Features

Could Blockchain-Powered Anarcho-Capitalism Thrive in Africa?

Published

6 years ago

May 28, 2018

Africa is home to some of the most corrupt governments in the world. According to the Transparency International Corruption Perception Index 2017, 11 out of the 20 most corrupt countries are located on the African continent. These nations are also among some of the worst performing countries when it comes to socio-economic development.

This data suggests that the state is at least partly responsible for many of the economic and social challenges faced by Africans today. This begs the question: “Would African nations fare better if they were not restrained by the state?”

In this article, we will explore a political school of thought called anarcho-capitalism, which promotes the replacement of the state with a free-market based system that empowers citizens through self-ownership and private property and whether blockchain-driven anarcho-capitalism could provide a viable alternative model for socio-economically struggling nations in Africa.

What is Anarcho-Capitalism?

Anarcho-Capitalism

Anarcho-capitalism, also referred to as libertarian anarchy or free-market anarchism, is a political philosophy that advocates the elimination of the centralised state in favour of individual sovereignty and free markets.

Anarcho-capitalists believe that in the absence of statute societies self-regulate through what is referred to as spontaneous order – an order which emerges as a result of the voluntary activities of individuals and not one that is created by a government.

In an anarcho-capitalist society, instead of having government-run public sector institutions such as law enforcement and courts that are funded by taxation, these services would be operated by privately-funded businesses who are chosen by consumers in the open market. This, in turn, should create a more efficient economy with better services.

Legal disputes would be resolved using tort and contract law through dispute resolution organisations as opposed to through punishment determined by political monopolies, which tend to become corrupted.

As opposed to the public image of anarchy, which often associates this political concept to chaos and lawlessness, anarcho-capitalism is based on the non-aggression principle (NAP). In simple terms, the non-aggression principle states that you should not assert aggression towards others or their property as this is deemed unethical.

Anarchism is also often linked to left-wing political schools of thought such as socialism and communism. However, while there is a large anarcho-communist community, not all anarchists are opposed to private ownership of property and free-market economics. In fact, the anarcho-capitalist movement has been growing in recent years in places like the United States and Europe due to the dissatisfaction with the performance of recent and current governments.

The term “anarcho-capitalism” was coined by Murray Rothbard, an American economist, historian and political theorist, in the 20th century. Rothbard believed that:

“Capitalism is the fullest expression of anarchism, and anarchism is the fullest expression of capitalism.”

Anarchism in Africa

Africa is not foreign to anarchist societies. Author Sam Mbah and I. E. Igariwey suggest in their book, ‘African Anarchism: The History of a Movement’, that many traditional African societies were built on anarchic elements and lacked state-like hierarchies.

“To a greater or lesser extent, all of […] traditional African societies manifested “anarchic elements” which, upon close examination, lend credence to the historical truism that governments have not always existed. They are but a recent phenomenon and are, therefore, not inevitable in human society. While some “anarchic” features of traditional African societies existed largely in past stages of development, some of them persist and remain pronounced to this day.”

“What this means is that the ideals underlying anarchism may not be so new in the African context. What is new is the concept of anarchism as a social movement or ideology. Anarchy as an abstraction may indeed be remote to Africans, but it is not at all unknown as a way of life. This is not fully appreciated because there is not as yet a systematic body of anarchist thought that is peculiarly African in origin,” the authors wrote.

How a Blockchain-Powered “Decentralised Economy” Could Disintermediate the State

The power of decentralised applications (DApps) and the new “decentralised economy” lies in the disintermediation of central authority. This does not only apply to businesses who act as intermediaries (such as financial institutions for financial transactions for example) but can also apply to public sector institutions.

