by Terence Zimwara
Blockchain and crypto enthusiasts have for years preached about the much envisioned mass adoption of this fintech and why this is an important goal that must be achieved sooner than later. However, many factors like ignorance, a lack of information, and poor telecommunication infrastructure have made the attainment of this objective difficult.
In Africa, where proponents of cryptocurrencies believe the technology has a better chance of succeeding, the task of convincing the continent’s citizens is made even more difficult by scammers. The number of people losing money to crypto scams remains very high, and this works against adoption efforts.
To overcome this challenge, one Namibian educator and author, Gurvy Kavei, decided to publish a book that shares what he has learned. Kavei, who is also a tutor at the University of Namibia, told Bitcoin.com News that he expects the book to help practitioners, policymakers, as well as educators like himself, become acquainted with the technology’s basics.
In addition to sharing his reasons for publishing the book, Kavei explained to Bitcoin.com News in written responses why thinks education is the key. Below are Kavei’s responses to questions sent to him via Whatsapp.
Bitcoin.com News (BCN): What made you decide to write this book?
Gurvy Kavei (GK): I am an educationist. With the low level of crypto and blockchain adoptions in Africa and Namibia in particular, it becomes a duty of care to create and share knowledge with future generations of many digital economy hopefuls. So this is to help those that want to help themselves in the crypto/blockchain space. Neo-economics is no longer about monopoly accumulation of wealth, but about shared prosperity. So I decided to write this book to share the prosperity of both wealth and knowledge.
BCN: How important is this book or any other book that seeks to raise awareness with the public about bitcoin and the blockchain?
GK: The importance of this book is immeasurable. It covers nearly 360 degrees of the entire crypto ecology. It outlines the scope of the 4th Industrial revolution and how it connects to blockchain technology. The book further takes a deep dive into crypto mining and crypto trading. The third and most important aspects the book covers are the geographical footprints, regulatory permutations and fintech enablers that enable practitioners and entrepreneurs to lay a solid hand on the new digital economy. So this book comes in handy for practitioners, policymakers as well as educators.
BCN: What is your assessment of the level of interest in cryptocurrencies in Namibia?
GK: The level of interest is progressively growing larger and almost everywhere. Five years ago the crypto space could only be characterized by isolated pockets of multi-level marketing Bitcoin mining networks now and then. Although most of these like Bitclub Network, Mining City, or Crowd1 have had their inherent structural failures, crypto entrepreneurship remains buoyant with new entrants entering the crypto ecology in different ways and for different reasons.
With large numbers of young entrepreneurs entering this space, crypto trading is one particular niche where young people are finding answers to the out-of-control (30%) unemployment and a solution to improving their own livelihood. Others like the Digital Wealth Economy of Namibia are now running Crypto Automated Machine (ATMs) where one can buy or sell crypto in Windhoek.
This trend is growing in size and space with time. With increased training in the use of Web3, AI and other coding practices, young people are now strongly hatching new solutions in the fintech space. Other Blockchain derivative solutions are emerging. I and other Blockchain enthusiasts have designed blockchain solutions for public and private enterprises to resolve many problems including land and property registrations, Identity Management. On the academic and research front, my new book and others slated for the future are indications of how Namibia’s interest in crypto is changing.
Finally, the Bank of Namibia has officially expressed interest that it has intentions to explore the possibilities of launching a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) any time soon. All these things have enticed the University of Namibia to be the first high institution of learning to consider introducing academic programs in blockchain technology.
BCN: Are you able to give us any preliminary results or feedback about your book since its launch?
GK: Since the launch, some new opportunities have started showing up. First, the number of orders from individuals has started to pick up. Also, three higher education institutions have considered using the book in their training on the blockchain. These include the University of Namibia and the Digital Wealth Academy, while others are on the horizon.
While the number of books sales at international distributors like Grin Verlag, Lehmanns Media, Barnes and Noble Store, and Amazon Books, is increasing, there are efforts to secure local distribution rights in Namibia and a few other African countries where the need for crypto/blockchain education is growing rapidly. Two projects on developing blockchain solutions in insurance, and property registration have started in full earnest in Namibia since the book launch. One believes this is not the end. There will be many more to follow.
What are your thoughts on this story? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
Terence Zimwara is a Zimbabwe award-winning journalist, author and writer. He has written extensively about the economic troubles of some African countries as well as how digital currencies can provide Africans with an escape route.
Image Credits: Shutterstock, Pixabay, Wiki Commons
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It is not a direct offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, or a recommendation or endorsement of any products, services, or companies. Bitcoin.com does not provide investment, tax, legal, or accounting advice. Neither the company nor the author is responsible, directly or indirectly, for any damage or loss caused or alleged to be caused by or in connection with the use of or reliance on any content, goods or services mentioned in this article.
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