The electrifying atmosphere at Let’s Meetup Contour 25 was palpable, especially during a thought-provoking panel discussion featuring Mr. Godfrey Ibekwe and Great Adams. The central question echoing through the room was: “What does building for Africa truly mean?” The insights shared highlighted a critical shift in perspective for Web3 innovators aiming to create impactful solutions on the continent.
Mr. Godfrey Ibekwe, a key voice on the panel, passionately articulated that building for Africa isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a necessity born from direct experience. “Various tools that we use in Web2 are built by intentional creators, etc.,” Ibekwe stated, emphasizing that many of the foundational technologies we rely on today originate from foreign creators who may not understand the unique challenges faced by Africans. “Since we Africans are the ones who face the struggles, hence why we must build for Africans.” Ibekwe elaborated, drawing a parallel to his past experiences learning Android development.
He questioned why Google would offer free learning materials, realizing that while the tools were globally available, the creators in Silicon Valley lacked a fundamental understanding of African pain points. “You are the one living here. You are the one that commute from your house to your work… You are the one feeling that particular pain. You are also the best person to solve whatever you notice of all these transactions.” This powerful statement underscored the need for local solutions to local problems, built by those who intimately understand them.
The panel also delved into the practicalities of fostering innovation, advising aspiring Web3 entrepreneurs to “start up, build, and position to welcome investors, and possibly grant them a stake in your start-up.” This strategic approach encourages not only problem-solving but also sustainable growth and external support.
Key Innovations Solving Real-Life Cases: Godfrey Ibekwe provided compelling examples of how local innovation is already transforming lives in Africa:
* Hello Tractor: This agricultural platform allows farmers to book tractors, addressing a critical need for accessible machinery and improving agricultural efficiency.
* Paystack & Flutterwave: These homegrown fintech giants have revolutionized payment gateways for developers and businesses across Africa, solving a fundamental infrastructure problem that hindered digital commerce.
Inclusion into Web3: The Role of Women and Students:
The discussion broadened to address the crucial aspect of inclusion within the Web3 ecosystem. Dikachi, a contributor to the panel, emphasized that true inclusion “begins with education and the female gender should be included. School outreaches while they are still young.”
This highlights the importance of early education and targeted initiatives to empower women and students to participate and contribute to the nascent Web3 space.The session concluded with a nod to the inherent transparency and sharing economy principles of the Web3 ecosystem, which further solidify its potential to drive positive change in Africa.
The vibrant exchange at Let’s Meetup Contour 25 left attendees with a clear message: the future of Web3 in Africa lies in the hands of its own innovators, building solutions tailored to the continent’s unique needs and driven by a spirit of collaboration and empowerment.
