Tether has partnered with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime to launch a digital asset cybersecurity and education initiative aimed at addressing growing risks tied to rapid crypto adoption across Africa. The program is designed to strengthen public awareness, improve digital skills and reduce exposure to fraud and financial crime as cryptocurrencies become more widely used for payments, savings and cross border transfers. Africa has emerged as one of the fastest growing regions for digital asset usage, driven by mobile penetration, remittances and limited access to traditional banking. At the same time, this growth has increased vulnerabilities, particularly among young users and underserved communities who may lack formal training in cybersecurity or financial risk management. The initiative reflects a shift in focus toward safeguards and resilience as stablecoins and other digital assets become more embedded in everyday economic activity.
The partnership includes targeted education and capacity building programs across multiple countries. In Senegal, the initiative will focus on youth cybersecurity training through a multi phase curriculum that combines technical instruction with mentorship and project development. The goal is to equip participants with practical skills to build and maintain secure digital systems, while also improving employability in a growing digital economy. Beyond Senegal, the program extends to several African countries where civil society organizations support victims of human trafficking and other forms of exploitation. These groups will receive resources to strengthen awareness of online financial risks and the misuse of digital tools by criminal networks. By combining technical education with social support, the initiative aims to address both prevention and protection in regions where digital adoption is outpacing regulatory and educational infrastructure.
The launch comes amid heightened concern over financial crime linked to digital assets in Africa. Recent coordinated enforcement actions uncovered hundreds of millions of dollars in cryptocurrencies and fiat currencies connected to illicit activities, highlighting the scale of the challenge facing authorities. As stablecoins and crypto based payments grow, policymakers and international organizations are increasingly focused on ensuring that adoption is accompanied by security standards and public understanding. The Tether and UNODC collaboration positions cybersecurity and education as foundational elements of digital financial inclusion rather than afterthoughts. By supporting safer usage and institutional capacity, the initiative seeks to foster trust in digital assets while reducing their exploitation by criminal actors. The effort underscores a broader trend in which stablecoin issuers and global institutions are engaging more directly in risk mitigation as digital finance expands into emerging markets.
