Tether Partners with UNODC to Combat Cybercrime in Africa

TLDR

• Tether supports cybercrime prevention in Senegal, Nigeria, DRC.
• Partnership focuses on human trafficking and digital asset safety.
• Tether will provide technical resources and financial support.

Tether has entered into a partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to bolster cybercrime prevention and digital asset safety across Africa. This collaboration is particularly focused on countries such as Senegal, Nigeria, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Tether will provide both technical resources and financial support for various programs.

Paolo Ardoino, CEO of Tether, emphasized the importance of this coordinated action. Mr. Ardoino stated that their efforts are centered on supporting victims of human trafficking and exploitation. The partnership aims to create safer and more inclusive opportunities for communities most in need.

Key Figures and Organizations in the Partnership

Tether, the issuer of the USDT stablecoin, has a significant role in the initiative. The collaboration leverages Tether’s expertise in blockchain data and compliance. Paolo Ardoino, who became the CEO of Tether in late 2023, leads the organization's strategy in expanding USDT usage in emerging markets.

The UNODC, under the leadership of Ghada Waly, aims to enhance the digital transformation of Africa through this partnership. The collaboration aligns with their long-term goal of improving financial transparency and combating cyber-enabled crimes on the continent.

Scope of the Initiative in Africa

The Tether news release, dated January 9, 2026, outlines the program's scope. It focuses on digital asset safety programs, education initiatives for youths, and support projects for victims of human trafficking. These initiatives will initially pilot in Senegal, Nigeria, and the DRC.

• Civil society organizations in Nigeria and the DRC will receive funding for assisting human trafficking victims.
• An education initiative includes virtual bootcamps and mentorship opportunities.

The project is expected to expand to Papua New Guinea, focusing on digital assets and innovation competitions. The specific dollar amounts for this project are not disclosed, but the financial backing from Tether is confirmed.

Digital Assets and Technologies Implicated

The partnership primarily involves stablecoins issued by Tether, particularly USDT. This stablecoin is extensively used in peer-to-peer markets and exchanges throughout Nigeria and other parts of Africa. Additionally, any blockchain where USDT circulates is part of the initiative's scope.

• Ethereum (ETH)
• Tron (TRX)
• Bitcoin via Omni, Solana, BNB Chain, and more

Past Collaborations and Effects

Historically, Tether has cooperated with law enforcement agencies such as the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Secret Service. These collaborations focused on freezing illicit funds under lawful orders. Though these do not specifically pertain to Africa, they demonstrate Tether’s willingness to support enforcement efforts.

Similarly, UNODC has conducted programs on anti-money laundering and financial integrity, contributing to stronger compliance expectations for virtual asset service providers. These efforts lead to increased surveillance and reporting of suspicious cryptocurrency transactions.

UNODC’s Strategic Vision for Africa

This partnership is part of UNODC's broader Strategic Vision for Africa 2030, which emphasizes secure digital infrastructure and protection from cyber-enabled crimes. The cooperation with Senegal's authorities and broader African nations signifies commitment to this vision.

The countries involved are pursuing greater financial transparency and governance as part of Africa’s digital transformation. Although no new laws have been formally enacted regarding this initiative, it primarily focuses on capacity-building and analytics.

Impact on Communities and Developers

Within the developer community, Tether continues its ongoing development activities, although no specific GitHub repository or code release is dedicated to the UNODC Africa initiative. The partnership fits into Tether's broader strategy of aligning USDT with regulated markets.

Community reactions on platforms such as Twitter and Discord, as per Tether’s corporate communications, highlight the partnership’s potential to foster safer digital economies in Africa. The aim is to combat crime and promote inclusivity.