I first encountered Thandiwe this past summer, during a blockchain conference in Nairobi. Straight out of grad school, she was brimming with concepts. She imagined that she could use crypto to provide her village women with micro-loans, allowing them to sidestep the often exorbitant interest rates of conventional lenders. Her fierce spirit embodied the fire of an unyielding generation, hellbent on creating a better, fairer Africa for us all. What if that fire is at risk of being snuffed out, not by an obvious enemy, but by something she doesn’t even perceive?

Just as we talk about Bitcoin ETFs and institutional adoption with rosy optimism, are we truly thinking about who will benefit and who could be left behind? In particular, there is a growing existential threat from quantum computing. It would break the cryptographic underpinnings of all the cryptocurrencies and deepen global inequality. BlackRock’s warning that their application for a Bitcoin ETF could easily be undermined by the threat of quantum computing should be a blaring klaxon, not a footnote.

Think about it. As might be expected, developed nations are dumping billions into quantum research. When they finally crack the code, guess who will be first in line to take advantage of the vulnerabilities. Hopefully it won’t be too long before that changes! Thandiwe to be the inspiration for their new micro-loan project. Or will bad actors simply seek to deploy their assets in a way that allows them to “harvest now, decrypt later.”

This isn't just about lost Bitcoin. These dreams fuel their optimism for discovering newfound financial independence through cryptocurrency. They view it as the ultimate vehicle for shattering the systemic barriers that have suppressed Africa for centuries. We need to make sure we’re not enforcing a second round of technological colonialism. Modernization in the north must not come at the expense of hard-earned economic progress in the south.

The playing field isn't level. While Western developers are debating the nuances of post-quantum cryptography (PQC), many African crypto users face more immediate challenges:

These vulnerabilities aren't just theoretical. These aren’t abstract impediments, they’re tangible forces that raise the likelihood of quantum-based attacks on the African crypto user. And picture that same rural Kenyan farmer’s Bitcoin wallet becoming compromised as soon as a powerful enough quantum computer manages to break its cryptography. It’s more than just a few dollars lost. It’s an insult to the predicted future, a breach of faith, an opposition to opportunity, and a defeat for all those still waiting in line behind this marginally better move.

It's not all doom and gloom. Yet there are glimmers of hope and African innovation within PQC. And it’s especially important to shine a light on African researchers and projects that are developing post-quantum solutions. This isn’t charity, this is about celebrating and cultivating the talent that already exists on the continent.

  • Limited Access: Reliable internet and secure hardware wallets are luxuries, not necessities.
  • Technical Literacy: The learning curve is steep, and resources are often scarce.
  • Mobile Dependence: A reliance on mobile devices, which are often less secure, makes them prime targets for attacks.

Quranium’s QSafe Wallet is a fantastic example, but the industry as a whole needs to do better. Together we can connect up African developers with the global crypto community! We will ensure that PQC solutions are both scalable and customizable to fit the specific needs of the African market.

One thing that everyone seems to agree upon is that blockchains should be quantum-safe by 2035. What if the experts are wrong? What happens if “Q-Day” comes a lot quicker than those of us who are more optimistic hope? For some blockchains, such as Bitcoin, upgrading them to a quantum-safe version could require weeks or even months of downtime. This produces a huge logistical and financial fiasco for everyone involved.

We can't afford to wait. We have to begin putting the needs of developing nations at the heart of the transition to PQC. This means:

My concern is not simply with the technology itself, but rather what values inform the creation and use of this technology. Are we creating a future where technology is a tool that empowers all Americans, or one where technology only serves to widen the gap of inequality?

The crypto community loves to tout its decentralization, and its dedication to the cause of financial inclusion. If we don’t address this quantum threat the right way, we’ll endanger our most vulnerable communities. This shortcoming would be an affront to the principles we say we stand for. Otherwise, we end up making crypto a more effective instrument of exploitation. Otherwise, it will just turn into another mechanism for the powerful to profit at everyone else’s expense.

Let’s ensure that Thandiwe and a new wave of African entrepreneurs don’t miss the boat. Let’s restore what was great and protect the promise of crypto. It symbolizes our financial freedom and economic empowerment, and we cannot allow a quiet, invisible enemy to eclipse it. The future of Africa, in some small but ultimately significant way, rests on it.

We can't afford to wait. We need to start prioritizing the needs of developing nations in the transition to PQC. This means:

  • Increased Investment: Funding research and development of PQC solutions tailored to the African context.
  • Knowledge Sharing: Creating educational resources and training programs to empower African developers and users.
  • Open Collaboration: Fostering partnerships between African and international experts.

A Question of Values

My concern isn't just about the technology; it's about the values that drive its development and deployment. Are we building a future where technology empowers everyone, or one where it exacerbates existing inequalities?

The crypto community prides itself on its decentralization and its commitment to financial inclusion. But if we fail to address the quantum threat in a way that protects the most vulnerable, we risk betraying those values. We risk turning crypto into just another tool of exploitation, another way for the powerful to profit at the expense of the marginalized.

Let’s make sure Thandiwe and a generation of African entrepreneurs aren’t left behind. Let’s ensure that the promise of crypto – a promise of financial freedom and economic empowerment – is not shattered by a silent, invisible threat. The future of Africa, in some small but significant way, depends on it.