In a high-stakes X Space hosted by the Stakeholders in Blockchain Technology Association of Nigeria (SiBAN), industry experts argued that the next logical step for Nigeria is not just digital transmission, but immutable transmission via blockchain.

The consensus? Blockchain isn’t a magic wand for politics, but it is a technical shield for data integrity.

The Confidence Infrastructure

Oluwaseun Dania, CEO of Alpha-Geek Technologies, hit the nail on the head regarding the root cause of voter apathy: the fear that votes disappear in the black box between polling units and collation centers.

“The real opportunity is actually much simpler. Blockchain is not there to change how Nigerians vote, but to technically protect the integrity of the votes that are cast. People will be more confident knowing that as they are casting their votes, the results are being recorded on the blockchain, visible to everybody all over the world,” Dania explained.

Dania isn’t calling for a 100% e-voting overhaul overnight, which would be a hard sell given Nigeria’s internet penetration gaps. Instead, he proposes a hybrid model:

• On-Chain Registers: Moving National Identification Numbers (NIN) and voter registers to a blockchain to prevent ghost voting.
• Immutable Transmission: Using blockchain specifically for the audit trail of results, ensuring no data is doctored during transit.

Solving the Gas Fee and Technical Bottleneck

A common critique of blockchain is the cost of transactions (gas fees) and technical complexity. Harry Ugorji, CEO of Egoras Technology, proposed a localized infrastructure where polling agents don’t need to be crypto-experts or pay for gas.

“They have to scan the EC8A form. Once they scan and upload, there should be an AI-based layer that extracts that information and transmits it to the smart contracts. This data can be saved using IPFS (InterPlanetary File System) so that at every point in time, everybody can verify that data,” Ugorji stated.

By using IPFS for decentralized storage and an AI-layer for data extraction, the process removes human error and ensures that the uploaded image of a result matches the data on the ledger permanently.

INEC’s Tech Evolution: The Pre-Registration Play

Representing INEC Lagos, Mr. Taiwo Gbadegesin (via Mr. Ayopo Lawal) shifted the focus to the foundation of elections: the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR). INEC is already leaning into digital efficiency to solve the fatigue problem that often leads to data errors.

“This system allows Nigerians, including those currently abroad, to initiate their registration, request card transfers to closer polling units, or update personal details like marital name changes from their mobile devices,” Lawal explained.

By allowing users to handle their own data entry, INEC aims for 100% accuracy. The goal is to reduce the physical visit to a mere five-minute biometric capture:

“This streamlined approach reduces the time spent at the center to under five minutes, significantly easing the burden on both the public and INEC officials while ensuring the electoral roll remains robust and up-to-date.”

A Sandbox Approach

The biggest takeaway from the SiBAN session is the call for Micro-Testing. Before deploying blockchain for a Presidential election, the experts suggest using it for:

1. University Student Union (SUG) Elections.
2. Secondary School Representative Polls.
3. Political Party Primaries.

The bottom line is that technology is ready; the hurdle is political and regulatory will. For blockchain to fix Nigeria’s elections, the government must be willing to embrace a system where data, once recorded, is beyond the reach of any central authority to alter.

Until the Black Box of collation is replaced by a Transparent Ledger, voter apathy may remain Nigeria’s biggest electoral opponent.

From the Spring 2026 batch, startups accepted into YC can choose to take the standard $500,000 seed investment in USDC instead of traditional bank transfers. 

The funds can be sent over Ethereum, Solana or Base, according to Nemil Dalal, a visiting partner at Y Combinator who focuses on crypto.

YC’s core deal remains $500,000 for 7% equity, but what changes is the rail the money travels on.

For founders operating outside the United States, especially in markets where they face banking delays and foreign exchange friction, the option is a big win. 

Stablecoin transfers settle almost instantly and cost a fraction of traditional wires. In some cases, the difference between waiting days and receiving funds in seconds can affect how quickly a young company gets off the ground.

Dalal said the appeal is strongest in emerging markets, where founders find cross-border payments stressful. Stablecoins remove many of those limitations without changing the economics of the deal.

Inside YC circles, the decision has also led to talks about risk. Founders are usually advised to keep operations predictable wherever possible. 

Build boldly, yes, but do not gamble with payroll, compliance or treasury management. Your startup is already risky enough.

