Tether partners with UN’s drug control agency to boost cybersecurity in Africa

Key Takeaways

• Tether has teamed up with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime to boost cybersecurity efforts in Africa.
• The collaboration supports UNODC’s Strategic Vision for Africa 2030, focusing on securing digital assets and promoting financial transparency.

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Tether is partnering with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to help combat digital asset crime and improve cybersecurity standards in Africa.

The joint initiative comes as the continent faces increasing exposure to crypto-related crime.

Recent coordinated enforcement actions by international and regional authorities have uncovered hundreds of millions of dollars in illicit fiat and digital assets tied to fraud, cyber-enabled scams, and terrorism financing across multiple African countries.

These cases have highlighted how virtual assets are increasingly being misused in complex cross-border criminal networks, reinforcing calls for stronger cybersecurity measures, public education, and regulatory cooperation.

“Digital assets are reshaping how the world interacts with money, and are integral to our commitment to advancing Africa’s digital transformation,” Ghada Waly, Executive Director of UNODC, noted. “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. 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.”

Through the partnership, Tether will contribute technical expertise and resources to strengthen cybersecurity awareness and improve legal and financial systems across African markets.

“Supporting victims of human trafficking and helping prevent exploitation requires coordinated action across sectors,” said Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino. “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.”