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In our second episode of The Human Layer, we were honored to be joined by Eric Annan and Michael Lawal from the Aya team. We also recorded this episode at ETHDenver 2025 and Eric and Michael didn't hold back on their insights on what's wrong with our ecosystem right now and their beautiful vision for what's possible. I first met the Aya team during my time at Consensys and I was blown away by their passion, dedication and optimism for changing the trajectory of African builders for the better. Eric and Michael are bringing hope and prosperity to their communities through blockchain tech and showing the rest of the world what's possible when we approach the human layer with kindness and compassion.
The energy shift in crypto as the industry matures from buzzwords to real-world applications
How blockchain technology serves genuine needs in Africa versus functioning primarily as speculative assets in the West
Trust as a fundamental currency that must be built before technical infrastructure can succeed
The power of physical spaces like Aya's builder hubs in fostering innovation through "random conversations"
Why the "programmable human" concept matters for technology development and personal identity
The contrast between "the jungle" of extractive crypto and "the garden" of cooperative, regenerative systems
How stablecoins emerged as a practical solution for businesses facing currency devaluation in African economies
The problem of communities being used as marketing tools rather than genuine foundations for projects
Aya's inversion of typical Web3 development—starting with human needs (atoms) before digital solutions (bits)
The challenge to the crypto ecosystem to move beyond ego and invest meaningfully in African builders and projects
Hope isn't just an abstract concept – it's the fuel propelling blockchain innovation across Africa. In this candid conversation with Eric and Michael from Aya, we explore how they're building something extraordinary: the human layer of blockchain technology.
While much of the Western world treats blockchain as a speculative casino, Aya demonstrates how this technology addresses fundamental needs across Africa. From creating stablecoin solutions that protect small businesses from 60% currency devaluation to establishing permanent builder spaces where ideas flourish through random conversations, their approach centers humans rather than tokens.
"Blockchain doesn't ask you where you're from," Eric explains, highlighting how the technology can transcend barriers when properly applied. Through their builder hubs in Ghana and Kenya (with more coming to South Africa and Nigeria), they've incubated 25+ projects that solve real problems for real people. One such project has already attracted 80,000 users with minimal funding – proving that when blockchain meets genuine human needs, adoption follows naturally.
Michael challenges the industry to reconnect with its foundational purpose: "We've built this ecosystem, but we've not actually figured out how to build a solid ecosystem that is totally independent and decentralized." His philosophy of human layer, human coordination, and human flourishing offers a pathway for the entire Web3 ecosystem to evolve beyond speculative hype.
Ready to experience blockchain's transformative potential firsthand? Join Eric and Michael at ZuAfrique, their 21-day popup experience in Kilifi, Kenya this April, where global protocols can witness how technology and humanity intersect to create meaningful change.