Through the adoption of decentralised services, many centrally governed services that governments (aim to) provide could be largely replaced. The issuance of identities, business lending, asset and land ownership, startup funding, legally binding smart contracts, a direct peer-to-peer sharing economy, and decentralised digital currencies are among the possibilities that blockchain technology could provide to disintermediate many of the state’s functions.

anarcho-capitalism The issuance of digital identities could be performed using a blockchain-powered database that does not require a centrally governed authority to oversee it. Instead, individuals could create their identities on the platform, and third parties who may require information on the individual could access it with the individual’s permission.

Business lending, as well as startup funding, which is often conducted through government grants or investment schemes, could be run by the private sector using blockchain solutions instead. Business lending, for example, could be performed on a peer-to-peer lending basis where investors lend to businesses directly without an intermediary taking a cut. Startup funding, on the other hand, could be conducted through initial coin offerings or security token offerings.

Asset and land ownership and transfers could be conducted on blockchain-based platforms for all stakeholders to view in a transparent and immutable manner. This way, there would be no need for public sector officials to become involved in the process and fees – and the potential for corruption – would thus be reduced.

Contractual agreements between businesses and individuals could be coded into immutable self-executing smart contracts, which would reduce the need for centrally-governed courtroom interventions in the matters between individuals and businesses. Moreover, the widespread adoption and societal implementation of smart contracts could drastically reduce the need for laws and bureaucratic legislation.

A true peer-to-peer sharing economy could also be created using blockchain technology, which could replace many public sector services with private sector solutions such as specialised healthcare or transport services, for example.

Furthermore, decentralised digital currencies such as bitcoin would eliminate the need for a central bank to meddle in the monetary affairs of a country and could empower citizens to “be their own bank” as opposed to relying on financial intermediaries to conduct their financial affairs.

Could Blockchain-Powered Anarcho-Capitalism Work in Africa?

It is difficult to know with any degree of certainty whether socio-economically struggling African nations would benefit from introducing blockchain-driven anarcho-capitalism as there have been little to no anarcho-capitalist societies to date.

According to freeblr, anarcho-capitalist societies have existed in the past, most notably in Celtic Ireland from 650 to 1650 and in the Icelandic Commonwealth from 930 to 1263. However, as these historical instances of anarcho-capitalism date back several hundred years it is difficult to determine whether these societies were truly 100 percent stateless and capitalist, and how well these societies functioned.

Anarcho-capitalism thus remains largely a political ideal and theoretical model that stands untested in modern history. This makes it difficult to judge whether an anarcho-capitalist society would flourish in countries that have suffered under corrupt governments.

In theory, however, anarcho-capitalism has the potential to create more wealth for a larger number of people in a society where it would be introduced. If you take away the state and its restrictive regulations, crony capitalism, and taxation, entrepreneurship and innovation could thrive while workers would be able to take home their entire paycheck as opposed to giving a share to their politicians.

The economy, in an anarcho-capitalist society, would become more efficient as private companies would have to compete to offer the best possible products and services that the consumer can then choose from. That would mean lower prices, higher quality products, and better services than in the current state of the economy.

Anarchy in Africa Interestingly, one could argue that a high degree of economic and entrepreneurial freedom already exists in most African nations due to its thriving informal sectors that stay mostly untouched by government rules and regulations. Vendors in poor areas, for example, are often able to sell their goods wherever they please without government interference and taxation is only sporadically enforced in many African slums. This would suggest that anarcho-capitalism can be found in pockets of Africa’s society today.

The lack of effective state-led policing in many African nations would also feed into this argument as punishment for crimes is often enacted by local communities themselves as a form of self-governing, which could be considered as quasi-dispute resolution organisations.

In light of Africa’s experience with anarchy in many of its traditional societies, the lack of state control in many of the poorer parts of the continent, and African citizens’ general distrust of governments and their institutions would suggest that the continent may be fertile ground for anarcho-capitalism. Through the widespread adoption of decentralised blockchain solutions, many of the government’s functions could be disintermediated and would thus become redundant, which would also feed into the argument that anarcho-capitalism could potential thrive in Africa.

