Blockchain philanthropy fails Africa’s real-world test

Crypto philanthropy in Africa builds moments, not enduring systems. Transparency without local ownership and maintenance delivers aid dependency, not dignity.

Opinion by: Samuel Owusu-Boadi, founder of WellsForAll

Over the past decade, crypto philanthropy has exploded. From a niche experiment to a transformative force channeling billions into global causes, crypto philanthropy’s moment has arrived.

According to data from The Giving Block, crypto donations exceeded $1 billion in 2024, proving that blockchain-based giving is now a legitimate, more transparent (in theory) and efficient alternative to traditional charity fundraising. While these figures show momentum, scale alone does not equate to success, especially in philanthropic projects across Africa.

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