Tether, the global leader in the digital asset industry, has announced a strategic investment in Kotani Pay, an African FinTech platform that connects Web3 users to local payment systems.
The investment, whose amount was not disclosed, aims to strengthen Kotani Pay’s capabilities in linking blockchain technology with local financial ecosystems.
It also supports Tether’s broader mission to expand the practical use of blockchain for payments and digital asset management, empowering people and businesses across Africa to access global liquidity and participate in the digital economy.
Kotani Pay operates as a Web3 on-ramp and off-ramp solution, bridging blockchain networks and traditional payment channels across Africa. By simplifying digital asset transactions, the company provides seamless access to cross-border payment systems for enterprises and individuals.
Its technology addresses long-standing challenges such as high transaction costs, long settlement times, and limited access to international financial networks — issues that have hindered growth in many emerging markets.
The new funding will allow Kotani Pay to scale its infrastructure and reach more users across the continent. It plans to expand its blockchain-powered tools to make digital assets more accessible and practical for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and corporates managing cross-border operations.
Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino said, “At Tether, we believe that blockchain technology plays a critical role in unlocking financial freedom.
“Kotani Pay’s vision and strong regional presence make it the right fit to drive our shared goals in Africa and beyond. Together, we aim to empower enterprises and individuals to access digital assets for their global operations, reduce friction in cross-border transactions, and build a more inclusive financial future while promoting the informed use of digital assets.”
Kotani Pay CEO and co-founder Felix Macharia said, “At Kotani Pay, we have been fortunate to witness and build on the rising usage of blockchain technology on the continent across a variety of use cases.
“This strategic investment from Tether better positions us to continue our work as a bridge to the on-chain economy, connecting millions of Africans to the global financial system. We are excited to be part of the Tether Ecosystem and to leverage the shared knowledge to advance the goals of building tools of wealth creation for African individuals and businesses.”
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