Tether Partners With UNODC to Fight Digital Crime in Africa

• Tether and UNODC target cybercrime risks as crypto adoption accelerates across Africa.
• Youth-focused cybersecurity education aims to curb fraud before digital threats deepen.
• Partnership links victim protection, financial inclusion, and community resilience.

Tether has entered a strategic partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to address rising cybercrime risks and victim protection challenges across Africa. The collaboration focuses on digital security education, crime prevention, and community resilience as crypto adoption accelerates across the continent. 

Significantly, Africa has emerged as one of the fastest-growing regions for digital asset use, increasing exposure to fraud and online exploitation. Hence, both organizations aim to strengthen safeguards before cyber threats deepen further.

Recent law enforcement actions underscore the urgency. An Interpol-led operation uncovered roughly $260 million in illicit crypto and fiat transactions across several African countries. 

Consequently, regulators and global institutions now prioritize stronger digital defenses and public education. Additionally, Tether plans to align its resources with UNODC’s Strategic Vision for Africa 2030. The initiative focuses on peace, economic inclusion, and protection for vulnerable populations affected by digital crime.

Education and Youth-Focused Cybersecurity Programs

The partnership places strong emphasis on education, particularly among young people. In Senegal, Tether and UNODC will support a multi-phase cybersecurity education program targeting youth. 

Besides classroom learning, participants will attend a hands-on bootcamp focused on digital asset safety. The program includes mentorship, coaching, and small grants to support practical project development.

Moreover, the initiative incorporates sessions from the Plan B Foundation, a joint effort between Tether and the City of Lugano. The program encourages innovation while promoting responsible blockchain use. Consequently, organizers expect improved digital literacy and stronger community awareness around online fraud risks.

Support for Victims and Financial Inclusion Efforts

Beyond education, the partnership extends direct support to victims of human trafficking. Tether will fund selected civil society organizations operating across Senegal, Nigeria, the DRC, Malawi, Ethiopia, and Uganda. 

These groups provide protection services and recovery assistance for affected individuals. Additionally, the initiative seeks to reduce economic vulnerabilities that often enable exploitation.

The collaboration also expands beyond Africa. In Papua New Guinea, the program will engage university students through competitions centered on blockchain solutions for financial inclusion and crime prevention. Hence, the initiative links education, innovation, and social impact across regions.

Paolo Ardoino said, “Supporting victims of human trafficking and helping prevent exploitation requires coordinated action across sectors.” He added, “Through our collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, we’re backing initiatives that combine innovation and education to empower communities and help create safer, more inclusive opportunities for those who need them most.”

Digital assets are transforming global financial engagement and have the potential to unlock Africa’s development, while contributing to the UN’s peace and security goals, stated Sylvie Bertrand, UNODC Regional Representative for West and Central Africa.

Related: Tether Introduces Scudo to Make Gold Payments Practical On-Chain