Sidebar is Mariblock’s Q&A series spotlighting the people shaping Africa’s blockchain and AI future — founders, policymakers, builders, and thinkers. In each edition, we share sharp, focused conversations that reveal the insights, challenges, and stories behind their work.
Chidubem Emelumadu is the African Ecosystem Lead at Lisk. She’s spent time at Binance, Nodo, and Access Bank, championing the needs of builders across the continent. In this sidebar, she talks about her journey into Web3, Lisk’s Africa strategy and the ecosystem gaps she sees across Africa.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
You have moved from Access Bank to Backdrop, Binance, Nodo, and now Lisk. What initially drew you into blockchain?
CE: I’ve always been drawn to innovative technology. As a digital native and someone who values efficiency, I was fascinated by how blockchain could improve financial access, particularly for people in regions like Nigeria. My curiosity was piqued when I started using a remittance product that worked seamlessly for my gift business, unlike traditional payment systems. Seeing how crypto solved real-life problems made me interested in the space.
Beyond that, I spent time exploring different tech skills—design, digital marketing, and even working closely with a blockchain developer. That hands-on experience solidified my interest. My role as an executive assistant to Damilola Odufuwa, who was deeply involved in tech and blockchain, further immersed me in the ecosystem.
What does a day in the life of Lisk’s African ecosystem lead look like?
CE: Lisk is focused on building an expansive ecosystem for builders in high-growth markets like Africa, Asia, and Latin America. My role involves managing relationships across the continent, ensuring builders and founders have access to resources, funding, and network opportunities.
On a typical day, I engage with Lisk’s African ambassadors, who help drive local adoption and community growth. I also work closely with projects in Lisk’s incubator programs, helping founders with marketing strategies, product distribution, and go-to-market support. Additionally, I coordinate ecosystem-building initiatives such as boot camps, hackathons, and roadshows to strengthen Lisk’s presence across Africa.
“In the West, crypto can be a luxury, but here, it solves real problems: cross-border payments, financial access, and inflation hedging.”
What are some challenges you’ve faced in growing blockchain adoption in Africa?
CE: One major challenge is the “chicken and egg” problem—do we focus first on builders or retail adoption? Some ecosystems prioritize retail; others focus on developers. Balancing both is tricky but necessary.
Another challenge is staying aligned with industry trends while maintaining a long-term strategy. The blockchain space moves fast, and while it’s important to adapt, we also need to stick to our core mission. Our goal is to grow our ecosystem across all fronts while staying aligned with the market. We have a clear strategy and narrative, and while we remain committed to it, we also allow room for flexibility.
Why do you think more global Blockchain ecosystems are betting on Africa
CE: The need for blockchain in Africa is more practical than speculative. In the West, crypto can be a luxury, but here, it solves real problems: cross-border payments, financial access, and inflation hedging.
Africa also has a rapidly growing youth population that is tech-savvy and eager to explore new financial systems. As the continent’s digital economy expands, blockchain will play a crucial role, and global ecosystems are realizing they need to invest early.
Tether’s dominance is a great example. A significant portion of USDT transactions comes from high-growth markets, which proves that blockchain isn’t just theoretical here; it’s essential.
You recently hosted a brunch for female blockchain operators. What was the goal?
CE: At Lisk, we believe in fostering a human-first ecosystem. The brunch was about bringing together women founders, builders, and operators to connect, share insights, and support one another. Representation matters. Many women hesitate to apply for roles unless they feel 100% qualified, unlike men, who often apply with 60% of the requirements. Creating spaces where women can see others thriving in the industry helps break that barrier.
I hope to continue hosting these gatherings, not just for women but for builders across the ecosystem who need the right support networks.
