Tether and UNODC Partner to Combat Crypto Crime in Africa

Tether, the issuer of USDT, has announced a partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) aimed at improving cybersecurity and public education around digital asset security in Africa. 

The collaboration, announced on Friday, aims to tackle the growing cases of transnational organized crime, scams, and fraud in the region by using blockchain technology and educational programs. By supporting the UNODC’s Strategic Vision for Africa 2030, both organizations want to protect digital assets, create economic opportunities, and assist victims of human trafficking.

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Targeted regional security projects

The initiative includes several targeted projects designed to address specific weaknesses. In Senegal, a multi-phase cybersecurity education program for youth is being launched. 

This program offers learning opportunities and a bootcamp with support from the Plan B Foundation. It also includes mentorship and micro-grants to help participants develop local projects. 

Support for vulnerable populations

The partnership is also providing funding to civil society organizations in Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Malawi, Ethiopia, Uganda, and Senegal to assist human trafficking victims. A third project will collaborate with universities in Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands to raise awareness about financial inclusion and prevent fraud through student-led innovation competitions.

Africa has been meaning to make changes regarding the same. Earlier in October 2025, Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu urged judges to learn about blockchain, cryptocurrency, and new digital systems so they can deal with modern financial crimes better. 

Rising crypto market challenges

Africa has been ranked as the third-fastest-growing crypto market in the world, making it a prime target for illicit activities as well. Recently, the level of the problem has been exposed by an operation conducted by Interpol, where around 260 million dollars’ worth of illicit crypto assets, as well as fiat currency, have been discovered on the continent. 

It has been observed that the adoption levels of digital assets in emerging countries often leave the regulation and security measures far behind, making way for illicit activities by organizations that take advantage of the loopholes.

Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino commented on the initiative, stating, “Supporting victims of human trafficking and helping prevent exploitation requires coordinated action across sectors. 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.”

Future sector implications

The partnership reflects a broader trend of the blending of private blockchain firms and international regulatory bodies. In incorporating cybersecurity education within the educational framework for developing countries, such a project may launch a more resilient generation of fighters against cybercrime.

Additionally, if using blockchain transparency to aid law enforcement proves effective in Africa, it might become a model for similar UNODC partnerships in other emerging markets.

Sylvie Bertrand, UNODC Regional Representative for West and Central Africa, also commented on the collaboration, stating, “Digital assets are reshaping how the world engages with money and play a vital role in unlocking Africa’s development potential, while contributing to the United Nations peace and security agenda. I am excited by the prospect of a tripartite partnership, bringing together the United Nations, the private sector, and Senegalese authorities, to support the vision behind Senegal’s Digital New Deal.”

She added, “Through this collaboration, we can advance digital inclusion, strengthen digital skills and youth employability, promote secure and transparent digital ecosystems, and harness innovation to prevent organized crime while fostering sustainable and inclusive economic growth.”

The partnership between Tether and the UNODC shows an effort towards the security challenges in Africa’s rapidly growing digital asset sector. While the main focus is on education and helping victims, the long-term success of the initiative will rely on collaboration between private technology providers and governance bodies as they face constant cyber threats.

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