Next up in our ‘But Why Blockchain?’ series we our International Affiliated Scholar, Oluwaseun David Adepoju. Oluwaseun is a technology researcher, published writer, author, speaker and an all-round technology thought leader. While being an Affiliated Scholar at the Center, Oluwaseun’s research focused on regulatory conditions of crypto transaction records for credit scoring in Africa. In this episode he will preview his research.
Who is someone that has inspired the work you do today?
Dr. Bosun Tijani, a leading figure in African technology and innovation, has been a significant inspiration in shaping my career. As the co-founder of Co-Creation Hub (CcHUB) and now the Minister of Information, Communications and Digital Economy of Nigeria, Dr. Tijani’s work in fostering collaboration, innovation, and entrepreneurship has deeply resonated with me. His vision of using technology to solve pressing social challenges in Africa has influenced my approach to leveraging digital solutions for social good. His relentless advocacy for building an inclusive tech ecosystem, where young Africans can thrive, inspires my commitment to using technology to create meaningful impact and opportunities for underserved communities.
If you were asked to present your research to a group of school-aged children, how would you summarize it?
To explain my research on using crypto transaction records for credit scoring to school-aged children, I’d start with something relatable like pocket money. Imagine you get money for doing chores, and you always write down how much you got and how you spent it. If someone wanted to know if you are responsible with your money, they could look at those records. In my research, instead of chores, I look at how people use digital money called “cryptocurrency” and how those records can help decide if they are trustworthy enough to borrow money.
What is one thing the United States could learn from Africa regarding the blockchain industry?
One key lesson the United States could learn from Africa regarding the blockchain industry is the potential for blockchain to drive financial inclusion. In several African countries, blockchain technology is being used to provide unbanked and underserved populations with access to financial services. Through decentralized finance (DeFi) and mobile-based blockchain platforms, individuals without traditional bank accounts can participate in the economy, save, and borrow money.
But why blockchain?
I focus on blockchain because it has the potential to revolutionize how we handle trust, transparency, and accessibility in many sectors, particularly finance. Blockchain allows for secure, decentralized transactions that can empower individuals, especially in underserved regions like parts of Africa, where access to traditional banking is limited. It offers a way to create digital identities, enable peer-to-peer transactions, and maintain transparent records without relying on central authorities. This technology is transformative, offering new opportunities for innovation and inclusion across industries globally.
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