Tether Invests in Kotani Pay to Revolutionize Africa’s Digital Asset Infrastructure and Cross-Border Payments

In a bold move underscoring the accelerating fintech evolution in Africa, Tether — the firm behind the widely used US dollar-pegged stablecoin — announced a strategic investment in Kenyan-based fintech Kotani Pay. The partnership aims to strengthen digital-asset infrastructure and streamline cross-border payments across the continent.

Oct 21, 2025 - 10:10
Oct 22, 2025 - 11:59
Tether Invests in Kotani Pay to Revolutionize Africa’s Digital Asset Infrastructure and Cross-Border Payments
Tether invests in Kotani Pay

Big news in Africa’s fintech space — Tether, the company behind the world’s largest stablecoin (USDT), has just announced a major investment in Kenya’s Kotani Pay. This partnership could completely change how digital payments and cross-border transactions work across the continent.

As someone who’s been following Africa’s digital finance scene for a while, I find this move pretty exciting. Here’s why it matters — and what it could mean for the future of crypto and payments in Africa.

A Quick Look at the Deal

Tether has officially partnered with Kotani Pay, a fast-growing African fintech that builds bridges between crypto and local payment systems. Think of Kotani Pay as the connector between Web3 and everyday financial tools like mobile money and bank transfers.

The exact amount of Tether’s investment hasn’t been disclosed yet, but the partnership signals something bigger: a clear interest in strengthening Africa’s role in the global digital economy.

Kotani Pay already operates in Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, and South Africa, helping individuals and organizations move funds easily using both traditional and blockchain rails. They’ve even worked with humanitarian groups to send digital cash directly to recipients — no middlemen, no long delays.

Why This Matters

Africa has always been a leader in mobile payments, yet cross-border transactions still come with crazy fees and delays. That’s where stablecoins like Tether’s USDT come in — offering near-instant transfers that cost just a fraction of what banks charge.

By investing in Kotani Pay, Tether isn’t just chasing profit; it’s backing the infrastructure needed to make crypto actually useful in people’s daily lives.

Here’s what could change:

Cheaper remittances: Millions of Africans working abroad can send money home faster and at lower cost.

Financial inclusion: People without access to traditional banks can transact using mobile wallets connected to digital assets.

Easier business payments: Small businesses can receive international payments in stablecoins and instantly convert them to local currency.

My Take

What I like about this move is that it’s not just another “crypto hype” story — it’s about solving real problems. Kotani Pay already understands local markets and regulations, and now with Tether’s backing, they have the resources to scale across the continent.

Of course, challenges still exist — especially around regulation and user education. Some African governments are still figuring out how to classify and monitor digital assets. But if Kotani Pay can navigate those hurdles, this partnership could be a major win for Africa’s fintech scene.

Looking Ahead

Imagine a future where:

A freelancer in Kenya gets paid in USDT and instantly withdraws to M-Pesa.

A business in Ghana sends payments to Nigeria within minutes.

Aid organizations distribute digital cash transparently and securely through blockchain rails.

That’s the kind of world Kotani Pay and Tether are trying to build — and it might not be that far off.

This partnership feels like another step toward Africa taking charge of its own digital finance future — not waiting for the rest of the world to catch up.

In short:
Tether’s investment in Kotani Pay is more than just another fintech headline. It’s a sign that Africa’s digital payment revolution is entering a new phase — one powered by stablecoins, local innovation, and a clear focus on inclusion.

Tekafi As a passionate news reporter, I am fueled by an insatiable curiosity and an unwavering commitment to truth. With a keen eye for detail and a relentless pursuit of stories, I strive to deliver timely and accurate information that empowers and engages readers.