Tether, the world’s largest digital asset company, has announced a strategic investment in Kotani Pay, a leading African Crypto Asset Service Provider (CASP) that offers seamless on-ramp and off-ramp infrastructure connecting Web3 users to local payment systems across the continent. The partnership is designed to expand access to digital assets in Africa, reduce barriers to global financial participation, and support businesses and individuals in leveraging blockchain technology for cross-border transactions and liquidity.
Kotani Pay has built a strong presence in Africa’s fintech ecosystem, providing technology solutions tailored to local market realities. Its infrastructure supports Tether’s mission to accelerate meaningful blockchain adoption—beyond speculation—by delivering real-world tools for digital asset management, international payments, and financial inclusion. Through this collaboration, Kotani Pay will enhance its capability to empower enterprises and consumers with efficient cross-border payment systems, global liquidity access, and digital asset services that operate with reliability and security.
The investment directly addresses long-standing economic challenges across African markets, where SMEs and corporates face high transaction costs, extended settlement timelines, and limited connectivity to global financial networks. By streamlining access to digital assets and blockchain-powered payment rails, the partnership will support a new era of global financial integration for individuals and businesses historically excluded from traditional financial systems.
According to Chainalysis, Sub-Saharan Africa remains the smallest crypto economy globally, yet demonstrates some of the strongest grassroots adoption. Between July 2024 and June 2025, on-chain transaction volumes in the region surpassed US$205 billion—a 52% year-on-year increase—driven by remittances, retail transfers, and everyday utility. Markets such as Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, and Ethiopia continue to lead growth, fueled by currency volatility, limited banking access, and shifting consumer trust toward alternative financial tools.
“Tether believes blockchain technology is essential for unlocking financial freedom,” said Paolo Ardoino, CEO of Tether. “Kotani Pay’s regional expertise makes it a strong partner in advancing digital access in Africa.”
Felix Macharia, Co-founder and CEO of Kotani Pay, added that the investment positions the company to scale its mission of connecting millions of Africans to global financial opportunities and fostering wealth-creation tools.
Together, Tether and Kotani Pay aim to build an inclusive digital economy for Africa, strengthening financial resilience and setting a new benchmark for how blockchain technology can drive social and economic progress on the continent.
