This compelling talk provides a vivid exploration of economic struggles and financial inequality in Africa, as viewed through the speaker’s personal experiences growing up in Douala during the ’94 CFA devaluation. She masterfully contrasts the American and African perspectives on wealth and financial systems, illuminating the stark barriers that exist in the latter. As she unveils these challenges, a beacon of hope emerges – the transformative potential of blockchain technology. This revolutionary tool, she proposes, could redefine African wealth, break down economic walls, and bridge the financial divide. However, she underscores the importance of education as a crucial factor for ensuring lasting impact and leveraging this opportunity. It’s an inspiring call-to-action that urges us to rethink wealth creation in Africa, and indeed, the world. Nelly is a renowned Data leader and an outspoken advocate for African financial inclusion and the potential of blockchain to transform the continent. In 2020, she launched her start-up Ejara.io: Africa’s first non-custodial cryptocurrency wallet and mobile investment platform uniquely tailored for Francophone Africa and the diaspora. After earning her degree in computer science and MBA from HEC Paris and London Business School, Nelly has spent the last 15+ years across Europe and the United States building expertise in emerging technologies, traditional finance, and Web 3.0 through her participation in several directorial boards and executive committees. She also leads the Tezos Africa foundation with chapters spanning several regions. In her own words, “Ejara came from a vision that I have, which is to allow everyone, no matter where they are in Africa, to be able to create, increase and protect their wealth and savings. The royal purple lion represents our form of the future.” This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