That is still part of YC’s thinking. The accelerator is not asking founders to speculate or hold volatile assets. USDC is designed to track the US dollar, and YC is not encouraging startups to manage crypto portfolios. The option is about transfer speed and access, not financial experimentation.

“Stablecoins are one of the key pillars for us,” Dalal said. “So we just want to live and breathe that as well.”

This is the first time a top-tier accelerator has formally offered stablecoins as a default funding option. While crypto-focused venture firms have used similar methods for years, most established investors have stayed with bank wires. 

Dalal said he was not aware of any legacy venture capital firms that provide founders with this choice.

“We’re excited for a world where, in the future, we think a lot of startups will eventually start raising capital on-chain,” he said.

In July 2025, President Donald Trump signed a bill that set out regulations for crypto assets in the United States, giving stablecoins a defined legal footing. 

That clarity has changed how large institutions view digital dollars, moving them from the edges of finance into day-to-day infrastructure.

Responding to this, technology firms like Stripe completed a $1.1 billion acquisition of stablecoin startup Bridge in February 2025 and later backed its own blockchain built for stablecoin payments. 

Cloudflare announced plans to launch a stablecoin in September, while Klarna introduced a payments token in November.

These came during a period when crypto prices were increasing. Since then, the market has cooled. Bitcoin and other major tokens have slid towards multi-month lows, dampening enthusiasm in some corners of the industry.

Dalal argues that the slowdown has not affected interest in stablecoins.

“The excitement on stablecoins is just growing,” he said. “It’s actually agnostic of prices.”

Unlike speculative tokens, stablecoins are now used as plumbing, a way to move money quickly, cheaply and across borders without relying on correspondent banks. 

For startups, especially those hiring internationally or paying suppliers in different currencies, the utility is immediate.

YC’s move also aligns with its recent drive to attract more blockchain-focused founders. Last year, the accelerator partnered with Base and Coinbase Ventures to encourage startups building crypto-related products. 

Offering funding through the same rails those companies work on brings practice closer to principle.

For now, Y Combinator says the stablecoins funding option is voluntary. Founders who prefer traditional banking can stick with it. 

A popular influencer insists that buying a particular token is the smartest financial move you will make this year.

Everywhere you look, someone is pointing you toward the next big crypto opportunity that may give more returns than Bitcoin. It feels exciting, fast, and full of promises. It also feels like everyone else is getting rich without you.

This feeling has a name. The fear of missing out, often called FOMO, has become a driving force in the world of cryptocurrency.

Many people today are drawn into digital assets by the hope that their money will rise quickly in value.

Phrases like going to the moon have become part of everyday conversations about crypto. But behind all the excitement, there is also a need for understanding.

Crypto can be rewarding, but it can also be confusing and risky. To make wise decisions, we need to look beyond the hype.

The Superbowl Effect and the Power of Influence

One moment that showed the cultural rise of crypto was Superbowl LVI. During one of the most watched events in America, several crypto companies paid for prime advertising time.

They wanted millions of viewers to see that crypto was the future and that they should join in. Coinbase, a crypto exchange, even displayed a simple QR code on the screen. This alone led to more than twenty million visits to their website in one minute.

But the hype had consequences. If a viewer invested one hundred dollars in Bitcoin on the Monday after the Superbowl, that investment would be worth about forty eight dollars by July of that same year. This means more than half the value disappeared. If all twenty million viewers had invested one hundred dollars each, their combined loss would be over one billion dollars.

This example reveals something important. Excitement can push people into quick decisions, but excitement does not erase risk. Crypto can rise fast, but it can also fall fast. Understanding it is essential for anyone thinking about investing.

What Exactly Are Crypto Assets?

Crypto assets are digital assets. They exist only in electronic form. While they were originally created as a way to make payments, many people today treat them as investment tools. The idea is simple. You buy a crypto asset like Bitcoin or Ethereum and hope its value increases.

But this hope comes with risk. A risk is the chance that your investment may lose value. This has happened many times in the crypto world.

Bitcoin, the first and most popular crypto asset, has experienced large rises and large declines. Even though it is considered one of the most stable coins, it has lost almost seventy percent of its value during some periods.

Crypto asset market capitalization refers to the total value of all units of a particular asset. In November 2021, all crypto assets combined reached a value of about $2.9 trillion dollars. By mid 2022, almost $2 trillion dollars of that value had vanished.

