Tether and Shiga launch self‑custodial wallets for Africa and GCC

Will These Wallets Reach the Unbanked?

Tether and Shiga announced on September 28, 2026 that they will roll out self‑custodial wallets in Africa and the Gulf Cooperation Council. The new products will support USD₮, Bitcoin, and Tether Gold for both individuals and institutions.

The partnership expands Shiga’s existing platform, which already offers enterprise‑grade crypto solutions. By adding USD₮, the wallets aim to provide stable‑coin access for everyday transactions. The move comes amid growing demand for digital‑currency infrastructure in regions with limited banking reach.

Shiga plans two distinct offerings. ENTA targets individuals and small businesses, offering a simple interface for buying, selling, and storing crypto. Pulse is aimed at banks and fintech firms, providing API access and compliance tools. Both products will be fully self‑custodial, meaning users control their private keys. This design addresses regulatory concerns about central custody.

The collaboration taps into a market where mobile penetration exceeds 70%. In many African countries, more people own a phone than a bank account. The wallets will allow users to send money across borders instantly, bypassing costly remittance fees. The inclusion of Tether Gold also offers a gold‑backed alternative, appealing to investors seeking physical asset exposure.

The key challenge is adoption. While mobile coverage is high, internet speeds and data costs remain obstacles. Shiga’s team is working with local carriers to offer low‑data usage modes. Tether’s stable‑coin features could attract users wary of volatile currencies. However, regulatory hurdles persist. Some Gulf states have strict licensing requirements for crypto services, and African regulators vary widely in their stance on digital assets.

Frequently Asked Questions

The partnership also brings potential for financial inclusion. By enabling direct access to crypto markets, users can diversify savings and hedge against local inflation. The wallets will support local languages and currencies, making them more approachable. Yet, education remains essential; many potential users lack understanding of private‑key security.

The launch is expected to spark competition among fintech firms. Existing players in the region will need to adapt, possibly integrating similar self‑custodial solutions. The broader impact could be a shift toward decentralized finance, reducing reliance on traditional banking infrastructure.

What is the difference between ENTA and Pulse? ENTA is a consumer‑facing wallet for individuals and small businesses, while Pulse is a B2B platform for banks and fintech companies, offering API integration and compliance tools.

Will users need to obtain a license to use these wallets in the GCC? Yes. In many GCC countries, operating a crypto wallet requires a financial services license. Users must comply with local regulations, but the self‑custodial nature reduces the need for full custodial licenses.

Can I store Tether Gold in these wallets? Yes. Both ENTA and Pulse support Tether Gold, allowing users to hold a gold‑backed token alongside USD₮ and Bitcoin.