addresses rising crypto-related fraud in Africa, where recent Interpol operations uncovered $260 million in illicit digital and fiat currency.

Key Figures and Strategic Vision

Paolo Ardoino, Tether CEO, highlighted the partnership’s focus on education and innovation. Sylvie Bertrand, UNODC Regional Representative for West and Central Africa, emphasized Africa’s potential for secure digital financial growth. Tether and UNODC aim to advance the UN’s Strategic Vision for Africa 2030, promoting digital safety and economic inclusion.

The program notably targets youth and vulnerable populations. Initiatives include mentorship, micro-grants, and bootcamps to foster digital literacy. Participants will learn how to develop projects while minimizing exposure to cybercrime and online exploitation.

Regional Initiatives Across Africa

The Senegal Project focuses on youth cybersecurity education through multi-phase programs. Sessions include contributions from the Plan B Foundation, a collaboration between Tether and the City of Lugano. Participants receive coaching and support to further develop ideas safely in the digital economy.

The Africa Project funds civil society organizations supporting human trafficking victims in Senegal, Nigeria, DRC, Malawi, Ethiopia, and Uganda. This initiative aims to protect affected individuals while promoting awareness of online financial risks.

Global Engagement and Papua New Guinea Outreach

The Papua New Guinea Project extends the program beyond Africa. Tether collaborates with local universities to teach financial inclusion and prevent digital asset fraud. A student competition encourages innovative blockchain solutions for crime prevention and economic access.

According to Ardoino, the partnership strengthens communities by combining technology and education to reduce exploitation risks. Bertrand noted the tripartite collaboration between the UN, private sector, and local authorities advances Senegal’s Digital New Deal, fostering secure, transparent, and inclusive digital ecosystems.

Through these coordinated efforts, Tether and UNODC aim to protect digital assets, support victims, and build safer financial systems across multiple continents.