The buzz of Nigeria’s crypto scene is impossible to ignore. From Lagos to Abuja, young, tech-savvy individuals are diving headfirst into the world of blockchain, NFTs, and decentralized finance. Nigeria consistently ranks among the top countries in the world for crypto adoption, with a vibrant community of enthusiasts who are active participants in the global web3 ecosystem. Yet, despite this enthusiasm, there’s a glaring gap: while many are actively involved, few are leading.

The reality is that much of the participation is driven by an extraction mindset…. airdrops, token farming, and short-term gains. While these activities are not inherently bad, they often overshadow the deeper potential of web3: the opportunity to build, innovate, and create lasting value. The question we must ask is: How can we move beyond farming and empower Africa’s web3 community to become builders, founders, and leaders in this space?

The Current Landscape: Active Participation, Limited Ownership

Nigeria’s crypto community is undeniably vibrant. From Twitter Spaces to Telegram groups, Nigerians are some of the most active participants in web3. They work as community moderators, content creators, and bull posters for various projects. Many are motivated by the promise of airdrops, free tokens distributed by projects to early adopters. For some, this is a way to earn a living in a country where economic opportunities are scarce.

However, this focus on airdrop farming often comes at a cost. Many participants are so focused on extracting value that they miss the bigger picture: the chance to contribute meaningfully to the ecosystems they’re part of. They become consumers rather than creators, followers rather than leaders. This extraction mindset, while understandable, limits the potential for long-term growth and innovation.

The Barriers to Building

Why aren’t more Nigerians and Africans transitioning from participants to builders? The reasons are complex but not insurmountable.

1. Lack of Access to Capital: Building in web3 requires resources and money to invest in tools, platforms, and talent. Many talented individuals in Africa simply don’t have the financial means to get started.

2. Limited Education and Mentorship: While many are active in the space, there’s often a gap in understanding how to transition from participation to building. How do you go from being a community moderator to launching your own project? Many don’t know where to start.

3. Infrastructure Challenges: Unreliable internet, power outages, and limited access to tools and platforms can make it difficult to build and scale projects.

4. Cultural and Systemic Barriers: Systemic issues, such as limited access to global networks or biases in the web3 space, can make it harder for African builders to succeed. Additionally, the lack of representation can make it difficult for aspiring founders to see themselves in leadership roles.

Shifting the Narrative: From Consumers to Creators

The good news is that the potential for change is immense. Africa’s web3 community is full of bright, creative minds who are eager to make their mark. But to unlock this potential, we need to shift the narrative from extraction to innovation, from consumption to creation.

1. The Role of Education: We need more educational resources, workshops, and mentorship programs tailored to African web3 enthusiasts. Imagine a world where every airdrop farmer has access to coding boot camps, design workshops, and founder incubators. The possibilities are endless.

2. Community-Driven Solutions: African web3 communities can pool resources, share knowledge, and support each other to overcome barriers. By working together, we can create a thriving ecosystem of builders and innovators.

3. Collaboration with Global Ecosystems: Global web3 projects have a role to play too. By creating grants, scholarships, and incubator programs specifically for African builders, they can help bridge the gap and foster cross-pollination of ideas and resources.

How to Help and Empower:

So, how do we turn this vision into reality? Here are some actionable steps:

• For Individuals: If you’re an active participant in web3, consider taking the next step. Learn to code, design, or contribute in technical ways. Join hackathons, builder communities, or DAOs to gain experience. Shift your mindset from short-term gains to long-term value creation.

• For the Ecosystem: Global web3 projects should invest in African builders and founders. Create opportunities for mentorship, funding, and collaboration. Representation matters, more BIPOC founders and leaders in web3 can inspire others to follow suit.

• For the Community: Let’s create local web3 hubs or innovation labs where people can collaborate and build together. Successful African web3 founders should mentor others and give back to the community. Together, we can build a thriving ecosystem of innovation and leadership.

A Call to Action

The time to act is now. Africa’s web3 community has the potential to be a powerhouse of innovation, but it requires a shift in mindset, more support, and collaboration. Let’s move beyond farming and build a future where Africa’s brightest minds are leading the charge in web3.

Ask yourself:

• How can I contribute to creating more opportunities for African builders in web3?

• What role can I play in shifting the narrative from extraction to innovation?

• How can we, as a global community, support underrepresented founders and creators?

The future of web3 is global, inclusive, and decentralized. Let’s make sure Africa is not just a participant but a leader in this exciting new frontier.

Beyond farming lies a world of opportunity, a chance to build, innovate, and lead. Africa’s web3 community is full of untapped potential, and it’s up to us to unlock it. By shifting our mindset, investing in education and resources, and working together, we can create a future where Africa’s brightest minds are at the forefront of web3 innovation. The journey won’t be easy, but the rewards will be worth it. Let’s move beyond farming and build something extraordinary.