Tether has announced a strategic partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) aimed at strengthening cybercrime prevention and digital asset security across Africa.Â
The collaboration aligns with UNODC’s Africa 2030 strategy and focuses on cybersecurity education, scam prevention, and combating crimes linked to human trafficking.
Africa has emerged as the world’s third-fastest-growing crypto region, but rapid adoption has also increased exposure to fraud and online criminal activity.
The urgency of the problem was underscored by a recent Interpol operation that uncovered more than $260 million in illicit crypto and fiat transactions across the continent.
Against this backdrop, the Tether–UNODC partnership seeks to build resilience by equipping communities with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate digital finance safely.
Under the collaboration, Tether will support UNODC’s Strategic Vision for Africa 2030 by leveraging blockchain and emerging technologies to reduce cybercrime risks, expand economic opportunity, and protect vulnerable populations.
A key focus is supporting victims of human trafficking while preventing exploitation linked to digital and financial crime.
The initiative includes several targeted projects. In Senegal, a multi-phase cybersecurity education program for youth will offer learning modules, a bootcamp, mentorship, and micro-grants to help participants develop technology-driven ideas. The program includes sessions delivered by the Plan B Foundation, a collaboration between Tether and the City of Lugano.Â
Across Africa, Tether will also fund civil society organizations providing direct assistance to trafficking victims in countries including Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Ethiopia, and Uganda.
In addition, a project in Papua New Guinea will work with universities to raise awareness of digital asset fraud and promote blockchain-based solutions for financial inclusion.
“Supporting victims of human trafficking and helping prevent exploitation requires coordinated action across sectors,” said Paolo Ardoino, CEO of Tether.
UNODC regional representative Sylvie Bertrand added that secure digital ecosystems are essential to Africa’s development, noting that the partnership can advance digital inclusion, youth employability, and crime prevention while fostering sustainable economic growth.