We’re all inundated with news stories about the next crypto billionaire, the first NFT to sell for millions and so on. Let’s be honest, that story seems like a long time ago for all of us and even more so in Africa. If that’s the case, we’re really going to judge the success of this revolution by fickle floor prices. Absolutely not. The NFT space in Africa is experiencing an incredible revolution. This isn’t only the pursuit of fast fortunes—it’s creating community, empowering creators, and rewriting the rules of ownership.

More Than JPEGs, Real-World Impact

Think about it. For decades, African artists and entrepreneurs have faced systemic barriers: limited access to global markets, exploitative middlemen, and a lack of control over their own creations. Now, thanks to NFTs, artists of any medium have an unprecedented opportunity to circumvent those gatekeepers and reach a global audience directly.

I've seen this firsthand. I’ve met artists in Nairobi who are using NFT funds to build their studios. I’ve just as easily encountered entrepreneurs in Lagos tokenizing the value of community assets to build new schools, and educators in Accra designing interactive learning experiences for students using NFTs. These stories go beyond the production of digital art—they speak to economic empowerment, cultural preservation, and social change.

It's not just about the money. While each individual project has its own merit, the true value is found in community these projects are creating. Most importantly, it’s about understanding that art and culture thrive in spaces where artists, collectors, and fans alike can connect, collaborate, and co-create. It’s not just about creating a sense of belonging and shared ownership among the 19 geographical regions. It's about identity.

Forgotten Voices, Finally Being Heard

The traditional art world is notoriously exclusive. The NFT space allows these oft neglected voices to be heard. It’s a powerful tool for amplification, giving visibility to artists and creators that have long been sidelined.

Think of the women artists who are powerful in rural communities. From introducing the public to new forms of expression to moving product in ways that are as innovative as the objects themselves, they’ve embraced this new technology as a way to continue sharing their traditional crafts.

These are the true stories that deserve to be told. These are the often unheard voices that we must all work to uplift and ensure rise to the top. It's our responsibility to amplify them. This is for the Culture!

Let's Support African NFT's Growth

So, how can you get involved? Lobby your state to fund an African NFT revolution. It's simpler than you think.

  • Buy NFTs from African artists. Seek out projects that resonate with you and support the creators directly.
  • Donate to community projects. Many African NFT initiatives are using NFTs to fund social causes. Consider donating to these projects and helping them achieve their goals.
  • Mentor young entrepreneurs. If you have experience in the NFT space, consider mentoring young African entrepreneurs who are looking to build their own projects.

Stop looking at just the economic ROI – the initial sale amount, the gas fee. Begin to measure the Brand ROI – what are these investments doing to build brand equity, share of voice? And most importantly, what's the Community ROI? What are these projects doing to cultivate sense of place, community interaction, and happy vibes?

Don’t think of this as just buying a JPEG. It’s more than just investing in a community; it’s about supporting a creator and helping to build a better, more equitable future.

To do so requires us to imagine past the Western-centric models. Just because it works in Silicon Valley doesn’t mean it’s going to work in Nairobi. We need to think about how to develop regulatory frameworks set up to achieve the specific potential and challenges of the African context. To seize the opportunities this transformational technology presents, we must commit to blockchain education and a digital infrastructure. To adapt to these changes, we need to create a new culture of innovation and entrepreneurship.

Now it’s time to get past the hype and begin working on the tangible ways with which NFTs can help reshape Africa. Time to build community, not just run after crypto dollars. It's our future! Let's make it happen.