Some people, including well known investors like Bill Gates, question the idea of crypto as a strong investment. Gates argues that crypto value depends mainly on what someone else is willing to pay, rather than on a product or service that benefits society.

To understand crypto properly, it is helpful to look at where it comes from.

The Technology Behind Crypto

Distributed Ledger

Blockchain technology forms the heart of crypto assets. A blockchain is a digital ledger that records transactions. For example, when people buy or sell Bitcoin, the information is stored on one shared public ledger.

Every transaction must be verified before it becomes official. This is done by a network of powerful computers called miners. Miners solve complex math problems to confirm each transaction and are rewarded with new Bitcoin.

Once a group of transactions is verified, it is placed into a block. Each block connects to the one before it, creating a long chain. This is why it is called a blockchain.

Decentralized System

The blockchain is not stored in one place. It is spread across many computers around the world. This means no single government, company, or person controls it.

The creator of Bitcoin designed it this way to avoid control from any central authority. Unlike traditional digital payments like PayPal or bank transfers, Bitcoin allows people to transact directly with one another. This is known as peer to peer interaction.

Cryptographic Protection

The word crypto comes from a Greek word that means hidden. Cryptography protects information and ensures secure communication. With crypto transactions, special encryption keys act like digital signatures to confirm a user is the real sender. This creates trust without needing a central authority.

Why So Many Crypto Assets Exist

Once the world understood blockchain technology, developers began creating many different crypto assets. These assets are like different apps built on similar technology, each with a unique purpose.

Here are common types of crypto assets:

1. Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin are used for payments, storage of value, and trading.
   
2. Stablecoins like Tether are designed to keep a stable price by matching the value of another asset such as the dollar.
   
3. Meme coins like Dogecoin are inspired by internet humour and often have no clear use.
   
4. Non fungible tokens often called NFTs represent ownership of unique digital objects.
   
5. Utility tokens like MANA allow users to participate in specific digital platforms.
   

The variety shows both creativity and speculation in the crypto world.

The Dark Side of Popularity

Crypto has become a target for scams. The Federal Trade Commission reported that scammers stole more than one billion dollars in crypto from forty six thousand people since 2021. Young adults between 20 and 49 years old are most affected. Almost half of these scams began with a message or advertisement on social media. Many scams promise huge profits but end in complete loss. Once you send your crypto, there is no way to reverse the transaction.

Regulation and Protection

Authorities are paying closer attention to crypto. The United States Securities and Exchange Commission, also known as the SEC, has increased its efforts to supervise crypto activity. In 2022, the agency doubled the size of its crypto enforcement team.

At the time, President Biden also issued an executive order to address both risks and benefits of crypto.

Despite these efforts, crypto is still not monitored as closely as traditional investments.

Smart Choices Before You Invest

If you ever choose to invest in crypto, consider these points:

1. Only use money you can afford to lose.
   
2. Be cautious of celebrity endorsements. Many are paid promotions and may not reflect real financial wisdom.
   
3. Do your own research before trusting online suggestions.
   
4. Protect yourself from scams by avoiding offers that promise guaranteed profits.
   

Celebrities and influencers may also invest in the assets they promote, which means they benefit from price increases. Their priority may not be what is best for you.

Learning Crypto the Easy Way with MEXC

You can learn about crypto in a simple and confident way by using MEXC. The platform provides clear learning materials, practical guides, and beginner friendly explanations that help you understand how crypto works without confusion.

MEXC Learn offers lessons on key topics such as blockchain, trading, and risk management, while the MEXC app gives you real time market updates that help you learn by observing real activity.

Through its live sessions, community discussions, and helpful support team, MEXC makes it easy for anyone to grow from a curious beginner into an informed crypto user.

Conclusion

Cryptocurrency began as an innovative way to make payments. Over time, it became a global investment trend. Blockchain technology changed how we record transactions and opened the door for thousands of digital assets. Yet crypto remains unpredictable. It has created wealth, but it has also caused significant losses.

To navigate the crypto world safely, knowledge is essential. Look beyond the hype. Study the risks. Be aware of scams. Never invest more than you can handle losing. Crypto is fascinating and full of potential, but it demands careful understanding.

