Tether and UNODC Join Forces to Tackle Illicit Crypto Activity Across Africa

Tether has entered a strategic partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) aimed at curbing illicit cryptocurrency flows and strengthening digital resilience across Africa. Announced recently, the collaboration comes at a critical time, as crypto adoption across the continent accelerates alongside growing exposure to scams, fraud, and organized crime.

Africa’s Rapid Crypto Growth Meets Rising Risks

Africa has emerged as the world’s third-fastest-growing cryptocurrency region, driven by rising mobile adoption, demand for stablecoins, and limited access to traditional banking. However, this rapid growth has also exposed structural weaknesses. Inadequate regulatory frameworks and underdeveloped cybersecurity infrastructure have made parts of the continent vulnerable to financial crime and exploitation.

According to information cited in the partnership announcement, a recent Interpol-led operation uncovered approximately $260 million in illicit crypto and fiat transactions across several African countries. These findings underscore the urgency for coordinated international action to address cross-border crypto-related crime while preserving the technology’s benefits.

The Tether–UNODC partnership aligns with UNODC’s Strategic Vision for Africa 2030, which focuses on promoting peace, security, and inclusive development. By leveraging blockchain technology and digital education, the initiative seeks to reduce cybercrime risks, expand legitimate financial access, and strengthen institutional capacity.

Education, Innovation, and Victim Support at the Core

A major pillar of the collaboration is education and youth empowerment. The Senegal Project will deliver cybersecurity bootcamps, mentorship programs, and microgrants aimed at equipping young people with in-demand digital skills. In parallel, the Plan B Foundation — supported by Tether and the city of Lugano — will provide targeted training sessions to nurture blockchain innovation.

Beyond education, the Africa Project will fund civil society organizations in countries including Nigeria, Senegal, Ethiopia, Uganda, Malawi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. These organizations focus on protecting and assisting victims of human trafficking, an area where crypto-related financial crime has increasingly intersected with organized exploitation.

Additional efforts extend to the Pacific through the Papua New Guinea Project, which partners with universities to promote financial inclusion, fraud awareness, and blockchain-based problem-solving through student competitions.

By combining education, technological innovation, and victim support, the Tether–UNODC partnership represents a significant step toward building safer, more transparent digital ecosystems. As Africa navigates the balance between crypto opportunity and risk, this initiative aims to ensure that innovation supports sustainable growth rather than criminal misuse.

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