In this engaging discussion, Eric Annan, the founder of Aya—a startup dedicated to empowering Africans in the Web3 space—shares his insights on crypto in Africa. He highlights the unique challenges and untapped potential of blockchain technology on the continent. Eric also emphasizes the philosophy of Ubuntu, promoting communal values over capitalist individualism. The conversation dives into the transformative power of technology and how it can foster development, skill-building, and a united economic approach across Africa.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Zuzalu Experience Sparks New Mindset
Eric Annan attended Zuzalu to learn from top minds and not to pitch his startup.
This experience inspired him to adopt a "hacker mindset" to build skills and community in Africa.
insights INSIGHT
Crypto Solves Africa's Payments
Crypto in Africa primarily solves payment and trade issues across fragmented countries.
Unlike the West, crypto is less about speculation and more about enabling economic inclusion and transactions.
insights INSIGHT
Rethinking Borders and Mobility
Africa needs to remove artificial borders to unlock mobility and economic opportunity.
Freedom to travel based on merit rather than passport can empower Africans and benefit global collaboration.
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In this episode I spoke to Eric Annan, founder of Aya, a startup in Africa trying to bring more Africans into the crypto space I met while at Zuzalu. We had some very interesting conversations together while there and I thought he would be great to have on the show to discuss crypto from one African perspective.
During the discussion we spoke about the realities of crypto in Africa, the potential of blockchain for pan-Africanism, and "the Communism of Ubuntu" embedded in Africa's communal culture.
Big thank you to Dallas Taylor for helping edit this episode!
Also I will be having another book event in Dallas, TX on August 10th at 7PM at Whose Books, a latino-owned bookstore in Bishop Arts. I'll be doing a presentation and book signing where you can also get a copy of book. Hope to see some of you there!
Be sure to sign up for the event on the eventbrite page! It is funded completely through donations so feel free to contribute whatever you feel comfortable with through the site.
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ICYMI I've written a book about, no surprise, blockchains through a left political framework! The title is Blockchain Radicals: How Capitalism Ruined Crypto and How to Fix Itand is being published through Repeater Books, the publishing house started by Mark Fisher who’s work influenced me a lot in my thinking.
The book is officially published and you use this linktree to find where you can purchase the book based on your region / country.
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