That understanding begins with asking the right questions and not letting excitement make decisions for you.

Risk Disclaimer: The information provided in this article regarding cryptocurrencies does not constitute investment advice. Given the highly volatile nature of the cryptocurrency market, investors are encouraged to carefully assess market fluctuations, the fundamentals of projects, and potential financial risks before making any trading decisions.

The event offered a mix of practical sessions, interactive quizzes, and open community discussions.

Building Confidence in Blockchain

For many Nigerians, blockchain often feels distant or overly complex. The Lagos Community Education Day set out to change that.

Through interactive lectures and live demonstrations, attendees were introduced to:

• How blockchains work ‒ from Bitcoin to Ethereum and beyond.

• Wallets and safety ‒ comparing custodial and non-custodial options, and how to secure funds.

• Deposits and withdrawals ‒ with examples relevant to Nigeria, including P2P trading, card payments, and mobile money.

• Hands-on trading tools ‒ live demos of spot, futures, and copy trading.

• Research methods ‒ showing participants how to verify projects before investing.

Opening the Door to Global Stocks and ETFs

A standout discussion centered on how crypto exchanges are expanding beyond cryptocurrencies to include access to stocks and ETFs.

Speakers explained that tokenization now makes it possible for Nigerians to gain exposure to global companies like Tesla or Microsoft, or invest in index funds that track entire markets.

By combining stocks and ETFs with blockchain technology, the barriers to international investing are lowered, allowing young people to see opportunities beyond local markets.

“Education is at the heart of our mission,” said Vugar Usi Zade, COO at Bitget. “By creating spaces like this in Lagos, we give communities practical tools to navigate blockchain from the right sources — from wallets and payments to opportunities in global stocks and ETFs. The turnout shows how eager Nigerians are to bridge traditional finance with Web3 innovation.”

A Day of Learning and Networking

The event wasn’t just about theory. Participants took part in two trivia sessions, polls, and breakout networking. Winners received branded merchandise, collectibles, and other rewards.

By the end of the day, many left with not only new knowledge but also connections to peers equally curious about digital finance.

A Regional Movement

The Lagos edition is part of a wider initiative running across Africa, with previous stops in Nairobi, Johannesburg, and Addis Ababa. The goal is to demystify digital finance for young people and provide them with practical skills that can open doors to new economic opportunities.

Continue the Learning Journey

For those who missed the program, digital resources remain available. Readers can check real time asset data such as the price of Ethereum, follow Bitcoin updates, and explore educational guides on how both crypto and tokenized stock markets function.

Established in 2018, Bitget is the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company. Serving over 120 million users in 150+ countries and regions, the Bitget exchange is committed to helping users trade smarter with its pioneering copy trading feature and other trading solutions, while offering real-time access to Bitcoin price, Ethereum price, and other cryptocurrency prices.

Bitget Wallet is a leading non-custodial crypto wallet supporting 130+ blockchains and millions of tokens. It offers multi-chain trading, staking, payments, and direct access to 20,000+ DApps, with advanced swaps and market insights built into a single platform.  

Bitget is driving crypto adoption through strategic partnerships, such as its role as the Official Crypto Partner of the World’s Top Football League, LALIGA, in EASTERN, SEA and LATAM markets. Aligned with its global impact strategy, Bitget has joined hands with UNICEF to support blockchain education for 1.1 million people by 2027.

In the world of motorsports, Bitget is the exclusive cryptocurrency exchange partner of MotoGP, one of the world’s most thrilling championships.

From startups to multinationals, organizations are racing to adopt digital tools, boost efficiency, and stay competitive in a tech-driven world.

For software developers, data scientists, cybersecurity experts, and other techies or digital talent, the market has never been more promising.

Here are the top industries in Nigeria where techies can build rewarding and lucrative careers:

1. Fintech & Digital Finance

Nigeria is Africa’s fintech powerhouse, home to unicorns like Flutterwave, Interswitch, and Opay. Fintech startups are reshaping how people save, invest, and make payments.

Techies skilled in software engineering, blockchain, UI/UX, cybersecurity, and mobile app development are in high demand.

Why it’s lucrative: Access to global funding, remote work potential, and the chance to work on products used by millions daily.

2. eCommerce & Retail Tech

Platforms like Jumia, Konga, and Fouani Online Store are transforming Nigeria’s retail space. Beyond online shopping, logistics, payment gateways, and AI-driven customer experience are areas where tech talent is critical.

