- Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino has proposed a network of solar-powered kiosks to provide electricity in Africa.
- The initiative aims to empower communities with access to power, education, and financial tools.
In an announcement made on March 2nd, Tether’s CEO Paolo Ardoino unveiled an innovative solution to tackle one of Africa’s most extreme challenges: widespread electricity access. With nearly two-thirds of the continent’s population and over 600 million people living without reliable power, Ardoino’s proposal could be a game-changer for millions.
Up to 2023, 600 million people in Africa lacked access to electricity.
Imagine a kiosk in Africa, with solar panels on top to recharge hundreds of high performance batteries, offering monthly subscription to the local community (payable in local currency, Bitcoin LN or USDt).…
— Paolo Ardoino 🤖 (@paoloardoino) March 2, 2025
The initiative centers on a network of solar-powered kiosks strategically placed in disadvantaged communities. Each kiosk will harbour economic transformation. Users can subscribe to a flexible charging service, with payments accepted in local currencies, Bitcoin, or Tether’s stablecoin (USDT), making the technology accessible to diverse economic backgrounds.
Beyond power distribution, these kiosks are designed as educational hubs. They’ll provide resources about Bitcoin, financial literacy, and digital economic opportunities, which in turn effectively bridges the technological and knowledge gaps in rural and urban underserved areas.
How the Plan Works
Ardoino’s plan involves two phases. The first phase will deploy 10,000 kiosks, increasing up to 100,000 in the second phase. Each kiosk will feature solar panels and batteries, providing a sustainable energy solution for local communities.
Additionally, the kiosks will serve as hubs for distributing goods and services. “Now execute to build 10k locations and then scale to 100k locations. Power up a continent. Build the biggest distribution network for any goods and services, ” he said.
Mixed Reactions and Challenges in the U.S. Market
The announcement sparked a range of reactions. While some, like Blockstream CEO Adam Back, praised the initiative and offered to share educational content, others raised concerns. Critics questioned whether local residents could afford the subscription fees and whether the kiosks might be vulnerable to theft or misuse.
While Tether focuses on global expansion, it faces increasing scrutiny in the U.S. The GENIUS Act, aimed at regulating stablecoins, demands greater transparency from Tether, which has never undergone a full audit by a major accounting firm.
Additionally, the U.S. Treasury is investigating Tether for potential sanctions violations and ties to illicit activities, including funding for North Korea’s nuclear program and money laundering.
Tether’s Broader Mission in Africa
Africa, South America, and Central America have become key markets for Tether’s USDT stablecoin, offering residents a digital lifeline against economic uncertainty. In countries experiencing hyperinflation or currency fluctuations, USDT provides a critical mechanism for preserving value.
The stablecoin allows users to sidestep the traditional banking system’s limitations, offering a sense of financial protection and mobility previously unavailable to many in these economically challenged regions.
The growing use of USDT in Africa reflects this mission. According to Tether’s Head of Economics, Philip Gradwell, Tether is mainly used to save value and transfer global money. This aligns with Tether’s broader goal of expanding the U.S. dollar’s influence in developing economies.