Whether struggling African nations would be better off through the adoption of a free-market economy without government interference will remain unknown until the first libertarian society that embraces anarcho-capitalist ideas comes to fruition on African soil.

Unfortunately, due to corrupt government officials and the omnipresent corporate cronyism found all over Africa, it would be an uphill battle for the brave souls who attempt to create a free society based on the non-aggression principle, individual liberty, and personal financial sovereignty.

Related Topics:africa Anarcho-Capitalism Capitalism

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Why Crypto’s Leading the Way in Africa’s Evolving Finance Landscape

Published

1 year ago

July 24, 2023

Guest Contributor

Cryptocurrency adoption is on the rise throughout Africa. According to Chainalysis, the African crypto market is one of the fastest growing in the world, with an estimated $20 billion worth of transactions taking place per month. Meanwhile Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa are positioned in bitcoin.com top 10 global countries by Cryptocurrency Adoption.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the appeal of decentralised currencies in Africa and discuss how they’re leading the way in the continent’s ever-evolving finance landscape.

The Global Crypto Era

For several years now, cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology have been having a transformative effect on various industries and markets across the globe. From the disruption of the gaming industry via the emergence of play-to-earn gaming and online casino with crypto deposit platforms to smart contracts that are being used everywhere, from healthcare to real estate, the impact is evident.

With the rise of the DeFi and GameFi sectors, it’s clear that the global crypto era is now in full swing, and it’s an industry that’s gaining noticeable traction across Africa. Approximately 1.2 million Africans now actively trade cryptocurrencies, with Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa leading the way. Decentralised crypto trading platforms like Paxful and LocalBitcoins bypass financial institutions and present new opportunities for residents to buy and sell crypto tokens.

In terms of which crypto tokens are leading the way in Africa, Bitcoin (BTC) holds the position of the most dominant digital currency, with a substantial user base and trading volume. BTC is accepted and used for various purposes, including remittances and as a store of value.

Altcoins, too, are becoming more widespread in the continent, particularly Ether (ETH) and Binance Coin (BNB). Ethereum’s smart contract capabilities have fuelled its growth in the region, providing a solution to developers for building DApps (decentralised applications) that address Africa-specific challenges.

Additionally, several homegrown cryptocurrencies have emerged in recent years that are tailored to the local needs of the region. The Akoin token (AKN), for example, was founded by musical artist and humanitarian Akon as a means of powering a digital financial ecosystem in those regions with limited access to traditional banking services.

The Appeal of Cryptocurrencies

Cryptocurrencies offer several unique advantages, which, coupled with the economic stagnation still present in the continent, makes them particularly appealing to Africans.

One of the key drivers behind the burgeoning popularity of crypto in Africa is the lack of access to traditional financial services that many Africans still face. Many residents stay either unbanked or underbanked, excluding them from taking part in the global economy.

Decentralised currencies are gaining increased acceptance among the financially marginalised, particularly the low-income population, who have often been excluded from the banking system or had to face disproportionally high transaction costs. By their very nature, cryptocurrencies remove the need for traditional intermediaries, instead offering a borderless alternative that enables individuals to send and receive secure financial transactions instantly.

Currencies in countries such as Kenya and Nigeria have been damaged by decades of inflation, contributing to a surge in both economic and political instability. Cryptos hold the power to remedy financial exclusion and present an alternative to weak domestic currencies.

Unlike the more established traditional banking options in Africa, decentralised finance enables anyone with an internet connection and compatible device — smartphones included — to engage in a variety of financial transactions, from sending remittances to making investments. Crypto investing allows Africans to purchase and hold assets that will not be impacted by financial turbulence, such as rapid depreciation and ever-increasing inflation.

As mentioned above, cryptocurrencies are typically cheaper, easier to use and faster than conventional methods. The blockchain technology that eases peer-to-peer (P2P) transactions exists outside established fiat currency institutions, supplying a far more accessible and user-friendly solution.