Why it’s lucrative: High user adoption, growing demand for digital marketplaces, and opportunities to develop scalable solutions for consumers.

3. Telecommunications & ICT

Telcos like MTN, Airtel, and Glo are not just communication providers, they are now digital service enablers. Careers in cloud computing, network engineering, cybersecurity, and big data analytics are in strong demand as telcos drive 5G adoption and expand mobile services.

Why it’s lucrative: Strong salaries, steady demand, and opportunities to work on cutting-edge digital infrastructure projects.

4. Agritech

Agriculture is Nigeria’s largest employer, and tech is driving its transformation. Startups like Thrive Agric and Farmcrowdy are leveraging AI, IoT, and blockchain to improve food production, distribution, and financing.

Why it’s lucrative: Growing investor interest in agritech, constant demand for food, and the chance to solve real problems with scalable digital solutions.

5. Health Tech

With a fast-growing population, Nigeria’s healthcare sector is under pressure. Tech is stepping in with telemedicine, electronic health records, and AI-powered diagnostics. Companies like LifeBank and Helium Health are paving the way.

Why it’s lucrative: Critical need for innovation, strong social impact, and expansion of private healthcare technology solutions.

6. Media & Entertainment Tech (TechTainment)

Nigeria’s creative industry; film, music, and gaming, is going digital. Streaming platforms, animation studios, and gaming startups are creating roles for tech professionals in software engineering, AR/VR, and digital content distribution.

Why it’s lucrative: Nollywood and Afrobeats have global audiences, creating demand for digital platforms and immersive technologies.

For techies in Nigeria, the future is brimming with opportunities across multiple industries. Whether it’s building fintech apps, powering health-tech platforms, or scaling ecommerce solutions, skilled professionals can find not just jobs, but truly lucrative careers.

The key? Continuous upskilling, adaptability, and the courage to innovate.

The partnership follows Bybit’s receipt of its MiCAR license in May 2025 and the rollout of Bybit.eu, enabling verified EEA users to onboard to a fully compliant platform, where they can get yield approved assets to earn XION.

The Launchpool will feature a total pool size of 100,000 XION, distributed as follows: 

• 50,000 XION to XION stakers (estimated APR: 60%)
• 30,000 XION to MNT stakers (estimated APR: 36%)
• 20,000 XION to USDC stakers (estimated APR: 24%)

As one of the few Layer-1 projects backed by Circle Ventures, XION has seen strong traction in bringing blockchain-based experiences to everyday users, with over 100+ global brands leveraging its platform. 

XION has been steadily growing its European presence, as it became the first Layer-1 blockchain to publish a MiCA Title II whitepaper, integrated natively with Paris-based Ledger in June, listed on Bitvavo earlier this summer, and is already working with leading European brands on blockchain-powered consumer experiences.

Similarly, one of Bybit’s main focuses in 2025 is its European expansion. Being the inaugural Launchpool partner on Bybit EU MiCAR-compliant EU platform, XION will have access to a growing regulated European audience.

“Being the very first Launchpool on Bybit EU is a major signal of XION’s deep partnership with Bybit and our shared focus on expanding compliantly in the European markets,” said Anthony Anzalone, Founder of XION.  

“Europe is now the proving ground for regulated digital assets, and together with Bybit EU we’re setting a precedent for how mainstream audiences can discover and engage with blockchain technology in a safe, intuitive way.”

“Recently securing our MiCAR license in Austria represents our commitment and major focus in 2025 to bring compliant, innovative crypto services to European users. Today’s launch with XION, a blockchain focused on mainstream adoption of crypto, demonstrates how regulation can accelerate rather than hinder innovation, and perfectly aligns with our European expansion strategy.” – Mazurka Zeng, CEO of Bybit EU.

The collaboration also builds on XION’s earlier relationship with Bybit, where the company featured on Bybit Global’s Launchpool during its TGE. The renewed partnership underscores the two companies’ shared commitment to making blockchain accessible to everyday users.

Designed for institutional accredited investors and qualified purchasers, MBSToken offers on-chain exposure to high-quality MBS assets, traditionally restricted to major financial institutions.

