African Web3 Founders Build Ecosystems, Not Just Startups

African Web3 founders showcased a resilient and innovative approach to blockchain technology during ETHSafari 2025, held in Nairobi and organized by Lisk. The event emphasized how African entrepreneurs are leveraging decentralized technologies not as abstract concepts but as practical tools to solve local challenges, often in environments marked by limited access to institutional support and capital.

One recurring theme was the importance of peer accountability in the absence of traditional venture capital. Incubation programs are playing a crucial role by combining modest funding with structured mentorship and training. Unlike traditional models, these programs emphasize discipline and real-world application over large infusions of capital. One founder noted that being held accountable by peers—through weekly check-ins and progress tracking—was more effective in building sustainable businesses than chasing external funding or grants, which could sometimes lead to misaligned priorities.

Faced with limited access to local venture capital, many African Web3 founders are forced to be resourceful. For example, one founder highlighted the inefficiency of hosting podcasts on international platforms, which demanded a monthly fee that was unaffordable for local creators. In response, he developed a decentralized alternative that drastically reduced costs, making it possible for more people to engage in content creation. This illustrates how necessity is driving ingenuity, allowing African startups to build solutions tailored to local economic realities.

ETHSafari 2025 also highlighted how these startups are reshaping the narrative around Africa’s place in the global blockchain landscape. Rather than being seen as a region that needs to "catch up," African founders are building a distinct Web3 culture rooted in necessity and creativity. From stablecoin-based merchant payment systems to decentralized content platforms, the innovations emerging from the continent are diverging from the Silicon Valley model and taking on a uniquely African character.

The event also underlined the importance of reinvestment and community building. A common sentiment among the participants was that success should not be measured solely by individual achievement but by the ability to contribute back to the ecosystem. Founders emphasized that even small wins could compound when shared, reinforcing a culture of collective growth rather than individualistic competition. This mindset is helping to create a flywheel effect, where each contribution reinforces the next, strengthening the entire Web3 ecosystem in Africa.

ETHSafari 2025 served as a call to action for investors and policymakers to rethink how they engage with African Web3 founders. Rather than simply providing capital, the focus should be on supporting incubation programs, fostering peer-driven accountability networks, and prioritizing long-term, sustainable development. These efforts are not just about financial returns but about building the infrastructure for a self-sustaining ecosystem where innovation can flourish without reliance on external validation.