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- Tether and the UNODC have launched joint programs across Africa to fight crypto crime, boost digital literacy, and support trafficking victims.
- The initiative includes youth education in Senegal, aid for civil groups in six countries, and blockchain awareness efforts in the Asia-Pacific.
USDT issuer Tether has announced a new partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The collaboration aims to boost cybersecurity awareness, digital literacy, and blockchain resilience across Africa, one of the fastest-growing crypto regions.
Africa has witnessed a surge in crypto adoption, and with it, a rise in digital asset-related crime. A recent Interpol operation revealed $260 million in illicit transactions across the region. In response, Tether is joining efforts with the UNODC’s Strategic Vision for Africa 2030 to support peace, security, and crime prevention by leveraging blockchain tools.
As CNF reported, Tether previously engaged in Africa through its partnership with Zanzibar to support blockchain education and financial inclusion. This new collaboration expands that reach across more countries and broader security efforts.
Tether Rolls Out Youth Education and Victim Support
The Senegal project, a core part of the initiative, introduces cybersecurity bootcamps and workshops aimed at the youth. The program includes sessions by the Plan B Foundation, a partnership between Tether and the City of Lugano, and offers mentorship and micro-grants to help young innovators develop real-world blockchain solutions.
In parallel, Tether and UNODC are backing civil society groups in Senegal, Nigeria, DRC, Malawi, Ethiopia, and Uganda. These organizations provide direct support to victims of human trafficking, offering protection, recovery, and education resources to vulnerable communities.
The scope of the collaboration also includes the Asia Pacific region. In Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, Tether and the UN are working with local universities to raise awareness of crypto fraud and financial inclusion. A student competition will incentivize youth to design blockchain-based tools to prevent crime.
“Supporting victims of human trafficking and helping prevent exploitation requires coordinated action across sectors,” said USDT issuer Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino. He emphasized that the partnership blends innovation and education to create secure, inclusive opportunities for at-risk groups. Sylvie Bertrand, UNODC Regional Representative for West and Central Africa, added:
“Digital assets are reshaping how the world engages with money… Through this collaboration, we can advance digital inclusion, strengthen digital skills, and promote secure and transparent digital ecosystems.”
As CNF outlined, Tether has taken a proactive stance on crime prevention in the crypto space. Last year, the company froze over $28 million in Garantex wallets under EU sanctions and blocked $181,000 USDT linked to the Bybit hack. These actions have positioned Tether as a key actor in supporting blockchain compliance and global cybersecurity.
