The Samsung Z Fold 7. A marvel of engineering, no doubt. It’s a proposition Phil Berne—deeply entrenched in the Samsung and Apple systems as he is—is actively rooting for. Here's the question that keeps me up at night: Is it just another gleaming status symbol destined for the pockets of the privileged, or could it actually be a catalyst for financial liberation in Africa?

A Foldable Screen, Financial Freedom?

The Z Fold 7 boasts a foldable screen, multitasking capabilities that would make a Wall Street trader blush, and processing power to rival a decent laptop. Now, picture this: a young entrepreneur in Nairobi, accessing decentralized exchanges (DEXs) on that expansive screen, managing their crypto wallet with ease, and minting their own NFTs – all from a single device.

Boom, suddenly the Z Fold 7 isn’t just a phone, it’s a portable personal finance hub. This technology unlocks the potential of decentralized finance (DeFi) and the emerging world of NFTs. It lets users avoid traditional banking systems that frequently hamstring with red tape and exclusion. We’re not joking about going around the gatekeepers and putting the financial muscle straight into the hands of the people. Imagine artists in Lagos selling their digital art directly to collectors worldwide, cutting out the middleman and earning a fair price for their work. That is the potential we're talking about.

The Price Tag Problem, The Problem

Let's be brutally honest. The Z Fold 7 as is, probably costs more than most Africans make in a year. It's a luxury item, plain and simple. And that's the rub. What could a device aimed largely at the elite, in terms of capability and price tag, do to promote financial inclusion?

Indeed a good question, and one we must ponder. I am unwilling to believe that’s the whole of the tale. We need to think creatively. We need to explore alternative solutions. Would financing options help bring the Z Fold 7 into reach? Might refurbished devices be a more accessible way to get started? How about leveraging partnerships with local mobile operators to subsidize off-peak access?

We can build a DeFi & NFT ecosystem that’s more localized & equitable. These platforms need to be designed for users who have few data and resource. That’s because a really fancy phone isn’t worth anything without the ecosystem around it to back it up.

Community: The Real Key to Unlocking Potential

For years, I have been hosting blockchain meetups for youth in my community. It's not just about teaching them the technical aspects of crypto; it's about fostering a sense of ownership, empowerment, and collective learning.

It's about creating a space where they can share ideas, troubleshoot problems, and support each other's ventures. It's about mentorship, education, and peer-to-peer learning. I call it unlocking the African potential.

In Accra, a young developer finds their inspiration at an IT community meetup. Excited, they take out their Z Fold 7 and begin creating a mobile-first DeFi application designed specifically for their local farmers. A collective of artists in Cape Town launch an NFT marketplace that showcases African art and culture to the world. These aren’t pie-in-the-sky dreams, but attainable realities powered by technology and community-driven.

A Call for Equitable Access, Not Just a Phone

The Z Fold 7, taken on its own terms, is not a magic bullet. It won't solve Africa's financial challenges overnight. It can be a powerful tool in the right hands. It is much more than that; it symbolizes a new era of what’s possible.

This isn’t just about equipping everyone with a new high-end device. It’s about ensuring a fair and equitable digital economy that gives hopefuls of all backgrounds—including those underrepresented and deserving—the chance to succeed in the changing economy. With collaboration and foresight, we can begin to realize the tremendous promise of the African continent. Together, we can create a more inclusive and equitable future for all. It all comes down to whether we can make DeFi and NFTs a tool for empowerment, rather than an additional cause of discord.

  • Advocate for policies that support innovation and entrepreneurship in the DeFi and NFT space.
  • Invest in education and training programs that empower African youth with the skills they need to participate in the digital economy.
  • Support community-led initiatives that are driving DeFi and NFT adoption at the grassroots level.
  • Demand equitable access to technology and infrastructure for all Africans, regardless of their socioeconomic status.

Could the Samsung Z Fold 7 be Africa’s entry point to DeFi? Not on its own. So with the right support and infrastructure, incredible things can happen. With the right attitude, this can be the missing piece that makes it all work. So let’s do everything we can to ensure it’s a piece that empowers, rather than a work that excludes.

Speaking of Phil Berne, hell yes flip phones are awesome. Let’s ensure that they're really great as a complete community before we start giving them out.

And to Phil Berne, yes, flip phones are cool. But let's make sure they're cool for everyone.