Traditional remittance services are often slow, expensive and largely inaccessible to a significant portion of the African population. Digital currencies allow for frictionless cross-border transactions, meaning that individuals can send and receive money globally in a matter of minutes. Not only does this benefit individual consumers, but it also empowers African businesses and entrepreneurs, easing economic growth in the process.

A Lasting Impact

Given that Africa’s crypto ecosystem is still in an evolutionary stage, the popularity of decentralised currencies and blockchain applications will vary between countries and regions. Regulatory environments, infrastructure development and specific social-economic conditions can all influence the popularity and success of a crypto project. However, there’s no denying that the emergence of this industry has sparked a wave of innovation throughout many African countries.

Several blockchain-based startups have found innovative ways to leverage the potential of the technology to address the most prevalent socio-economic challenges. BitPesa is transforming the cross-border payments sector, while other startups have used blockchain tech to make supply chain management more transparent and even improve voting processes. By leapfrogging traditional infrastructures, decentralised currencies and technologies are proving to be the key to sustainable, long-term economic growth in Africa.

Features

The Rise of Bitcoin in the Online Gaming World

Published

1 year ago

July 24, 2023

Guest Contributor

Cryptocurrencies have disrupted traditional financial systems in recent years, and Bitcoin profiled itself as the most famous crypto. It has already found its way to e-commerce and investment, but this crypto is also present in the world of online gaming. In this article, we will explore the growing influence of Bitcoin in the online gaming world.

Bitcoin and Online Casinos

Thanks to Bitcoin’s integration into online casinos, players and operators now have a vast range of possibilities. With the use of Bitcoin, online casinos create another level of advantage over traditional payment options. Most of all, if you perform transactions in Bitcoin, they will be quicker and more efficient.

You can deposit or withdraw the funds within seconds without the need for complex verification processes or intermediaries. This makes the gaming experience smoother and more seamless for any player. Additionally, Bitcoin offers a higher level of privacy and security. We have already experienced how much financial and personal information traditional payment methods require.

Nevertheless, unlike them, Bitcoin transactions are pseudonymous, which means they provide players with greater anonymity. This privacy feature particularly appeals to those who value their online security and wish to enjoy online gaming without revealing their identities. Integrating Bitcoin into online casinos has also resulted in innovative bonus structures and rewards.

Some Bitcoin casinos offer exclusive promotions and bonuses for players who use Bitcoin as their preferred payment method. The best Bitcoin casinos in the Philippines are safe to deposit at, according to this guide, and you can choose the one that appeals to you the most. That’s why more and more players turn to Bitcoin as their payment method, fostering its further adoption in the gaming industry.

Since Bitcoin is decentralized, transactions bypass the regular censorship and control that we can see involved with traditional payment methods. Thanks to this, players from regions with strict gambling regulations can participate in online gaming with fewer restrictions. Bitcoin-powered online casinos do not impose geographical limitations, opening their services to players worldwide.

Bitcoin and Esports Betting

Beyond online casinos, Bitcoin has made significant breakthroughs in esports betting. We could witness a skyrocketing rise of esports in recent years, which resulted in millions of enthusiasts and viewers worldwide. Thanks to Bitcoin’s integration into esports, players have a wider range of options to engage with their favorite games and gamers.

Esports, or competitive video gaming, has witnessed a meteoric rise in popularity, attracting millions of viewers and enthusiasts worldwide. Bitcoin’s integration into esports betting platforms has revolutionized how fans engage with their favorite games and players.

Bitcoin’s advantages, such as fast and secure transactions, align perfectly with the dynamic nature of esports betting. Users can easily deposit and withdraw funds, allowing for quick reactions to changing odds or game outcomes. Bitcoin’s decentralized nature also ensures that bettors from any location can participate, overcoming the obstacles of regional restrictions and currency exchange complications.

Moreover, Bitcoin’s integration into esports betting platforms has provided players with increased transparency and fairness. The technology behind Bitcoin, blockchain, allows for unalterable and auditable records of transactions, ensuring that betting outcomes are tamper-proof.

