6-6-2025 – Tether, the issuer of the world’s most-used stablecoin, USDT, has announced a strategic investment in Shiga Digital, a promising blockchain startup based in Abu Dhabi, as part of its broader Africa expansion strategy. The deal, revealed on Thursday, highlights Tether’s growing ambition to revolutionise financial systems in underserved regions.
Shiga Digital: A startup with pan-African ambitions
With a lean team of fewer than 10 employees, according to LinkedIn data, Shiga Digital offers a suite of blockchain-powered services designed for African businesses. These include virtual accounts, OTC trading, treasury solutions, and foreign exchange infrastructure, all aimed at improving financial inclusivity across the continent.
Though the investment amount remains undisclosed, the partnership reinforces Tether’s goal of leveraging USDT’s dollar stability to address chronic issues in cross-border payments and global liquidity access.
Tether eyes legacy industries and financial gaps
Tether stated the collaboration would help streamline financial infrastructure across sectors like oil and gas, by offering more stable, blockchain-integrated solutions. The company believes Africa’s financial transformation hinges on providing tools that bypass inflation-prone local currencies and regulatory bottlenecks.
Paolo Ardoino, Tether’s CEO, noted:
“By joining forces with pioneers like Shiga Digital, we’re crafting a future where African enterprises gain unparalleled financial efficiency through blockchain.”
Tether’s growing Africa footprint
This move follows a string of Tether partnerships across the continent. In recent months, Tether has:
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Partnered with Quidax, a Nigerian crypto exchange.
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Invested in MANSA, a cross-border payments facilitator for African businesses.
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Launched a Bitcoin mining project with African connections.
The cumulative strategy indicates Tether’s long-term commitment to Africa’s digital economy, extending its presence beyond crypto exchanges into infrastructure and business enablement.
Africa embraces blockchain amid rising crypto regulation
Tether’s investment arrives as African regulators begin warming up to cryptocurrency. Notably, Morocco’s central bank recently advanced a framework for crypto regulation, signalling broader acceptance of digital assets on the continent.
