Tether Backs Kotani Pay to Expand Crypto Access Across Africa

TLDR:

• Tether invests in Kotani Pay to enable seamless crypto and cross-border payments across Africa.
• Sub-Saharan on-chain crypto transactions reached $205B, rising 52% from July 2024 to June 2025.
• Kotani Pay bridges African users to global financial networks using blockchain technology.
• Tether and Kotani Pay aim to reduce transaction costs and improve access to digital assets.
  

Tether is expanding its reach in Africa through a strategic investment in Kotani Pay. The move targets improving access to digital assets and cross-border payments. It aims to reduce transaction friction for both individuals and businesses. 

The investment comes as crypto adoption grows across Sub-Saharan Africa. Tether’s CEO Paolo Ardoino said the partnership seeks to empower users with blockchain-based financial tools.

Boosting Crypto Access Across Africa

Kotani Pay provides on-ramp and off-ramp infrastructure for Web3 users, connecting them to local payment channels. Its network addresses challenges faced by businesses, such as high costs, slow settlements, and limited access to global markets. 

According to Tether, this investment will help individuals and SMEs directly access global financial networks. The goal is to offer practical, efficient, and secure solutions powered by blockchain.

Felix Macharia, CEO of Kotani Pay, said the investment positions the company to expand its reach. He emphasized connecting millions of Africans to the on-chain economy. This approach supports businesses in managing international operations while reducing reliance on traditional banking systems. 

Kotani Pay’s solutions are tailored to local market conditions, making digital asset use more practical for everyday transactions.

The move aligns with Tether’s broader mission to promote financial inclusion through blockchain technology. By providing access to digital assets, the companies aim to create a stable and efficient payment ecosystem across Africa. 

The partnership emphasizes utility-driven adoption, moving beyond speculation to address real financial needs.

Driving Cross-Border Payments and Financial Inclusion

Sub-Saharan Africa’s crypto economy remains the smallest globally, but usage patterns show a steady rise in adoption. On-chain transaction volumes reached $205 billion from July 2024 to June 2025, reflecting retail use and remittances. 

Key markets driving growth include Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, and Ethiopia. High inflation and limited banking infrastructure fuel demand for alternative financial solutions.

Tether’s investment intends to make cross-border payments seamless, enabling businesses and individuals previously excluded from global finance to participate fully. Blockchain tools can reduce operational friction and provide secure, faster transaction options. 

The partnership highlights how tech-driven solutions can address long-standing inefficiencies in emerging markets. Both companies are committed to advancing financial transparency and inclusion in Africa.

This strategic investment signals Tether’s continued push to broaden crypto adoption worldwide. By leveraging Kotani Pay’s regional knowledge, the partnership aims to build a resilient digital economy for African users. 

Blockchain-based financial tools will support enterprises, individuals, and communities in accessing global liquidity more efficiently. The collaboration reflects growing confidence in crypto’s practical use across emerging markets.

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