At the core of this initiative are two parallel funds: MBSToken I (for non-U.S. investors) and MBSToken II (for U.S. investors). With the leverage og blockchain technology, Asset Token Ventures aims to democratise access to institutional-grade MBS-backed assets and modernise the fixed-income investment landscape.

“The fixed-income market, particularly MBS, is ripe for innovation,” said David Robnett, co-founder and managing director of ATV. “We are bringing institutional-grade MBS investments on-chain, unlocking liquidity, improving transparency, and offering investors a seamless way to gain exposure to one of the most important financial markets.”

MBSToken: A New Era for Fixed-Income Investment

MBSToken is designed to deliver key advantages that address long-standing inefficiencies in the mortgage-backed securities market:

• High-Quality Backing: MBSTokens are collateralised by pools of mortgage-backed securities, many of which are guaranteed by U.S. government-sponsored entities such as Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and Ginnie Mae.
• Tax Efficiency: ATV’s USVI-based funds qualify for a 90% income tax exemption that provides a higher overall yield and may allow investors to defer taxable appreciation until token redemption.
• Blockchain Transparency: Transactions are recorded on an immutable ledger, providing real-time insight into asset performance and portfolio composition.
• Enhanced Security: MBS holdings are structured into bankruptcy remote, stand-alone funds, providing an added layer of investor protection.
• Global Access and Liquidity: MBSToken allows institutional accredited investors and qualified purchasers worldwide to participate in the U.S. mortgage-backed securities market with seamless 24/7 access and liquidity.

Institutional and Investor Participation

MBSToken’s launch shows the growing institutional interest in tokenised real-world assets. ATV has already attracted significant attention from family offices, sovereign wealth funds, and institutional investors looking to diversify their portfolios with secure, yield-generating assets.

“Fixed-income markets are undergoing a digital transformation,” commented John Matheson, co-founder and managing director of ATV. “By leveraging blockchain technology, we are making MBS investments more accessible, more efficient, and ultimately more valuable for global investors.”

Investors interested in participating can submit their applications and complete KYC/AML verification at atvfund.io.

The Broader Impact of Tokenisation in Fixed-Income Markets

The $11 trillion U.S. mortgage-backed securities market plays a critical role in global finance, but historically, its complexity and inaccessibility have limited participation. MBSToken marks a significant step toward digitising fixed-income markets, offering a bridge between traditional financial structures and the efficiencies of blockchain technology.

The launch of MBSToken aligns with a broader industry trend as major financial institutions increasingly explore tokenisation as a means to unlock liquidity, reduce costs, and improve market efficiency. ATV’s innovative approach positions MBSToken as a leader in the evolution of blockchain-powered fixed-income investments.

Paul Talbert, co-founder and managing director of ATV, said, “We believe tokenisation will redefine how capital is deployed in traditional markets. MBSToken is the first step toward a more inclusive and efficient financial ecosystem, one that integrates the best of institutional finance with blockchain’s transformative potential.”

Bidemi Oke, the CEO of FlashChange, made a strong argument for more transparent regulations in the blockchain and cryptocurrency industry at the event, where he stressed the necessity of structured legislation to promote innovation, safeguard investors, and propel economic progress.

Speaking during a panel discussion alongside other panelists on Crypto in Nigeria: Fintech Integration, Real-World Applications and Opportunities, Oke emphasised the difficulties companies encounter because of legislative ambiguity.

He urged legislators to work with industry players to create rules that promote responsible expansion while guarding against abuse.

“The potential for blockchain and cryptocurrencies to transform finance and promote financial inclusion throughout Africa is enormous. However, companies and investors continue to have doubts about the industry’s future in the absence of clear regulations. We must develop a framework that strikes a balance between innovation and consumer protection,” Oke remarked.

As one of Nigeria’s top cryptocurrency exchange platforms, FlashChange, has been leading the charge to encourage secure and effective digital asset transactions. While maintaining adherence to international standards, the business keeps pushing for laws that encourage the expansion of the sector.

The Lagos Tech Fest provided a forum for thought-provoking conversations about how technology, finance, and regulation interact in Nigeria. Many industry participants who agreed that a methodical and forward-thinking approach to blockchain governance was necessary found resonance in Oke’s support for regulatory clarification.

The initiative seeks to provide early-stage funding, technical mentorship, and infrastructure support to entrepreneurs building decentralised applications.