This transparency has fostered greater trust among players, operators, and regulators, further fueling the growth of Bitcoin-powered esports betting.

Bitcoin and In-Game Purchases

As the gaming industry evolves, it has also opened innovative ways for gamers to enhance their gaming experience. With the involvement of Bitcoin, players can use it for in-game purchases. Nowadays, many popular online games support cryptocurrencies for item purchases, upgrades, or other enhancements.

Since crypto transactions are more seamless, Bitcoin has become a better alternative compared to traditional in-game payment methods. Game developers have also benefited from introducing Bitcoin as a payment option. Now they can offer a more convenient way of purchasing in-game items, transaction fees are lower, and processing times have become faster.

Moreover, you, as a player, don’t need to disclose any sensitive information anymore. That way, Bitcoin usage in gaming reduces the risk of potential data breaches. The adoption of Bitcoin in in-game purchases has also opened up new possibilities for cross-platform transactions.

As Bitcoin operates globally, players can easily trade or transfer in-game assets across different games or platforms, fostering a vibrant secondary market for virtual goods. This flexibility enhances player engagement and allows for a more interconnected gaming experience.

The integration of Bitcoin into in-game purchases has also paved the way for blockchain-based gaming ecosystems. Some game developers have embraced blockchain technology to create decentralized gaming platforms where players truly own their in-game assets through blockchain-based tokens. This ownership empowers players and introduces concepts of shortage and value to virtual items.

Bitcoin in Online Gaming

Benefits of Using Bitcoin in Online Gaming

Players can enjoy multiple benefits from using Bitcoin in online gaming. The most obvious one is that traditional payment methods cannot match the level of Bitcoin’s security and anonymity. Due to cryptos’ decentralized nature, you don’t need to disclose your sensitive data. If you want to get started in the gaming world easily and quickly, there’s no more attractive option than Bitcoin.

Transactions are completed within seconds, and they are cheaper in terms of fees compared to other popular methods. Since Bitcoin has become more popular in the online gaming industry, gaming platforms recognized its benefits.

Therefore, they introduced it as a payment method, and nowadays, the world’s most popular online gaming platforms accept Bitcoin, including Steam, Xbox Live, and PlayStation Network.

Security Considerations When Using Bitcoin in Gaming

While Bitcoin offers many benefits for online gaming, such as fast and secure transactions, there are also some security considerations to keep in mind. Performing online financial transactions always brings a high risk of potential hacking and theft of Bitcoin wallets. That’s why you should use a secure and reputable digital wallet and keep your private keys safe and inaccessible to unauthorized persons.

Also, online gaming platforms that you use should have strong security features established to keep your financial and personal information away from the eyes of unauthorized third parties.

Conclusion

Bitcoin’s rise in online gaming has brought many benefits for all entities in this growing industry. From online casinos to esports betting and in-game purchases, Bitcoin’s unique characteristics have reshaped the gaming landscape, offering increased speed, privacy, security, and global accessibility. It shouldn’t take too long before cryptocurrencies gain mainstream acceptance since they are continuously evolving.

That’s why we believe the Bitcoin integration in the online gaming industry will continue. Ultimately, it should unlock new ways of innovation and interaction for gaming fans worldwide, leading to limitless possibilities for the future of online gaming.

Features

Unlock the Thrills of NHL Crypto Betting and Live Streaming

Published

1 year ago

July 15, 2023

Guest Contributor

Are you a passionate NHL fan who craves excitement both on and off the ice? Look no further! NHL Crypto Betting and Live Streaming bring a revolutionary experience to your fingertips. Witness the fusion of cutting-edge technology, crypto-powered wagers, and seamless live streaming that will take your NHL engagement to new heights.

In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the world of NHL Crypto Betting, explore the latest trends in NHL betting, and uncover the exhilaration of live streaming. Brace yourself for an unparalleled journey that combines heart-pounding action, lucrative opportunities, and the thrill of cheering for your favorite teams in real-time.

