United Africa Blockchain Associate Chairwoman Yaliwe Soko is one of the few female authorities on blockchain technology in Africa. So, it should come as no surprise that our Editorial desk decided to reach out to her (again) to find out what she has been up to.
The reason for this is that blockchain technology’s potential to solve many of Africa’s problems holds the promise of a greater tomorrow for the continent where the Sun always shines. So, here’s what she had to say.
Yaliwe Soko Chairwoman United Africa Blockchain Association on Africa (UABA)
E-Crypto News:
- It’s been a while! What have you been up to crypto-wise and blockchain-wise?
I have been working on bringing positive awareness, education, and usability through my involvement with cLabs working on Celo and United Africa Blockchain Association.
E-Crypto News:
2. Do you think that blockchain technology and other distributed ledger technologies (DLTs) can solve many of Africa’s problems? Please tell us the reasons for your answer.
Blockchain technology might reduce the costs related to transactions both for businesses and their customers. It can also help solve bottom-neck hurdles in the bureaucracy chain.
E-Crypto News:
3. What has the United Africa Blockchain Association been doing to improve blockchain technology and cryptocurrency adoption in Africa? Are there any special activities that you are involved in?
UABA core contribution blockchain technology and cryptocurrency adoption in Africa is firstly through our education and awareness programs. Secondly through our networking with like minded organisation to champion adoption in Africa.
E-Crypto News:
4. What’s it like being a black woman in an industry that statistically has a majority of the male gender?
It’s intriguing, it’s getting better now and women are being appreciated more now. There are also more women jumping on the bandwagon, which is likely to even out the playing field.
There has also been great support from men and the media in bringing the spotlight to the amazing work women are doing in this space.
E-Crypto News:
5. How have you been able to excel in the blockchain industry?
Passion, consistency, persistence, and a supportive network.
E-Crypto News:
6. What advice will you give women who want to enter this industry?
We need more women in this space, they should not be afraid to jump on this train and be part of the future.
E-Crypto News:
7. What tools and programs has the United Africa Blockchain Association has in its arsenal to ensure further adoption of blockchain technology?
UABA is running a education awareness campaigns under the Reach 1 Million for Blockchain Program to aid the adoption of Blockchain technology in Africa.
E-Crypto News:
8. What are your plans for the African blockchain space? Any takers?
I would like to see more innovation in this space, we need to see solutions to our problems being built by us.
E-Crypto News:
9. Where do you see the African blockchain industry in say the next ten years?
Increased adoption and usability of the technology.
E-Crypto News:
10. Industry-wise who are your heroes/heroines and why?
Hahaha, I have no heroes and heroines, but I have developed an amazing network of advisors.
E-Crypto News:
11. How can Africans foster the adequate transfer of technology to enable the development of the DLT knowledge-base on the continent?
In Africa, Blockchain technology is already being used is significant way. You have to look to the Southern Africa, West Africa, East Africa activities. Obviously, the main use cases are around currency trading, payments, and fintech applications.
Education will play a role to more people onboard. As well as creating solutions to uniquely African problems.
E-Crypto News:
12. If you have three wishes for the blockchain industry and a genie that could make them come true what would they be?
A fairer world system enabled by Blockchain and crypto, instant adoption, and global knowledge.
