Tether, the issuer of a widely used stablecoin, has signed an agreement with Guinea to explore the potential of blockchain and peer-to-peer technologies.
The memorandum of understanding (MOU), revealed on 17 February 2025, outlines plans to position Guinea as a leader in Africa’s digital transformation.
A central part of the MOU is fostering blockchain expertise within Guinea.
The collaboration seeks to enhance both public and private sectors through educational initiatives, with a focus on developing local talent in digital technologies.
Programs will be introduced to raise awareness and build skills, ultimately creating a workforce capable of driving future digital innovation.
Paolo Ardoino, Tether’s CEO, expressed his excitement about the project, stating,
“We are thrilled to collaborate with the Republic of Guinea to possibly unlock the immense potential of blockchain and digital technologies across Africa.”
Paolo Ardoino, Tether’s CEO
He continued,
“Together, we aim to implement efficient blockchain solutions that benefit both public and private sectors, paving the way for economic growth and establishing Guinea as a leader in technological innovation.”
The Guinean government is committed to integrating new technologies to empower the country’s younger generations.
Djiba Diakité, Chief of Staff to Guinea’s interim president, highlighted the country’s ambition to equip its youth with the necessary tools to meet global challenges.
He also noted the opportunity to capitalise on the growing digital economy, adding,
“This MoU testifies to our determination to position Guinea among Africa’s innovation leaders through our Simandou 2040 program.”
Tether’s involvement goes beyond education.
The company has pledged to support Guinea’s “Innovation City” project, an initiative aimed at fostering a vibrant environment for tech companies, research, and entrepreneurship.
View of Conakry, capital of Guinea
This project, a cornerstone of Guinea’s broader strategy for economic growth and technological progress, aligns with the government’s vision to strengthen its position in the digital economy.
This partnership with Guinea builds on Tether’s ongoing efforts to promote blockchain adoption globally.
In recent years, the company has collaborated with governments and institutions across various regions.
For example, Tether signed a similar MOU with Uzbekistan to support blockchain infrastructure and digital asset education.
The company has also been involved in initiatives in Türkiye and Ras Al Khaimah to educate the public on stablecoins and blockchain technologies.
The Guinean government sees this partnership as a crucial step in advancing the country’s technological landscape.
Alpha Bacar Barry, Minister of Higher Education, Scientific Research, and Innovation, described the agreement as an essential move to position Guinea at the forefront of innovation in Africa.
He stated,
“This will enable us to strengthen our educational and scientific infrastructures while equipping our young people to meet the challenges and seize the opportunities of the global digital transformation.”
The collaboration between Tether and Guinea represents a growing trend in Africa, where emerging nations are increasingly adopting crypto and blockchain technologies.
According to a recent survey by Consensys, countries like Nigeria and South Africa are seeing high levels of crypto adoption, with 84% of respondents in Nigeria and 66% in South Africa reporting ownership of crypto wallets.
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