Paolo Ardoino, the CEO of Tether, has stated that Africa has the potential to become a hub for developing the digital systems that will support Web3. Speaking this week, Ardoino explained that Tether is backing a local company on the continent that is developing blockchain-based infrastructure. He did not reveal the company’s name but said it is focused on core services such as payments and digital identity.
Ardoino compared this stage of development to the early 1900s in the United States, when large amounts of investment went into railroads, electricity, and telecommunications. Those systems later powered the growth of entire economies. He believes Africa could achieve similar results if investors and builders focus on establishing reliable digital foundations today.
Tether is best known for issuing USDT, the world’s largest stablecoin. In countries such as Nigeria, Kenya, and Ghana, stablecoins are already used widely for savings, trade, and remittances. Many citizens turn to USDT as protection from unstable local currencies and as a faster way to send money across borders. Ardoino’s comments suggest that Tether wants to go beyond issuing tokens and become involved in shaping the tools and networks that make those tokens useful.
The remarks come shortly after ETHSafari 2025 in Nairobi, where African founders and developers discussed how Web3 can grow in a way that reflects local needs. Some in the industry welcome Tether’s interest, saying it could bring capital and expertise. Others argue that African innovation should lead, warning against outside firms setting the agenda.
While details remain limited, Ardoino’s statement shows Tether is positioning itself to play a bigger role in Africa’s digital economy. For users already relying on stablecoins, the focus may now shift from using the technology to building the rails that make it work at scale.
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