Today we are travelling to Africa with the Cardano SPO operating the stake pool ZOEPOOL (ZOE).
Last week’s guest on the Cardano SPO Column was a mission-driven Stake Pool Operator helping LGBTQ+ causes.
This initiative is a point of reference for everything Cardano and every week or two we will invite a Stake Pool Operator (SPO) to answer some questions and give us an update directly from within the Cardano community.
Considering that many of our readers are new to the crypto space, we will have a mix of simple and technical questions.
Hi April, your enthusiasm on the Cardano Africa Special has persuaded me to have you here. Tell our readers about yourself.
Hello everyone my name is April. I’m from Nigeria. I got into the blockchain space in september 2019 through my friend Joshua, who happens to be the Nigerian Ambassador of Cardano. I’m currently the first and only female SPO in Africa and I look forward to seeing other female SPOs from Africa. Aside from being a stakepool owner, I’m a law student, aspiring to be a blockchain lawyer.
The latest Cardano monthly update was dedicated to Africa, can you give us an overview of the major announcements that took place and what they mean for Africa?
Yes! There was a lot of exciting news on the Cardano special. First was the partnership with the Ethiopian government to upload the credentials of 5 million students on the blockchain. This is the biggest blockchain deal I have ever seen and I’m particularly proud of the minister of Education of Ethiopia, for taking this bold step. I believe it will set the stage for other African countries to adopt the Cardano blockchain. I was also intrigued by the partnership with WorldMobileTeam, a telco company that is building infrastructure to bring internet access to those who don’t have it in Tanzania. This is amazing because it is not just any kind of infrastructure for internet access, but a decentralized infrastructure where the people have control of the internet. When I saw this, I thought of mesh networks. Internet access will no longer be centralized. This is a huge step for Africa and it’s only a matter of time, before other African countries follow suit. With all these solutions coming up, I believe Africa can leap frog it’s way to the future.
Let’s include a question for people who aren’t familiar with Cardano. What has drawn you to this particular blockchain over the others?
Like I mentioned earlier, my friend Josh taught me about blockchain and inspired me to read more about this tech. I did my research on the first and second generation blockchains but was very intrigued with Cardano because of its vision. I found it very fascinating because Cardano is a project that is not all about cryptocurrencies but about changing the world and the people in it for the better. I got in here not for the currency, but for the revolution; and it’s already happening with great projects like POA, and LIQWID. Another reason I love Cardano is because of its community I must say. Beautiful people from all walks of life; very supportive and passionate.
We had Shweta from kBlocks some time ago as the first female SPO in the world, whereas you hold that title for Africa, how does the #WomenInBlockchain situation look in your continent?
Well, I got here because someone created awareness. I also want to be a channel through which many, especially women, will be enlightened. The participation of women is not so much compared to that of men. This is the vision of ZOE – to see more women being represented here in the blockchain space. I host meetups on blockchain with the rewards I get from ZOEPOOL. I have a meetup coming up by the end of the month in one of the Universities here in Nigeria.
I’ll also do more podcasting soon, seminars, and many other events, precisely to spread the knowledge of Cardano in Africa.
It was a pleasure to read your answers. Any final words? Where can people find you?
I want to say a big thank you for this opportunity Patryk, I’m truly grateful. As much as the number of women here isn’t so much, there are still great women in this space that are rising. And I believe soon enough we will have more women represented here. In turn, this will set the stage for the younger generation of women to look up to.
Also a big shout to the Cardano community. Y’all are the best! If you love, and resonate with my vision, you can be a part of it by delegating to ZOEPOOL. Support Africa, Support Women, Support the Future!
You can find me on Twitter @april2905 @zoepoolz
Instagram @zoepoolz
Disclaimer: The opinions and views of the SPOs are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the Cardano Foundation or IOHK.
The post Cardano SPO Column: ZOEPOOL (ZOE) appeared first on The Cryptonomist.