The Evolution of NHL Crypto Betting

With the rise of blockchain technology, NHL Crypto Betting has emerged as a game-changer in the sports betting landscape. Powered by cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and others, NHL Crypto Betting offers a secure, transparent, and decentralized platform for enthusiasts to engage with their favorite teams.

By leveraging blockchain’s immutability and smart contract capabilities, NHL Crypto Betting ensures fair and tamper-proof transactions, providing users with a sense of trust and integrity.

Moreover, NHL Crypto Betting introduces a new dimension to the traditional sports betting experience. Cryptocurrencies enable users to make instant deposits and withdrawals, eliminating the hassles associated with fiat currencies. This streamlined process enhances convenience and accessibility for bettors, empowering them to place wagers quickly and effortlessly.

Unleashing the Power of NHL Trends Betting

Keeping up with NHL trends is essential for successful betting. NHL Trends Betting allows users to analyze historical data, team performance, player statistics, and other crucial factors to make informed betting decisions. By identifying patterns, tendencies, and emerging trends, bettors can gain a competitive edge and increase their chances of winning.

Whether you’re an experienced bettor or new to the world of NHL betting, understanding and leveraging NHL trends is paramount. Stay ahead of the game by monitoring team form, home and away records, head-to-head matchups, injury reports, and other key indicators. NHL trends betting offers a strategic approach to maximize your chances of success and unlock profitable opportunities.

Immersive Live Streaming: Amplifying the NHL Experience

Live streaming has transformed the way sports fans engage with their favorite leagues, and the NHL is no exception. Experience the thrill of NHL games in real-time, no matter where you are, with seamless live streaming. Witness jaw-dropping goals, clutch saves, and heart-stopping moments as they happen, all from the comfort of your own device.

Thanks to advancements in technology, NHL live streaming offers impeccable video quality, multi-camera angles, and expert commentary, providing an immersive viewing experience.

Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual observer, live streaming brings you closer to the action, making you a part of every exhilarating moment. Cheer for your team, revel in the intensity, and celebrate their victories as if you were right there in the arena.

Maximizing User Engagement: The NHL Crypto Betting and Live Streaming Advantage

Combining NHL Crypto Betting and Live Streaming amplifies user engagement to unprecedented levels. When you become a part of this dynamic ecosystem, you open doors to exhilarating possibilities. Here’s how NHL Crypto Betting and Live Streaming enhance your overall experience:

Real-Time Betting: Engage in fast-paced, live betting opportunities that align with the pulse of the game. React to game-changing moments and adapt your strategy instantly to seize the best odds and maximize your winnings.
Community Interaction: Connect with fellow NHL enthusiasts, discuss predictions, and share your excitement within the vibrant community. Joining forces with like-minded individuals adds another layer of enjoyment to your NHL journey.
Rewards and Bonuses: Benefit from exclusive rewards, loyalty programs, and enticing bonuses offered by NHL Crypto Betting platforms. From sign-up bonuses to seasonal promotions, these incentives boost your bankroll and heighten the thrill of your NHL experience.
Accessible Anywhere, Anytime: Never miss a moment of NHL action, whether you’re at home, on the go, or traveling. NHL Crypto Betting and Live Streaming platforms are designed to cater to your mobile lifestyle, ensuring you’re always connected to the games you love.

Ignite Your NHL Experience with Crypto Betting and Live Streaming

As an NHL fan, you deserve an extraordinary experience that transcends the boundaries of traditional engagement. NHL Crypto Betting and Live Streaming offer a gateway to a realm where exhilaration knows no bounds.

Dive into the electrifying world of NHL Crypto Betting, stay ahead of the game with NHL trends betting, and immerse yourself in the adrenaline of seamless live streaming. The perfect fusion of technology, sports, and entertainment awaits you. Join now and ignite your NHL experience like never before!