Tether, the world’s largest digital asset company, has announced a major strategic investment in Kotani Pay, a fast-growing Crypto Asset Service Provider (CASP) that connects Web3 users to local payment systems across Africa. This move aims to strengthen access to digital assets for both individuals and businesses across the continent, reducing barriers to global financial participation and expanding blockchain utility in real-world applications.

Kotani Pay has become a key player in Africa’s fintech ecosystem, recognized for developing solutions customized for local needs. Its infrastructure aligns closely with Tether’s mission to broaden the use of blockchain technology for cross-border payments, digital asset management, and financial inclusion. By enabling users to transact seamlessly and businesses to manage global operations efficiently, Kotani Pay is paving the way for greater participation in the global digital economy.

This investment directly addresses long-standing challenges faced by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and corporations in emerging markets, such as high transaction fees, delayed settlements, and limited access to international financial networks. With Tether’s support, Kotani Pay’s blockchain-powered solutions will deliver secure, stable, and efficient tools for global transactions — providing a critical bridge between Africa’s local economies and the broader digital marketplace.

A Chainalysis report underscores Africa’s growing crypto footprint, noting that Sub-Saharan Africa recorded over US$205 billion in on-chain transaction volume between July 2024 and June 2025 — a 52% increase year-on-year. Much of this surge is attributed to retail usage and remittances, with countries such as Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, and Ethiopia leading in adoption. For many Africans, cryptocurrency has evolved from a speculative tool into a practical financial lifeline amid inflation, currency instability, and limited banking access.

Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino emphasized the company’s vision in a statement:

“At Tether, we believe that blockchain technology plays a critical role in unlocking financial freedom. Kotani Pay’s vision and strong regional presence make it the right fit to drive our shared goals in Africa. Together, we aim to provide businesses and individuals with access to digital assets for their global operations, reduce friction in cross-border transactions, and build a more inclusive financial future while promoting the informed use of digital assets.”

Echoing this optimism, Felix Macharia, CEO and Co-founder of Kotani Pay, remarked:

“At Kotani Pay, we have been fortunate to witness and build on the rising usage of blockchain technology on the continent across a variety of use cases. This strategic investment from Tether better positions us to continue our work as a bridge to the on-chain economy, connecting millions of Africans to the global financial system. We are excited to be part of the Tether ecosystem and to leverage the shared knowledge to advance the goals of building tools of wealth creation for African individuals and businesses.”

Both companies share a commitment to advancing Africa’s digital economy by scaling blockchain tools that promote efficiency, transparency, and inclusion. This collaboration sets a new standard for how blockchain can transform everyday life and business across the continent.

Tether, a pioneer in stablecoin technology and creator of USD₮, continues to lead the charge toward a more accessible, secure, and efficient financial system. Through investments like this, the company reaffirms its mission to build sustainable infrastructure that empowers underserved communities bridging traditional finance with the boundless potential of decentralized innovation.