Lisk recently hosted ETHSafari 2025 in Nairobi, transforming the discourse surrounding Web3 in Africa. Rather than relying on charts or whitepapers, the narrative emerged from the real-life experiences of African builders and founders. BeInCrypto attended the panels where these entrepreneurs shared their journeys, candidly discussing both the obstacles they encounter and the breakthroughs they achieve.
A resounding theme was the resilience displayed by these founders, who navigate one of the world’s toughest environments for startups. Many are driven not by the hype surrounding blockchain but by its potential to address significant local challenges.
In discussions about funding, many participants highlighted the struggle for capital as their paramount concern. Local venture funding remains limited, leading entrepreneurs to carefully weigh the benefits of grants against the need to prioritize customer satisfaction. One founder relayed a cautionary tale, warning that grants could detract focus from product improvement, prompting a shift in priorities to merely meet donor expectations rather than addressing actual customer needs.
Instead of relying solely on funding, incubation programs combining modest financial support with practical training have emerged as a more useful model. Founders expressed a desire for mentorship and accountability rather than merely financial assistance, emphasizing that real sustainability comes from building strong foundations based on necessary skills and discipline.
Without traditional deep-pocket investors, many founders have begun creating their own accountability systems. One founder described how a simple weekly call for peer updates fostered a culture of mutual support. This innovative approach replaced traditional investor pressure with an environment where entrepreneurs were accountable to each other, establishing networks of trust regarded as essential as financial backing.
A recurring motif throughout the discussions was ingenuity born from necessity. As one founder shared, the prohibitive costs of hosting podcasts on established US platforms led them to develop a localized solution, enabling creators to publish more affordably. This pivot showcased how the principles of Web3 could enhance accessibility and affordability for markets often overlooked by larger global companies.
Structured incubation programs have played a transformative role in the growth of these startups. Participants often shared how these programs forced them to confront elements beyond coding, such as marketing and compliance. For many, the camaraderie and shared ambition within these spaces became a significant motivator to persevere in their ventures, often pushing their limits far beyond initial expectations.
Additionally, the ethos of reinvestment was a common thread among the founders. Many emphasized the importance of giving back to the community, creating a positive cycle of support and growth. This mindset fosters a culture of abundance, where individual successes are not just personal victories but contributions to the overall ecosystem.
A striking narrative that arose from the panels was a rejection of the notion that Africa is simply “catching up” to the West. Founders expressed confidence that, by necessity, they are developing more refined, customer-centric businesses. Innovations like stablecoin-based payments and decentralized platforms point to a unique Web3 culture that is carving its own identity, rather than mimicking that of Silicon Valley.
The message directed toward investors and policymakers was clear: supporting Web3 initiatives in Africa requires more than just financial investment. It necessitates bolstering ecosystems that prioritize networks, training, and accountability. The insights gained from ETHSafari illustrate that Africa is not merely a frontier for Web3 but a fertile ground for the next wave of blockchain innovation, characterized by a distinctly African perspective.
