Top African Startups Using Blockchain for Good

Africa has gained momentum in the past few years to emerge as one of the fastest-growing regions in regards to adoption of blockchain. Many individuals begin to think of cryptocurrency but blockchain is far much larger than that. It is a tech that can introduce transparency, cut down on corruption, accelerate payments, and even turn farmers and students into beneficiaries. Some startups across the continent are demonstrating to the world that blockchain can be utilized in good rather than trading coins. This is particularly interesting to me as a Nigerian because Africa is not short of issues which can be addressed through blockchain, such as mistrust of governments, inability to send money, poor access to financial services, and agricultural problems.

A startup called Bitland in Ghana is solving its land ownership issues with blockchain. Due to corruption, inadequate record keeping or unavailability of the right documents, many Africans find themselves losing their properties. Under the system of bitland, the records of land ownership are stored on blockchain in an irreversible and irreparable manner. This safeguards the common man and it gives him a sense of peace that nobody can rob him of his land. Bankymoon is introducing transparency to education in South Africa by developing smart electricity meters in schools based on blockchain technology. Anyone around the world can make their contributions with cryptocurrency directly into such meters and be sure that the schools will receive electricity day in, day out without worrying that their funds will be stolen or squandered somewhere along the way.

Another project that is very motivating and is located in Rwanda is Leaf Global Fintech. This start-up assists refugees, migrants who are frequently unable to bring money across the borders or to open bank accounts in new countries. They can use a blockchain-based digital wallet to store and transfer money safely with a mobile phone only with Leaf. This is providing occupied people with dignity and security. AgriLedger is boosting agriculture in Kenya. Middlemen tend to exploit farmers and give them unfair payment. AgriLedger is a blockchain-based company that tracks produce and records transactions to enable farmers to sell on their own terms, receive fair prices, and be paid instantly. It reduces poverty and creates superior food systems.

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Nigeria is also contributing significantly towards good use of blockchain. Sure Remit is a startup in Nigeria which is making it easier to get money sent back home by individuals outside of Nigeria. They also have the ability to send grocery, health or school fees vouchers rather than cash which will go to good use. This makes remittances cheaper and life easier to the family. HouseAfrica is another Nigerian company that is addressing the issue of counterfeit land documents. Their product, Sytemap, runs on blockchain to authenticate land titles and eliminate fraud in real estate. This also ensures that young Nigerians invest in property without the fear of being cheated out of their money.

Another startup that has achieved success through blockchain and renewable energy is located in South Africa, Sun Exchange. It enables individuals across the globe to purchase tiny segments of solar panels and rent them to schools, companies or communities in Africa. These investors are getting a paycheck, and the communities are receiving clean and affordable electricity. This model shows how blockchain has the potential to transform the economy and the society.

All that demonstrates that blockchain is not only Bitcoin or trading coins. It concerns the resolution of actual African issues of land ownership, remittances, energy, farming, and education. Naturally there are still problems like lack of internet connectivity, ignorance and unpredictable government control. But the gains that have been achieved are very encouraging. What is unique about these projects is that they do not necessarily reproduce western ideas but rather develop solutions that suit Africa. Startups are showing that Africa can be the leader in innovation, starting with Ghana to Nigeria, Kenya to South Africa.

To summarize, blockchain technology is providing Africa with an opportunity to skip several steps and establish new forms of doing business that are more acceptable to everyone. People who were not part of the financial system, or who were victims of corruption and fraud are discovering hope, the first time. I think the future looks bright as a Nigerian, we continue to support startups such as SureRemit and HouseAfrica, among other African innovators. Blockchain cannot be the solution to all the issues, but it is already improving the life of numerous people in the continent. It is indeed true that Africa is awakening with blockchain--and it is awakening permanently.