Global stablecoin issuer Tether has made a strategic investment in Kenyan fintech Kotani Pay, aiming to boost digital asset access and cross-border payments in Africa. This move underscores growing interest in the continent's digital asset market and seeks to strengthen local on-ramp and off-ramp infrastructure.

• Tether's investment coincides with reaching 500 million users and a US$182 billion USDT stablecoin supply.
• Kotani Pay, a Crypto Asset Service Provider, connects African users to local payment channels, addressing high transaction costs and slow settlements.
• Sub-Saharan Africa saw over US$205 billion in on-chain crypto activity between July 2024 and June 2025, with Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, and Ethiopia leading the expansion.
• Felix Macharia, CEO and Co-founder at Kotani Pay, highlighted the investment better positions them to be a bridge to the on-chain economy.
• Paolo Ardoino, CEO of Tether, stated the investment aims to provide businesses and individuals with access to digital assets and reduce friction in cross-border transactions.