Ethereum's price just jumped, and while headlines shout about short liquidations and ETF flows, I'm left wondering: who really benefits? Surely we are not about to witness an even bigger Wall Street windfall. Or can this truly benefit the ones who stand to gain the most – the overlooked communities, the unbanked, the entrepreneurs in cities such as Johannesburg working to build a brighter tomorrow.

Price Surge, Who Really Benefits?

To be candid, we all know that the crypto space is at times very aspirational and disconnected from the real world. We focus on the size of crypto charts and market caps, rather than the ability to create a truly world-changing impact. A 29% price surge in Ether sounds impressive, but does it translate to tangible improvements in the lives of those struggling with poverty, lack of access to education, or limited financial opportunities?

And then I’m reminded of Amahle, the teenage entrepreneur that I encountered in Johannesburg last year. She’s using the power of tech platforms to link local artisans directly with global markets and eliminate exploitative middlemen. As a result, her platform has been built on Ethereum in order to harness its transparency and security features. The cost of transactions, or gas fees, is always an obstacle.

The reduced network fees (down 85%!) are great for those already invested, but do they go far enough to make Ethereum truly accessible to someone like Amahle, operating on razor-thin margins? Are we on a path toward a future where blockchain only empowers the elite, or one where it really levels the playing field?

Decentralization's Broken Promise?

Ethereum boasts impressive numbers: $64 billion total value locked, dwarfing its competitors. We’ve thereby been sold an idea of Ethereum as the leader in decentralization and security. Decentralization isn’t merely a question of code, but one of access. It’s by no means about stopping innovation — it’s about making sure the benefits of this nascent technology are equitably distributed.

  • Access to financial services: Can Ethereum help the unbanked access credit and savings?
  • Empowering entrepreneurs: Can it provide a platform for small businesses to thrive?
  • Transparency and accountability: Can it help combat corruption and promote good governance?

These are the questions we need to be asking. It doesn’t matter with billions of dollars on paper if this TVL isn’t realized.

Here's the unexpected connection: remember the Occupy Wall Street movement? The anger, outrage and populism that produced the 2008 financial crisis. That same spirit needs to drive how we pursue crypto. Let’s insist that this new technology work for the betterment of our society. Now it’s up to us to make sure it doesn’t become just another tool for the rich to get richer.

Trump's Crypto U-Turn: A Warning Sign?

President Trump’s changing opinion on crypto matters. His reported sense of being “used” by lobbyists should be the first wake-up call to everyone in the zip code. It illustrates the danger of the crypto space being hijacked by entrenched interests. We can't afford to let that happen.

The potential for a rally towards $2,700? Great. But something tells me I’d prefer a rally in tangible outcomes. I would prefer to see Ethereum driving positive global change, creating jobs and opportunities and uplifting marginalized communities.

Advance equity And this isn’t only about profit. It’s about building a future where technology works for all of us, not just those at the top. Ethereum’s rising tide must lift all boats and Ethereum has plenty of boats in need. So really, let’s just focus on supporting Amahle and millions like her who are already working for a better future! We shouldn’t let Ethereum become the next poster child for unequal development. Let's make it a force for good.

  • Support projects focused on social good: Seek out and invest in initiatives that are using blockchain technology to address real-world problems.
  • Advocate for lower transaction fees: Demand that developers and the Ethereum community prioritize making the network more accessible.
  • Spread awareness: Talk to your friends, family, and colleagues about the potential of blockchain technology to create a more just and equitable world.

This isn't just about making money; it's about building a future where technology empowers everyone, not just a select few. It's about ensuring that Ethereum's rally lifts up all the people who need it, especially Amahle and countless others like her striving for a brighter tomorrow. Let's not allow Ethereum to be another symbol of inequality. Let's make it a force for good.