At Consensus 2025, the world’s premier crypto gathering, Buchi Okoro, CEO and Co-founder of Nigerian-based exchange Quidax, delivered a compelling speech that resonated far beyond the stage. His message was clear: Africa must not be left behind in the crypto revolution.
A Personal Beginning, A Continental Vision
Okoro’s address began with a personal story—his first foray into crypto in 2016 ended in loss. “It wasn’t a lot, but it was all I had,” he recalled. That moment became a turning point—not of discouragement, but of determination. The experience shaped a vital question:
“How do we make sure my story isn’t the story of every African trying to get into crypto?”
For Okoro, the answer lies not in exclusion or hesitation, but in building an inclusive infrastructure—one that empowers the 1.5 billion people across Africa to benefit from the most transformative financial technology in a century.
“Crypto Is Not Hype. Crypto Is Hope.”
In the West, crypto is often seen as a vehicle for speculation and accumulation. But in Africa, Okoro described a starkly different reality:
- Inflation averaging 19% across the continent
- Over $150 billion in annual remittance flows burdened by inefficiencies
- A youthful, tech-savvy population hungry for opportunity
“In Africa, crypto is not hype—it is hope. Crypto is opportunity. Crypto is freedom,” Okoro proclaimed.
In his eyes, Africa represents one of the truest embodiments of Satoshi Nakamoto’s vision: a decentralized system that empowers the unbanked and circumvents broken legacy institutions.
An Invitation to the World: Build the Future of Africa
But Okoro didn’t just speak to inspire—he issued a call to action:
“Join us to build the future of Africa—not just the future of crypto in Africa, but the future of Africa.”
He outlined three paths forward for global stakeholders:
- Partner with African platforms like Quidax to deepen infrastructure and liquidity access.
- Invest in African talent and opportunities, from blockchain startups to developer education.
- Engage and learn, breaking stereotypes to contribute value-driven solutions to real-world problems.
Referencing the African proverb, “It takes a village to raise a child,” Okoro emphasized that connecting Africa to the global financial future will require a collective global effort:
“Together, we can build Africa’s future.”
Quidax at the Center of the African Crypto Movement
Founded in 2018, Quidax has become one of Africa’s most recognized crypto exchanges. With support for both local currencies and major crypto assets, the platform aims to simplify access to digital finance for users across Nigeria and beyond.
Quidax has also leaned into education and trust-building—areas essential for overcoming the skepticism fueled by previous exchange collapses and fraudulent schemes in Africa’s crypto history.
Why This Matters
Buchi Okoro’s speech at Consensus 2025 wasn’t just a moment—it was a movement. As Africa grapples with inflation, currency volatility, and limited financial access, crypto has emerged as both a lifeline and a launchpad. Okoro’s vision is a reminder that Africa is not a market to be tapped—it’s a continent to be empowered.
For builders, investors, and global crypto leaders, the message is clear:
There are 1.5 billion reasons to care about Africa—and 1.5 billion opportunities to make a difference.
