With an art world forecasted to grow to a mind-boggling $115 billion by 2034, it might seem like a dream land to most African creators. A global market—which, in theory, should be easier to enter—but it’s not. Why? That’s because the legacy art world is predicated on gatekeepers. As long as galleries, dealers, and institutions continue to hold the power of access, and by extension, value, countless incredible artists on the continent will remain invisible and unheard. What if I told you that there is one key, a digital one, that can truly unlock this potential? That key is NFTs.

NFTs: Leveling The Playing Field?

Think about it. NFTs allow artists to have direct access to a global audience, free from the biases and limitations of the traditional art world. No longer do we have to depend on a select few galleries to determine who should be visible. No more surrendering huge commissions to middlemen. Artists can create and list their work as NFTs, sell directly to collectors across the globe and keep a percentage of the resales.

It’s more than eliminating the middleman. It's about ownership. NFTs give artists more say over how and when their work is used, as well as how they will be paid. They can program smart contracts to automatically receive a percentage of every future sale, ensuring they benefit from their art's success long after the initial sale. This is HUGE.

Consider this: How many times have you seen a famous artist's work resold for millions, while the artist themselves saw none of that profit? NFTs have the potential to alter that paradigm and establish a more equitable system where artists get paid what they deserve for their work. Just think of the difference this would make artists in Africa where economic security is always a major challenge.

Forgotten Voices, Finally Heard?

The Fact.MR report may provide the statistics, but behind those statistics are individuals, tales. Real-life accounts of artists who’ve fought bitterly against overwhelming odds to simply exist. Stories of talent wasted, crushed by the lack of opportunity. Tales of talent that needs to be seen.

This is just a taste, but I have seen first-hand how NFTs will be a transformative tool in the hands of African artists. I’ve witnessed the moment when artists broke and barely surviving on daily necessities connect with new audiences around the world. I've seen them use the income from NFT sales to invest in their communities, support other artists, and build sustainable businesses.

One very talented artist I met, living in Nairobi, was selling his original paintings for a song at local markets. He simply couldn’t afford to ship work to international art fairs or pay for gallery representation. Then he discovered NFTs. In just a few months, he began selling his digital art to collectors all over Europe, America and Asia. He was floored to make more money than he could’ve ever imagined. He’s taking the money he’s made and putting his money where his mouth is, opening an art school for marginalized kids in his hometown.

This is not an isolated incident. This is a movement. This movement is fueled by technology and infused with artistic expression. She is driven by a fierce passion to help build a more beautiful, just, and equitable art world.

Action Needed: Fueling the Revolution

This transformation won’t happen by magic. It is essential that we continue our advocacy for African artists who are stepping into the NFT realm. This means:

  • Buying their NFTs: Seek out and collect art from African creators. Platforms like OpenSea, Rarible and others are great places to start your search.
  • Sharing their stories: Amplify their voices by sharing their work on social media and with your networks.
  • Advocating for change: Call on governments and institutions to invest in blockchain education and infrastructure in Africa. Let's push for regulations that protect artists and foster innovation.

The internet opened up the world to information. NFTs have the potential to democratize the world of art. Access to the internet isn’t equitable, and access to the NFT space isn’t either. To succeed, we first need to address the digital divide. Let’s work together to make sure that African artists are set up to succeed in this new ecosystem.

Think about the impact you can have. You can help fulfill the dream of an artist, help strengthen a local community, and further progress toward a more equitable and dynamic art world. It begins with one NFT sale, one stock share, one citizen pressure campaign changemaker — like you — willing to fight for that change.

The $115 billion art market is within reach, not just for the elite, but for the talented and often overlooked artists of Africa. Let's unlock that potential together.

The $115 billion art market is within reach, not just for the elite, but for the talented and often overlooked artists of Africa. Let's unlock that potential together.