How Africa Works

I’m returning from a couple of weeks in Dakar. I was hoping to seek out the local bitcoiners whilst getting a feel for this West Coast power house.

No joy with the bitcoiners this time around but what I did find was a vast mega city pumping with people busying themselves on that daily grind at every level. Young and old, impoverished and wealthy along with all that sits in between. All rubbing shoulders in an effort to make their respective portion of daily bread.

Horse & cart, trikes, bikes, mopeds, taxis, mini buses, coaches, cars, SUVs, pickups, trucks, artics all moving as quickly and cleanly as possible. No road rage but a fare bit of horn tooting to ensure others are aware of your presence. Colours, variety, originality, ingenuity, audacity and the darn right outrageous!

Street vendors of all forms and all ages offering up everything from snacks, fruit, veg, hot drinks, cold drinks, tissues buy the box, tissues by the pack, hot sandwiches. The effort, patience and industry is truly impressive.

Fait robs the people in their sleep and the CFA is probably the most insidious of these.

Bitcoin has a place here but there is work to do for it to be realised. I saw it. Retailers, traders, street vendors and taxis use mobile money to transact via QR code. It’s everywhere. I see a point in time where sats via lightning invoices and eCash replace mobile fiat.

I look forward to Senegal being based!