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Blockchain and crypto enthusiasts have been preaching for years about the much-envisioned mass adoption of this fintech and why it is an important goal that needs to be achieved sooner rather than later. However, many factors such as ignorance, lack of information and poor telecommunications infrastructure have made it difficult to achieve this goal.
A book of “immeasurable” importance
In Africa, where cryptocurrency proponents believe the technology is more likely to succeed, 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, which works against adoption efforts.
To overcome this challenge, a Namibian educator and author, Gurvy Kavei, decided to publish a book that shares what he learned. Kavei, who is also a tutor at the University of Namibia, told Bitcoin.com News that he expects the book to help practitioners, policy makers, as well as educators like him, learn about the basics of technology.
Along with sharing his reasons for publishing the book, Kavei explained to Bitcoin.com News in written responses why he thinks education is 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 a pedagogue. With the low level of crypto and blockchain adoption 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 who want to help themselves in the crypto/blockchain space. The neo-economy is no longer a monopolistic accumulation of wealth, but a shared prosperity. So I decided to write this book to share the prosperity of wealth and knowledge.
BCN: How important is this book or any other book that aims to raise awareness about bitcoin and blockchain?
GK: The importance of this book is immeasurable. It covers almost 360 degrees of all crypto-ecology. It describes the scope of the 4th industrial revolution and how it connects to blockchain technology. The book further delves into crypto mining and crypto trading. The third and most important aspect covered by the book are the geographical footprints, regulatory permutations and fintech enablers that allow practitioners and entrepreneurs to get their hands on the new digital economy. This book is therefore useful for practitioners, policy makers as well as educators.
BCN: What is your assessment of the level of interest in cryptocurrencies in Namibia?
GK: The level of interest increases gradually and almost everywhere. Five years ago, the crypto space could only be characterized by isolated pockets of Bitcoin multilevel marketing mining networks from time to time. Although most of them like Bitclub Network, Mining City or Crowd1 have had their inherent structural failures, crypto entrepreneurship remains vibrant with new entrants entering the crypto ecology in different ways and for different reasons.
With a large number of young entrepreneurs entering this space, crypto trading is a particular niche where young people are finding answers to uncontrollable unemployment (30%) and a solution to improve their own livelihoods. Others, like Namibia’s digital wealth economy, now use cryptocurrency ATMs (ATMs) where one can buy or sell crypto in Windhoek.
This trend grows in size and space over 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-derived solutions are emerging. Me and other Blockchain enthusiasts have designed blockchain solutions for public and private companies to solve many problems including land and property records, identity management. Academically and research-wise, my new book and others planned for the future are indications of Namibia’s evolving interest in cryptography.
Finally, the Bank of Namibia has officially expressed interest in intending to explore the possibilities of launching a central bank digital currency (CBDC) in the near future. All of these things prompted the University of Namibia to be the first high learning institution to consider introducing university programs in blockchain technology.
BCN: Are you able to give us preliminary results or feedback on your book since its launch?
GK: Since the launch, new opportunities have started to appear. First, the number of orders from individuals began to increase. Also, three higher education institutions considered using the book in their blockchain training. These include the University of Namibia and the Digital Wealth Academy, with more on the horizon.
As the number of book sales from international distributors like Grin Verlag, Lehmanns Media, Barnes and Noble Store and Amazon Books increases, efforts are being made to secure local distribution rights in Namibia and a few other African countries where the need crypto/blockchain education is growing rapidly. Two projects on the development of blockchain solutions in the field of insurance and property registration have started in earnest in Namibia since the launch of the book. We believe that 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.
Image credits: Shutterstock, Pixabay, Wiki Commons
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. This is not a direct offer or the solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, or a recommendation or endorsement of any product, service or company. 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.
