OpenSea's dominance, with its whopping $111 million trading volume in June 2025, casts a long shadow over the NFT landscape. What does this actually look like on the ground for African artists looking to capitalize on this new digital gold mine? Are we seeing the makings of another digital colonialism, or a real path towards economic empowerment?

Whose Stories Are Being Told?

Let's be blunt: the art world has historically been notorious for marginalizing voices from the Global South. So are NFTs, and OpenSea specifically, as different? Or are we just digitizing existing inequalities? Contrast that to the old school art market – galleries in London, New York, Paris setting the agenda, determining what was cool and what was valuable. So is OpenSea just a digital version of that, with the old guard replaced by Silicon Valley?

I’ve talked to quite a few artists in Nairobi who are producing amazing digital art based in African traditions. Njeri, an artist who is a longtime member of CREATIVE’s network, expressed her despair at the exorbitant “gas fees” on Ethereum. These fees thus render it economically unfeasible for her to sell her work profitably on OpenSea. "It's like they're building a highway, but only those with expensive cars can afford to drive on it," she said. This isn’t only a technological issue, it is a matter of economic justice. How are African creators supposed to compete when the very infrastructure stacks the deck against everyone but those who already have the money?

Local artists such as Kwame earned a pretty penny by designing NFTs that only work with the TON blockchain, using tools like GetGems and Marketapp. He finds the lower fees and integration with Telegram to be a lot more accessible to his target audience. For him, “OpenSea was like yelling into the abyss,” he admitted. “Here, I am able to engage in true dialogue with my community.”

This raises a crucial question: Is OpenSea truly open to everyone, or is it primarily benefiting a select few? Are we experiencing a digital land grab and if so, why? It appears that incumbents are consolidating their power, leaving developing artists stuck on the sidelines.

Digital Baobab or Digital Chain?

Just look at the baobab tree — it’s the iconic tree of Africa, representing resilience and community. Does OpenSea live up to this analogy of the digital baobab, providing sustenance and shelter to African artists? Or does it become a digital noose, tying them to a world they can’t influence in a way they might hope?

  • Accessibility: How easy is it for African artists and collectors to access OpenSea?
  • Language Support: Does OpenSea offer support in African languages?
  • Payment Options: Are there payment options available that are accessible to the African market?
  • Cultural Representation: Does OpenSea actively promote and celebrate African art and culture?
  • Community: Does OpenSea foster a sense of community among African creators and collectors?

The answers to these questions will shape whether OpenSea grows to be a powerful force for good, or a dangerous vehicle for exploitation. Marketplaces like Element Market are focusing on low fees. They too are waving the flags for cross-chain interoperability, a call that’s indicative of the increasing desire for more open, collaborative solutions.

The rise of platforms built on the TON blockchain, like GetGems and Marketapp, highlights a crucial point: innovation often comes from addressing unmet needs. These platforms are entirely driven by the Telegram community. They provide a more inclusive and economical alternative to test the waters of the NFT world. This is quite the reminder. OpenSea’s dominance is not invincible, and other marketplaces can do well by focusing on specific niches and communities.

Time For OpenSea to Act!

I’m not arguing that OpenSea or anyone else on this list is evil but their size and influence calls for this kind of behavior. OpenSea should act immediately to block this misleading practice. They need to address the challenges that prevent African creators from being able to participate in the NFT revolution.

This isn’t simply charity, it’s smart business. By submerging within the African NFT market, OpenSea can open themselves up to a world of unexplored skill and creativeness. Most importantly, it’s about just doing the right thing. It’s about making sure that the NFT revolution is just as inclusive and decentralizing, and not serving only the privileged few.

  • Localized Resources: Invest in creating resources and educational materials tailored to the African market.
  • Language Support: Offer support in multiple African languages.
  • Partnerships: Collaborate with African artists, organizations, and communities to promote and support local talent.
  • Fee Structure: Explore options for reducing gas fees or providing subsidies for African creators.
  • Mentorship Programs: Establish mentorship programs that connect African artists with experienced NFT creators and collectors.

Think about the potential: African art is rich, diverse, and deeply rooted in history and culture. Now picture the impact of this art showcased on a global stage, empowering these artists and communities, and preserving cultural heritage. The possibilities are limitless.

OpenSea has a choice to make. Or will it go down as a digital colonizer, extracting tons of value from Africa while returning very little? Or will it be seen as a fulcrum point for an inevitable awakening as African artists take their place in the spotlight and reshape the global art market? The future of NFTs in Africa is still to be determined. Now, let’s hold OpenSea’s feet to the fire and call on it to lead the industry in seizing opportunity rather than exploitation. Let’s make sure that digital baobab really does feed everybody.

OpenSea has a choice to make. Will it be remembered as a digital colonizer, extracting value from Africa without giving back? Or will it be remembered as a catalyst for change, empowering African artists and transforming the global art market? The future of NFTs in Africa hangs in the balance. Let's hold OpenSea accountable and demand that it chooses opportunity over exploitation. Let's ensure that the digital baobab truly provides for all.