The fund, which focuses on pre-seed and seed-stage startups, will provide grants of up to $150,000, with more investments of up to $500,000 available for promising projects. Selected startups will also receive guidance from blockchain experts to help them scale their businesses effectively.

Kheireddine Kamal, an experienced African entrepreneur and investor, will lead the initiative. Kamal revealed that the fund targets startups in regions with economic instability, where blockchain technology can offer solutions to high inflation, currency depreciation, and financial exclusion.

“We are looking for projects in African countries that have economic conditions such as high inflation, unstable exchange rates, or low financial inclusion, with a local population interested in blockchain,” said Kamal.

Africa has seen growth in cryptocurrency adoption, with projections showing a surge in digital financial transactions over the coming years. The continent’s youthful population and increasing interest in decentralised finance make it a prime market for blockchain innovation. 

StarkWare’s investment aims to leverage this rate, enabling African startups to bypass traditional financial limitations and integrate into the global digital economy.

StarkWare’s CEO, Eli Ben-Sasson, emphasised the vision behind the initiative, stating, “Blockchain presents a unique opportunity for many parts of Africa to leapfrog outdated infrastructures and democratise access to financial tools with more decentralisation and transparency.”

Founded in 2018, StarkWare is known for developing Layer 2 solutions that enhance the scalability and efficiency of blockchain networks. The company’s StarkNet platform, built on Ethereum, is a central part of its works in supporting African entrepreneurs.

Kamal also noted the long-term prospect of StarkNet’s development in Africa, saying, “StarkNet is a particularly interesting path to blockchain, as it is currently a Layer 2 over Ethereum and plans to also operate over Bitcoin.”

The launch of this fund comes with a combination of financial backing, infrastructure, and mentorship, focused on African entrepreneurs, providing the tools needed to develop sustainable and impactful blockchain-based solutions.

As our nation stands on the brink of a technological revolution, we, the people of Nigeria, urge you to prioritize policies that will shape a digital future for our country.

Your leadership will determine whether we harness the power of AI, blockchain, and cybersecurity to solve pressing challenges, create economic opportunities, and secure our digital sovereignty.

We implore you to consider the following key questions:

1. Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Education: How will you integrate AI into our education system to prepare our youth for the future? What steps will you take to train teachers and upskill students in AI-related fields?

Governance: How will you leverage AI to improve public service delivery, increase transparency, and enhance efficiency? Will you commit to open data policies that fuel AI innovation?

Ethics: How will you ensure the ethical development and use of AI, protecting privacy rights and preventing job displacement?

2. Blockchain Technology

National Strategy: What is your vision for a national blockchain strategy to combat corruption and improve public services like land registry, voting, and social benefits?

Financial Inclusion: How will you use blockchain to empower the unbanked and underbanked, especially in rural areas? What policies will you enact to foster the growth of blockchain startups and innovation hubs?

Asset Tokenization: How will you encourage the tokenization of real-world assets to unlock new investment opportunities for Nigerians?

3. Cybersecurity

Data Protection: What measures will you implement to protect citizens’ data from cyber threats? How will you ensure that Nigerian data remains within our borders and is handled responsibly?

Infrastructure Protection: What investments will you make to safeguard critical infrastructure from cyberattacks?

Talent Development: How will you support the development of a skilled cybersecurity workforce to defend our digital assets?

4. Policy Framework and Governance

Legislative Framework: What laws and regulations will you enact to balance innovation with security and privacy?

Public-Private Partnerships: How will you foster collaboration between the government and the private sector to drive technological advancement?

International Cooperation: How will you engage with the global community to align Nigeria’s technology policies with international best practices and attract foreign investment?

5. Digital Economy and Job Creation

SMEs and Startups: How will you support small and medium-sized enterprises in adopting technology to scale their businesses?

Digital Divide: What steps will you take to bridge the digital divide and ensure equitable access to technology for all Nigerians?

Tech Ecosystem: How will you create a conducive environment for tech startups through tax incentives and funding?

The future of Nigeria depends on our ability to embrace technology responsibly and strategically. We urge you to make these issues a priority and to work tirelessly to create a digital Nigeria that benefits all citizens.

Sincerely,

Jude Ozinegbe, founder of Cyberchain 

A Concerned Citizen

VIDEO here.