Tether, the world's largest stablecoin issuer, announced a joint initiative with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) on January 9. UNODC is the global leader in combating illicit drugs, transnational organized crime, terrorism, and corruption.
According to Chainalysis , Africa is becoming the third fastest-growing region for cryptocurrencies globally, but this also makes the continent increasingly vulnerable to digital asset fraud and scams. A recent Interpol operation uncovered up to $260 million worth of illicit cryptocurrencies and fiat currency in Africa, highlighting the continent's urgent need to strengthen cybersecurity to combat online crime.
Three major cooperation projects: From Senegal to Papua New Guinea
Through this collaboration, Tether will support UNODC's "Africa Strategic Vision 2030," which promotes peace and security, strengthens community resilience, and protects digital assets. This initiative will leverage blockchain technology and other emerging technologies to reduce vulnerability to cybercrime, enhance economic opportunities, and support victims of human trafficking across Africa.
Currently, Tether and UNODC are collaborating on the following three projects:
- Senegal Project : Promoting public education on cybersecurity for youth through a multi-phase program, including learning opportunities and bootcamps, with guidance, mentoring, and small grants provided by the Plan B Foundation, a partnership between Tether and the city of Lugano.
- Africa Project : Funding and supporting civil society organizations that provide direct assistance and protection to victims of human trafficking in Senegal, Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Ethiopia, and Uganda.
- Papua New Guinea Project : In collaboration with the University of Papua New Guinea and the University of the Solomon Islands, this project aims to raise youth awareness of financial inclusion and digital asset fraud prevention, and to incentivize innovation through a blockchain solutions competition.
Tether CEO: Empowering Communities Through Innovation and Education
Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino stated:
Supporting victims of human trafficking and helping to prevent exploitation requires coordinated cross-sectoral action. Through our collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, we are supporting initiatives that combine innovation and education to empower communities and help create safer, more inclusive opportunities for those who need them most.
Sylvie Bertrand, UNODC's Regional Representative for West and Central Africa, pointed out:
Digital assets are reshaping how the world interacts with money and playing a key role in unlocking Africa's development potential, while also contributing to the UN's peace and security agenda. I am excited about the prospects of this tripartite partnership—bringing together the UN, the private sector, and the Senegalese authorities to support the vision behind Senegal's New Digital Deal. Through this collaboration, we can advance digital inclusion, strengthen digital skills and youth employability, foster a secure and transparent digital ecosystem, and leverage innovation to prevent organized crime, while promoting sustainable and inclusive economic growth.
UNODC: A Global Pioneer in Combating Cybercrime
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has been at the forefront of the fight against organized crime, including cybercrime, since the adoption of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and its protocols. UNODC also supports countries in their efforts to combat cybercrime and recently supported the adoption of a new United Nations Convention against Cybercrime.
Because these problems are often too large to be addressed by a single country alone, UNODC provides practical assistance through its network of field offices and global programs, and encourages transnational and multi-sectoral approaches to action.
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