Zanzibar and Tether Sign Agreement To Explore Digital Asset Education and Blockchain Use

Tether has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Zanzibar eGovernment Authority (eGAZ). 

The agreement outlines a proposed collaboration focused on blockchain education and financial technology exploration in the region.

According to the MoU, Tether and eGAZ will work together on initiatives that may include educational programs related to digital assets, blockchain, and decentralized technologies. 

The parties intend to assess how these tools could support financial inclusion, skill development, and infrastructure modernization in line with international standards.

As part of the agreement, Tether may evaluate the feasibility of integrating its stablecoins, USD₮ and XAU₮, into Zanmalipo, Zanzibar’s government-operated payment platform. 

If implemented, this integration would aim to broaden payment options and expand access to digital financial instruments.

The partnership also considers potential workshops for public and private sector stakeholders, along with joint efforts to engage universities and research institutions in blockchain-related training and curriculum development. 

The MoU further allows for the possibility of co-hosted events to share information and encourage entrepreneurship in the digital economy.

Zanzibar’s use of Bitcoin and cryptocurrency remains in early stages, with limited but growing informal adoption through peer-to-peer transactions. 

The government’s recent introduction of a blockchain sandbox program reflects interest in exploring the regulatory and economic implications of emerging technologies.

Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino said, “this MOU with the Zanzibar eGovernment Authority reflects our commitment to advancing financial literacy and sustainable blockchain innovation in Africa. It marks a turning point, shifting the ecosystem from informal curiosity to structured growth. By combining clarity with educational investment and digital asset integration, we will be laying the foundation for a compliant, scalable, and inclusive digital economy. By working together, we hope to create a digital economy that leverages the power of blockchain to improve lives and support economic development across Zanzibar.”

Mr. Said Seif Said, Director General of eGAZ, stated, “by executing this MoU, today marks a significant milestone in history as Zanzibar joins the rest of the world in harnessing the opportunities presented through the inclusion of digital assets. This MOU with Tether provides us access to the future as we could leverage on Tether’s support in enabling public participation, digital assets education, and catalysing legal and institutional reforms towards inclusion.”

The MoU does not establish any binding financial commitments but provides a framework for further discussion and pilot activities. 

It reflects growing interest from both public and private sectors in the use of blockchain technology for potential applications in economic development, education, and digital governance.