Nova Phoenix, a New York-based entrepreneur and founder of LyfebloodDAO, and Rume Ophi, a Nigerian blockchain advocate and analyst, have said that together, they aim to shift Africa’s digital narrative from adoption to innovation through the Decentralised Nigeria Conference.
The goal of Decentralised Nigeria, according to the organisers is to amplify the continent’s blockchain potential by aligning education, policy, and technology with the aspirations of a young, digitally native population.
On July 5, 2025, the Civic Centre in Lagos will become the epicenter of a new digital awakening as blockchain leaders, Web3 enthusiasts, investors, and developers converge for the Decentralised Nigeria Conference.
At its core, the conference will showcase how Web3 technologies such as blockchain, NFTs, DeFi, and tokenization can be harnessed to build inclusive, transparent, and economically sustainable systems across Africa.
Nova Phoenix and Rume Ophi, though from different continents, are united by a common vision: to create decentralised systems that uplift individuals and communities. Nova, whose background spans television production and social media entrepreneurship, pivoted fully into the blockchain space in 2020 after years of following cryptocurrency trends.
His project, LyfebloodDAO, merges social media engagement with decentralised finance and NFT marketplaces to create an ecosystem that not only supports creators but also funds community initiatives.
Rume Ophi, based in Lagos, brings a wealth of experience as the former Executive Secretary of the Blockchain Association of Nigeria. As a crypto market analyst and blockchain educator, he has dedicated his career to simplifying the complexity of blockchain for the Nigerian public. His work has focused on public education, media engagement, and policy advocacy — pillars that continue to shape the conversation around blockchain in Nigeria.
Their decision to co-convene the conference is rooted in the belief that Africa’s Web3 revolution must be led by Africans, with support from allies who understand the socio-economic context of the region.
The decision to host the inaugural edition of Decentralised Nigeria in Lagos comes at a time when the continent is at a crossroads. According to the Chainalysis 2022 Global Crypto Adoption Index, Nigeria ranks second globally in terms of cryptocurrency usage.
This is driven largely by high inflation, currency instability, and limited access to traditional banking services — conditions that make decentralised financial tools both necessary and attractive.
Nigeria’s population, 70 percent of which is under the age of 30, is also among the most digitally connected in Africa. With growing mobile phone penetration and increasing exposure to digital technologies, the youth are actively seeking tools that allow them to build wealth, access global markets, and express creativity. Web3 technologies provide these capabilities through decentralised exchanges, smart contracts, DAOs, and NFTs.
The July 5 conference will present an opportunity to not only highlight success stories but also to engage policymakers and regulators in crafting frameworks that support responsible innovation. It aims to connect startups, creatives, engineers, investors, and regulators under one roof for real-time discussions on building Africa’s decentralised future.
Decentralised Nigeria is designed to cover a wide spectrum of topics relevant to both Nigerian and African audiences.
The agenda includes key themes such as decentralised finance (DeFi), tokenization of real-world assets, NFTs in the creative economy, digital identity, and the future of governance through decentralised systems.
Special focus will be given to the role of blockchain in sectors such as agriculture, education, healthcare, and real estate. For instance, blockchain-based land registration can address long-standing issues around property rights, while decentralised voting platforms can enhance election transparency.
One of the major issues facing the adoption of blockchain in Nigeria and across Africa is the lack of clear and enabling regulations. While some progress has been made — notably the Nigerian Securities and Exchange Commission’s 2022 guidelines on digital assets — the policy environment remains ambiguous.
The conference will serve as a platform for direct engagement with regulators, with the goal of encouraging a shift from restrictive policies to inclusive and informed regulation. Discussions will explore how stablecoins, decentralised exchanges, and cross-border payment solutions can operate within existing legal frameworks.
Another critical area of focus is infrastructure. Despite the rapid growth of crypto and blockchain activity, many parts of Nigeria still lack the digital infrastructure required to support full Web3 adoption. Issues such as internet accessibility, data costs, and electricity reliability continue to pose challenges. The conference will provide a forum to explore public-private partnerships aimed at addressing these systemic issues.
Education remains a cornerstone of sustainable blockchain adoption. Both organisers have championed education as a tool for demystifying blockchain and promoting innovation. In recent years, there has been a surge in grassroots efforts to teach blockchain development, smart contract writing, and crypto literacy in schools and universities.
The long-term vision is to create a continent-wide Web3 talent pipeline that not only fills roles in global blockchain companies but also seeds homegrown startups with local solutions. This vision is particularly relevant as international blockchain firms increasingly look to Africa for talent.
The economic case for blockchain adoption in Africa is compelling. According to a 2024 World Bank study, blockchain could contribute over $25 billion to Sub-Saharan Africa’s GDP by 2030 if integrated effectively into public administration, agriculture, supply chains, and financial services.
The creative economy, long hindered by piracy and limited distribution channels, is also poised for transformation. The global NFT market surpassed $40 billion in 2023, and African artists are beginning to tap into this space. With the right tools, local creatives can bypass middlemen, retain more revenue, and reach global audiences instantly.
Similarly, the tokenization of real estate, agriculture yields, and other traditionally illiquid assets presents opportunities for shared ownership, transparency, and broader access to capital.
Although this is the inaugural edition, Decentralised Nigeria is part of a broader strategy to build a pan-African web3 movement. Plans are already underway for future editions in Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa. The organisers envision a decentralised network of conferences, learning hubs, and innovation labs that can foster continental collaboration.
The long-term ambition is to see African-led blockchain projects not only succeed locally but shape global standards in governance, finance, and community building. With African developers and creators building tools for their own communities, the continent has the potential to become a net exporter of innovation.
As Nigeria prepares to host this seminal conference, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The convergence of global blockchain leaders, local innovators, and eager youth at the Civic Centre is more than symbolic — it is a statement of intent.
The continent is no longer content with being a consumer of foreign technologies. Through initiatives like Decentralised Nigeria, it is positioning itself as a co-creator of the Web3 future. And if Nova Phoenix and Rume Ophi have their way, Lagos will be remembered as the city where Africa’s decentralised revolution truly began.
The future isn’t just arriving. It’s being built — block by block, chain by chain.
