Tether Invests in Kotani Pay to Boost Digital Asset Access Across Africa

Tether has made an undisclosed investment in Kotani Pay, an African fintech platform connecting Web3 users with local payment channels.

Strategic Partnership to Drive Financial Inclusion

Stablecoin issuer Tether has announced a strategic investment in Kotani Pay, a leading African fintech platform that bridges Web3 users with local payment channels. The move marks a significant step toward expanding blockchain-powered financial inclusion across the continent.

According to a media release, Kotani Pay’s infrastructure, which supports both individuals and enterprises in managing international operations, aligns with Tether’s broader mission to democratize access to financial tools and reduce friction in cross-border transactions.

“This partnership is about unlocking financial freedom,” said Paolo Ardoino, CEO of Tether. “Kotani Pay’s regional expertise and vision make it the ideal partner to help us empower African communities and businesses through blockchain technology.”

The investment aims to address persistent challenges faced by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and corporates in emerging markets, including high transaction costs, slow settlement times, and limited access to global financial networks. By integrating Kotani Pay’s infrastructure, Tether hopes to lower barriers to entry and foster a more inclusive digital economy.

Felix Macharia, CEO and Co-founder of Kotani Pay, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration: “We’re proud to join the Tether Ecosystem and continue our mission of connecting millions of Africans to the global financial system. This investment will accelerate our efforts to build tools for wealth creation and financial empowerment.”

The announcement comes amid growing crypto adoption in Sub-Saharan Africa. According to a recent Chainalysis report, the region saw over $205 billion in on-chain crypto transaction volume between July 2024 and June 2025—a 52% year-on-year increase. Countries like Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, and Ethiopia are leading the charge, driven by retail usage and remittances.

Despite being the smallest crypto economy globally, Sub-Saharan Africa is showing signs of deep grassroots engagement. The surge in adoption reflects real-world needs in areas grappling with inflation, currency instability, and limited banking infrastructure.

Tether and Kotani Pay’s partnership sets a new precedent for how blockchain can be harnessed to solve systemic financial challenges. By scaling access to digital assets and payment systems, the companies aim to reshape Africa’s financial landscape and promote long-term economic resilience.

FAQ 💡

• What is Tether’s recent investment? Tether has announced a strategic investment in Kotani Pay to enhance blockchain-powered financial inclusion in Africa.
• What is Kotani Pay’s role? Kotani Pay is a leading African fintech platform that connects Web3 users with local payment channels, facilitating digital asset access.
• How will this partnership benefit African communities? The collaboration aims to lower transaction costs and improve access to global financial networks, empowering SMEs and local businesses.
• What does this mean for crypto adoption in Africa? This partnership reflects a surge in crypto usage, addressing challenges like inflation and limited banking access in Sub-Saharan Africa.