We had the pleasure of interviewing Yaliwe Soko. Ms. Soko is one of the very few African women to be fully involved in the Blockchain and cryptocurrencies.

She took up an interest in Blockchain technology since 2016 and has worked as a freelance Bitcoin and Cryptocurrency Consultant for an online investment firm.

With the help of her qualification as a training facilitator and assessor, she has been able to create a number of YouTube tutorials and has currently completed a Blockchain and Cryptocurrency learner guide for beginners.
She is currently an ICO advisor for a number of projects.

• Can you tell us what inspired you to pursue this career path? What do you want others to take from your story?

I needed something that would make me relevant for the future.I was amazed by the potential of the technology and how it could help us improve Africa’s current inefficiencies. I want people to know that nothing is impossible if you put your mind to it.

• Could you tell us about any of the interesting projects that you are working on currently?

We are working on an educational initiative called Train the Trainer. Our aim is to reach and teach 1 million people on blockchain technology in Africa.

• Is there a particular person who you would like to credit with helping you get to where you are? Can you share an anecdote about that?

There are so many people, I am surrounded by great people who carry this vision with me. Pointing out one person would make me biased.

•  What are the 5 things that you think are most fascinating about blockchain and crypto? Why?

1. Security as there is no central authority, this also allows for fault tolerance meaning the blockchain can still be functional even if some nodes are not working.
2. Immutability that is the information that has been entered cannot be altered by a third party.
3. Transparency which allows information to be verified by participants of the blockchain network and everyone receives a copy of the transaction.
4. Reduced transaction costs as most blockchains operate on peer to peer basis.
5. Trust- On a blockchain you don’t have to know me to transact with me and all transactions are time stamped.

• What are the 5 things that concern you about blockchain and crypto? Why?

1. Lack of regulation as this makes the blockchain and crypto space vulnerable to scammers.
2. Very little education hinders people from making informed investment decisions.
3. High volatility drives away institutional investors and gives crypto a bad name.
4. Anonymity gives room to bad players and money laundering.
5. Excessive and expensive use of energy makes it difficult for a lot of people to participate.

• How have you used your success to bring positive change to the world? Can you share a story?

I am still in the process, we are opening chapters all over Africa to make sure every African is a key stakeholder in the digital revolution. We have also opened our opportunities to Asia through partnerships.

• What are the 3 things that you would advise someone who aspires to emulate your career? Can you share an example for each idea?

1. Be spontaneous – I don’t wait for things to happen, I make things happen. 
2. Be ready to make sacrifices – As a leader, I always have to take one for the team.
3. Collaboration – Partnering with other stakeholders is the key to progress, never work in Isolation.

• What is the one “Life Lesson Quote” that you stand by? Can you tell us how that had relevance to your own life?

 “ I couldn’t afford what they offered to teach me so I built my own curriculum and taught myself what I needed to learn.” 

In essence I couldn’t afford university but blockchain technology gave me a place at the round table.

• Who would be one person in the world that you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why?

His Excellency President Paul Kagame of Rwanda. I really admire the way he thinks and how he puts things into perspective.

• Where can our readers find you on social media?

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yaliwe-soko-essence/