Web3 is a big deal in Africa

When I found out about Lagos Blockchain Week (LBW) 2024, it was roughly two weeks prior to the event. I already resolved that I would participate as a regular attendee. But somehow, I was able to get in contact with the organizers and they were happy to have the Push Ecosystem represented by having me as a speaker.

Most of our work and almost all connection in web3 is done across the internet. In this space, we coordinate ourselves using online forums, Discord, X/Twitter, etc., under pseudonyms and NFT/anon PFPs. This doesn’t change the fact that we are all real people and physical connection helps us further advance our goals. This is what makes IRL events important and impactful.

Specifically, events like LBW clearly help to demonstrate how much of a big deal web3 is in Africa. There is so much room for growth and adoption across the continent. We experience many unique problems that only web3-native technology offers a clear path to solving. Some of these problems (and their solutions) include financial inclusion (DeFi), censorship (decentralized socials), etc.

The Theme of LBW 2024

Probably the most interesting part about LBW 2024 was its theme: “Blockchain Interoperability and AI: Powering Africa’s Digital Transformation.”

Firstly, it is impossible to talk about interoperability without making reference to cross-chain communications, which is at the core of everything we do at Push Protocol. The event was a unique opportunity for us to showcase how Push is driving interoperability through decentralized and cross-chain communications. In fact, this was the focus of my keynote speech.

The title of my keynote speech was “Driving interoperability through cross-chain communications using Push Protocol”. I spoke about how interoperability was a major challenge facing web3 because blockchain networks are siloed. I discussed existing solutions such as blockchain bridges and IBC which focus mainly on cross-chain asset transfer. However, Push goes beyond that to provide an infrastructure layer for cross-chain messaging and notifications, allowing two users existing across different chains to directly communicate to each other simply using their wallet addresses. A game-changer for web2 communication networks.

The mission of Push Protocol is critical to driving digital transformation in Africa. Push is powering the future of communications by providing infrastructure for building decentralized notifications, chats, video and spaces (audio). One good example of why decentralized communications is important in Nigeria and Africa at large is because it provides a trustless and censorship-resistant way for people to communicate using web3-native technology, instead of the more faulty, more centralized structures they’ve historically had access to as an alternative.

Meeting other Stakeholders

It was interesting to see that quite a number of people were already familiar with Push Protocol; tipping my hat to the Push Africa Ambassador Hub in this respect.

I was privileged to meet several stakeholders across different networks and ecosystems who were excited to hear about the work that Push Protocol is doing in the area of communications. I interacted with people from Solana, Kleros DAO, Base, and Stablelab. They all shared their knowledge of different topics ranging from decentralized dispute resolution, DeSci, RWAs, AI, incentivization in DeFi, and more.

Most importantly, I let people become aware that at Push, we are DAOifying the future of comms. By joining Push DAO, people can directly join the effort to make communications truly decentralized and more accessible to all. Together, we can drive the digital transformation that we desire for Africa.

Closing Thoughts

This was the very first ever Lagos Blockchain Week and it felt somewhat historical to have Push represented at the first edition of what could go on to become a major web3 event in Africa. The organizers did a great job at hosting the event and bringing together players across different levels under one umbrella. Africa represents one of the largest and fastest growing markets for web3 and blockchain adoption and protocols that are neglecting to build strong communities in this area are missing out on a great opportunity. Thankfully, with the Push Africa Ambassador Hub, we are headed in the right direction. In conclusion, LBW 2024 was a great experience and I’m looking forward to attending next year’s edition!

                                                                 * * *

About Push DAO: Push DAO is the community that governs, drives and shapes the future of Push Protocol through grants, community building and ecosystem development to expand the open communication layer that allows any crypto wallet/frontend to tap into the Push network and get any communication across. The Push DAO Council addresses and executes the vision of the DAO, introducing multiple programs for contributors and builders to participate in paddling together toward greater progressive decentralisation.