Save the date! The Decentralized Nigeria Conference, jointly convened by Nova Phoenix and Rume Ophi, in July 5, 2025. Hope to see you at the Civic Centre, Lagos, Nigeria! This year’s conference theme is “Igniting Africa’s Web3 Revolution.” It aims to start important conversations on how Africa is influencing the global Web3 economy. Nova Phoenix, founder and CEO of LyfebloodDAO, lives in New York. She imagines a future in which Nigeria develops homegrown decentralized applications (dApps) that serve users around the world, putting the country on the map as a regional blockchain center.
The conference is expected to welcome more than 1,000 participants. It will bring together an impressive and varied cast of speakers from across Africa, the U.S., Europe and Asia. It will serve as a launchpad for artists, experts, enthusiasts, and newcomers to discover the opportunities that Web3 technologies present in Africa. The immersive, multi-day event is intended to spur innovation, collaboration, and education of the blockchain industry.
Envisioning Nigeria as a Web3 Leader
Nova Phoenix sees Nigeria as an ideal candidate to lead the charge across Africa and establish itself as a Web3 powerhouse on the global stage. She is especially thrilled about the potential for young Nigerians to join the vanguard of the Web3 revolution. This optimism is fueled by Africa’s spirit, creativity and youthful demographic.
"It brings in global expertise and also showcases Nigeria’s homegrown talent." - Nova Phoenix
Phoenix wants to make clear that Nigeria is bursting with talent and creative resources. With the proper frameworks and support, our nation can lead the way in driving positive, meaningful impact in the space. She dreams about the day when developers in Nigeria create global award-winning dApps. This will ensure the country’s role as a global leader in the decentralized future to come.
Phoenix’s ambition extends well beyond tech development. She works to ensure that Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem can thrive and contribute significantly to the global Web3 story. This means fostering new avenues for education, collaboration, and investment in the local blockchain ecosystem.
Addressing Trust and Promoting Education
The Decentralized Nigeria Conference deeply values trust, which is essential for nurturing a vibrant Web3 ecosystem. This is an important emphasis for the convening. Nova Phoenix knows that trust is what stops the most folks. They know education is central to breaking through this pernicious barrier.
"We know trust is a big issue. That's why education is front and center at this conference," - Nova Phoenix
This year, the conference will include topics such as crypto safety, responsible investing, and ways to identify legitimate projects as opposed to scams. Our goal is to empower attendees with the guiding knowledge and inspiring tools that they need. This will help equip them to explore the Web3 universe safely, confidently, and creatively.
"We’ll have sessions on crypto safety, responsible investing, and how to identify real projects versus scams." - Nova Phoenix
The conference structure is intended to be very inclusive for an audience that extends well beyond the traditional tech sector.
"This conference isn’t just for tech bros," - Nova Phoenix
Nova Phoenix highlights the need to give people actionable information that they can use in their everyday lives and businesses.
"We want people to walk away with knowledge they can use — in their businesses, in their communities, in their lives." - Nova Phoenix
Opportunities in Decentralized Finance
Decentralized Finance (DeFi) holds immense promise for Nigeria. It has the potential to reach rural communities and the informal sector—populations that legacy banks frequently exclude. For Nova Phoenix, DeFi represents an opportunity to bring financial inclusion and empowerment to communities without it. By leveraging blockchain technology, DeFi can offer access to loans, savings, and other financial services without the need for traditional intermediaries.
Phoenix's involvement in blockchain began in 2016, giving her a deep understanding of the technology's potential and challenges. Those challenges shape her approach to advocating for Web3 adoption in Nigeria. She’s focused on practical applications and developing real-world solutions.
Nova Phoenix strongly believes that the Nigerian government needs to play a greater part in fostering the Web3 ecosystem. Their engagement is critical for its maturation and success.
"The government’s first step should be to create clear regulations that allow crypto platforms and stablecoins to operate better,” - Nova Phoenix
This is a big deal, because here in the District, she champions regulations that are clear and supportive – fostering innovation while protecting consumers. Develop a regulatory framework that allows crypto platforms and stablecoins to operate safely and effectively. This will lead to a stable and predictable climate for private sector business leaders and investors alike.
Call to Action
Nova Phoenix invites everyone to participate in the transformative Web3 revolution, whether you’re a newcomer or a pro. She is passionate about the fact that the Web3 space needs all kinds of skills and perspectives.
"You don’t need to be a coder. Web3 needs marketers, designers, lawyers, educators. Everyone has a role to play.”" - Nova Phoenix
She provides pragmatic nuggets of wisdom for anyone hoping to break into the space.
"Start with the basics. Learn how blockchain works. Join communities. Attend events. Build something — even if it’s small.”" - Nova Phoenix
Beyond reimagining inclusion, Phoenix is a living testament to the power of responsible and safe participation in the Web3 ecosystem.
"Be responsible. Be safe. And be bold.”" - Nova Phoenix
She calls on people to defend themselves from scams and misinformation, and to be cautious and informed when adapting to the new technology.
"Nigerians are already creating some of the most exciting blockchain projects out there," - Nova Phoenix
She is confident that if given the support needed, Nigerian innovators have the potential to redefine the story.
"With the right support, they can shape the global narrative." - Nova Phoenix
