• Blockchain has a broad scope of applications in the African cryptocurrency ecosystem
• Being a blockchain developer involves work, and an academic background in computer science will be an added advantage
• Understanding the existing blockchain architectures that help build platforms such as Ethereum will give you the necessary insight into what Blockchain Africa is aspiring to become

Blockchain has significantly risen over the years and firmly placed its roots in the African cryptocurrency ecosystem. Multiple crypto exchange organizations have turned their attention to Africa in hopes of acquiring its untapped talents.

Due to their avid engagement, blockchain Africa is now realized. There are numerous blockchain-based startups in Africa, and some are currently worth millions. Pezesha, Chipper Cash, and Bitsika are a few examples showing that African ingenuity can prosper beyond anyone’s wildest dreams. Hence the need for blockchain developers in Web3 has grown. 

But one has to ask how you become a blockchain developer. Is it through a blockchain course? Or Is there a way a typical African can be self-taught and develop “The next big thing”? The answer is yes, and here are the various steps you need to take over the world of African Cyptocurrency through blockchain development.

Understanding blockchain development

Before any clear steps are defined, you need to understand that blockchain is simply a concept or a mechanism operating on decentralization. Web3 technology runs on three main components: AI, cryptocurrency, and blockchain, with the latter giving Web3 its decentralized nature.

Also, Read Blockchain Africa: The dawn of a new tech age

Blockchain development, however, is the process of building and maintaining a blockchain platform. It involves creating the infrastructure to build blockchain-based applications such as digital currencies, smart contracts, and distributed applications.

A Blockchain developer is responsible for creating decentralized applications and designing the algorithms used within smart contracts. They are mainly classified into two main categories, each having its roles and responsibilities;

• Core Blockchain Developer –  They are responsible for designing the various protocols and consensus mechanisms used within the blockchain. In short, you will be responsible for creating algorithms such as the Proof-of-Stake or Proof-of-Work consensus protocols. They also monitor and design the network architecture of the whole system.
• Blockchain Software Developer –  They are responsible for building the applications supported on the existing blockchain platforms. They essentially build a decentralized application; they are similar to web or software developers but have to add the various unique features of blockchain.

Blockchain Africa needs the latter since crypto exchange platforms sponsor African startups and need more blockchain software developers to create applications to work on their Web3 environment.

Roadmap of a blockchain developer

Have an academic background

Before diving into a blockchain course, you must understand how a computer works. Being a blockchain developer involves work, and an academic background in computer science will be an added advantage.

Blockchain Africa is a vast world, and having this educational background would broaden your creativity and scope of where or how customers will use blockchain applications. 

Also, Read The state of blockchain and cryptocurrency in Zambia

Only some are fortunate in Africa to acquire this privilege but having some competence in mathematics and computer is still the first step in joining Blockchain Africa.

Learn the essential computing skills

To become a blockchain developer, you are required to possess specific skills. They include;

• Programming in various languages – The African cryptocurrency ecosystem is built on the digital world. Creating anything there requires you to be proficient in some level of coding. Numerous blockchain courses place this as a requirement. The primary programming language used in Blockhain Africa is Python due to its versatility.
• Cryptography – this is an integral part of any blockchain technology. It serves as the core security measure that blockchain uses to protect sensitive information within the network and smart contracts. The term “crypto” from cryptocurrency is an acronym to represent cryptography. There are free courses that offer cryptographic courses, all you require is internet access, and you are set to go.
• Smart contracts are the backbone of every blockchain technology and are also a crucial concept derived from Web3. It enables two parties to execute an agreement without an intermediary. Its application revolutionized blockchain; hence you will need.
• Blockchain architectures – understanding the existing blockchain architectures that help build platforms such as Ethereum will give you the necessary insight into what Blockchain Africa is aspiring to become. The four blockchain architectures include; public, private, consortium and hybrid. Many blockchain courses require that you build at least one of each.

Acquire Hands-on Experience

Any undertaking that involves computers will require consistent practice. The more you practice, the better you’ll become. Implementing the various programming languages will enable you to build smart contracts and decentralized applications.

Web3 is such a vast and ever-growing world. You can easily apply new ideas and concepts. Many video tutorials can guide you into developing concepts that the African cryptocurrency ecosystem is yet to see.

Eventually, rely on the blockchain course.

You can only do so much alone; if you are to move to an expert level and learn new ideas and concepts, you will have to enrol in a blockchain course.

Numerous African universities offer such and even organizations that conduct such training. Only relying on self-teaching tends to limit your capabilities. If you desire to be a full-time developer, it will require you to showcase your skills and a certificate for legal issues.

Conclusion

The African cryptocurrency ecosystem desperately needs blockchain developers, and many offer their training at minimal to no costs. The journey might be a bit long, but eventually, it will pay off since Web3 is still a new concept, and joining generally assures a place within a place in its vast world of Blockchain Africa.

Read: Blockchain startups are on course to make Africa a crypto continent