The collaboration includes the Senegal Project, a youth-focused cybersecurity education program featuring bootcamps, mentorship, and microgrants. The Plan B Foundation — Tether’s collaboration with the city of Lugano — will deliver training sessions to empower young innovators.
Additionally, the Africa Project provides funding to civil society organizations in Senegal, Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Malawi, Ethiopia, and Uganda to protect and assist victims of human trafficking. Finally, the Papua New Guinea Project partners with universities in Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands to raise awareness of financial inclusion and fraud prevention, featuring student competitions to incentivize blockchain-based solutions.
“Tackling human trafficking and preventing exploitation requires coordinated action across sectors,” said Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino. “Our collaboration with UNODC combines innovation and education to empower communities and create safer, more inclusive opportunities.”
Sylvie Bertrand, UNODC regional representative for West and Central Africa, added: “Digital assets are reshaping how the world engages with money and can unlock Africa’s development potential. This partnership supports Senegal’s Digital New Deal by advancing digital inclusion, strengthening youth employability, and harnessing innovation to prevent organized crime while fostering sustainable growth.”
FAQ Why is Africa central to this partnership? Africa is the world’s third-fastest-growing crypto region but faces rising scams and weak safeguards. What triggered the urgent need for action? Interpol uncovered $260M in illicit crypto and fiat flows across multiple African nations. How will the initiative support local communities? Projects in Senegal, Nigeria, DRC, Malawi, Ethiopia, and Uganda fund education and victim protection. What is the broader goal for Africa’s future? The partnership backs UNODC’s Vision 2030 to build secure, inclusive, and resilient digital economies.
