17 February 2025 — Tether, the largest company in the digital asset industry, announced today the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the government of the Republic of Guinea. This strategic collaboration aims to explore blockchain and peer-to-peer technologies, the possibility of driving economic growth, and positioning the country as a leader in Africa’s digital transformation.

The MoU underscores Tether’s commitment to supporting blockchain adoption globally, aligning with its mission to foster innovation, education, and the responsible use of digital assets. This initiative goes beyond traditional learning by building a strong foundation for sustainable success.

The MoU aims to focus on education, innovation, and sustainable technology practices while facilitating the transfer of international knowledge and best practices to Guinea. It hopes to establish the groundwork for the country’s adoption of blockchain technologies and create an environment conducive to innovation. A key element of this initiative is the possible development of blockchain expertise and education in collaboration with Cité des Sciences et de l’Innovation de Guinée (City of Science and Innovation of Guinea). Educational programs would be introduced across Guinea’s public and private sectors to raise awareness, build skills, and cultivate local talent in digital technologies.

Tether aims to support Guinea’s “Innovation City” project, an initiative designed to solidify the country’s position as a leader in the digital economy by creating a dynamic space for technology, research, and entrepreneurship to thrive. These efforts align with the government’s broader goals of promoting economic growth and advancing technological innovation.

This MoU would build on Tether’s established track record of collaborating with governments and institutions to promote the responsible adoption of blockchain technology. Tether’s previous involvement in initiatives such as the Plan ₿ Forum in Lugano, Switzerland, the forum demonstrates its commitment to advancing blockchain adoption and education globally. Other key initiatives include driving digital asset education in Türkiye, developing blockchain and peer-to-peer telecommunication infrastructure in Uzbekistan to foster innovation and growth, and educational initiatives on Bitcoin and stablecoins in the Ras Al Khaimah region.

Paolo Ardoino, CEO of Tether, stated, “We are thrilled to collaborate with the Republic of Guinea to possibly unlock the immense potential of blockchain and digital technologies across Africa. This MoU reflects our commitment to helping countries build resilient digital economies. 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 signing of this MoU between the Republic of Guinea and Tether represents a major strategic step forward in our quest for an inclusive and sustainable digital transformation,” said M. Djiba Diakité, Minister, chief of staff of the Presidency of the Republic of Guinea. “We aim to open a new chapter in our technological development by integrating cutting-edge technologies such as blockchain and peer-to-peer solutions. This MoU testifies to our determination to position Guinea among Africa’s innovation leaders through our Simandou 2040 program while offering our young people the tools they need to meet global challenges and seize the opportunities of the digital world. It’s a decisive step towards technological sovereignty and Guinea’s influence on the international stage.”

M. Alpha Bacar Barry, the Minister of Higher Education, Scientific Research, and Innovation added that ”the signing of this MoU represents a significant step forward in our ambition to position Guinea at the forefront of technological innovation in Africa. 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.”

“This MoU with Tether represents a strategic lever to accelerate the integration of blockchain and peer-to-peer technologies at the heart of our educational and technological ecosystem,” said Pr Abdoulaye Baniré Diallo, Cité des Sciences et de l’innovation de Guinée, CSIG project coordinator. “It lays the foundations for a solid technical framework, conducive to developing local skills, adopting innovative solutions, and building an inclusive and sustainable digital economy in Guinea.”

As Tether continues collaborating with governments, businesses, and institutions, it remains dedicated to advancing blockchain technologies and creating opportunities for sustainable growth and digital empowerment.