Ethereum recently celebrated its 10th birthday with a worldwide celebration that included an entirely free NFT mint. “E Guardian Medal” appears to be a pretty neat new mechanism opening up exciting new opportunities for the Web3 generation – especially in Africa. Still, I have an uneasy feeling that this could be yet another blockchain wishful thinking thinly-veiled scam. We must ask ourselves, who really benefits?

The Ethereum Foundation may have good intentions. They talk about empowering the next generation. Let’s face it the devil is in the details and the road to hell is paved with good intentions. The digital landscape is dotted with the corpses of tech companies that built all the wrong things for all the wrong reasons.

Democratization Or Digital Colonialism Disguised?

Think about it. A free NFT. Sounds great, right? Access to Web3! Empowerment through blockchain! What of the US$30 a month young person in Lagos, Nigeria, who deals with inconsistent internet availability? What about the exorbitant gas fees that overnight turn that “free” NFT into a pricey proposition? Where’s the easy button for the immense challenge of learning all of this new blockchain technology when you’re just trying to feed your family?

It's like offering someone a free car but forgetting to mention the cost of petrol, insurance, and the fact that there aren't any paved roads where they live.

This isn't just about Ethereum. It's about a pattern. Western tech companies swoop into Africa, promising innovation and opportunity, but often leaving behind a trail of extracted resources and unmet expectations. We need to be critical. Is this truly different? Is this actually a new approach to data mining and attention commodification? Even worse, it feels like it does so with a shiny new fad attachment: “decentralization.”

The reality is that Ethereum’s rebound in NFT-market activity is remarkable as the market continues to rapidly heat up and institutional investors continue pouring in. With the Fusaka upgrade on the horizon, we’re looking at greater scalability and usability. Whether the Ether Machine acquiring 15,000 ETH or SharpLink Gaming buying 11,259 ETH — these are undeniable facts. Ethereum powerhouse Despite the recent rise of competing networks, Ethereum still represents more than 50% of all NFT activity. So what does that really mean for the everyday African?

Beyond Hype Are There Tangible Benefits?

The “E Guardian Medal” NFT, a commemorative version free to mint, is a small gesture. A small, though hopeful, drop in the ocean of what’s really needed to finally bridge the digital divide once and for all.

Clearly we need to cut past the hype and get down to the difficult questions. Are these NFTs actually creating jobs? Are they fostering sustainable businesses? Are they actively empowering communities in meaningful ways well beyond the act of just owning a digital collectible? Or are they merely fueling a speculative bubble that will one day pop, leaving millions in its wake worse-off than they started?

  • Potential Benefits: Access to Web3, innovation, economic opportunities.
  • Real Challenges: Limited internet, high fees, lack of understanding.

The socialist in me can’t help but ask why. Is this really about authentic empowerment? Or is it merely aimed at growing Ethereum’s user base and further entrenching its supremacy atop the Web3 ecosystem? There's nothing inherently wrong with wanting to grow, but it's crucial to do so responsibly and ethically.

Demand Accountability Build A Real Gateway

We deserve better, and it’s time to hold them to a higher standard of transparency and accountability. Now, it’s time to go beyond nice photographs and public relations to deliver real, lasting impacts for African communities.

Instead of simply offering free NFTs, what if the Ethereum Foundation invested in:

That would be a gateway. Now that would be an act of true democratization. That would be something worth celebrating.

  • Improving internet access in underserved areas?
  • Providing educational resources on blockchain technology in local languages?
  • Supporting African developers and entrepreneurs building real-world solutions on the Ethereum network?

This isn't about tearing down Ethereum. It's about holding it accountable. More importantly, it’s about making sure that all people, not just a privileged few, get to benefit from the promise of Web3. It's about demanding that the "free" NFT is more than just a shiny object, but a genuine stepping stone to a more equitable and empowered future for Africa's next generation.

So, mint that free NFT. But don't stop there. Ask questions. Demand more. Let’s ensure that this is not yet another false hope.

So, mint that free NFT. But don't stop there. Ask questions. Demand more. Let's make sure this isn't just another empty promise.