The Ethereum community is all abuzz with excitement over EIP 7983. This proposal by Vitalik Buterin would limit gas limits per transaction to 16.77 million gas. These fundamental objectives are important to Ethereum’s sustainability in the coming years. These objectives involve catering to DoS attacks mitigation, assuring overall network stability, and ensuring zkVM compatibility. As we applaud these technical advancements, a vital question lingers: Whose voices are being heard? More importantly, whose are being ignored?

The overall proposal is intended to deepen user experience, and stabilize and strengthen the hub. It’s important that we don’t ignore the possibility that it might have unintended negative consequences for the African blockchain ecosystem.

Will Innovation Suffer in Africa?

Speculation, NFTs, and crime are not the main uses. Let’s be real, blockchain in Africa is not just about speculation or NFTs. It's about real-world solutions. Think about it: dApps facilitating cross-border payments for families reliant on remittances, platforms ensuring transparency in agricultural supply chains, and decentralized educational initiatives reaching underserved communities. These projects often require complex transactions. Are we confident that using a cap of 16.77 million won won’t prevent these kinds of life-changing innovations by mistake?

Picture this smallholder farmer in Kenya going onto a blockchain-based platform and being able to get a microloan. This platform, which is hosted on the Ethereum blockchain, simplifies the whole process – from application to disbursement to repayment. Each of these steps is a series of automated smart contract runs. Would the new lower gas limit result in developers needing to shard transactions? This would increase the administration burden and cost, possibly pricing out the very farmers this policy intends to assist.

A Tale of Two Blockchains

Taco is a perfect reminder that in all this, it’s very easy to get lost in the technical weeds and overlook the human factor. We always emphasize that Ethereum is a global platform. Access and affordability vary widely across the globe. What might seem like a minor inconvenience to developers in Silicon Valley could be a significant barrier for innovators in Lagos.

The first is to recognize the structural inequities in the global tech ecosystem. African developers are frequently challenged with lack of equitable access to development resources, inconsistent internet connectivity, and increased transaction costs. While capping gas would help bring more stability to the network as a whole, it could make these other challenges even worse.

Think of it like this: it’s like setting a speed limit on a highway. Great for safety, right? What if some of the cars can’t even get up the hill to begin with.… Are we really making the trip easier and safer for all, or just making it a little harder for those who have the least?

Forgotten Voices, Missed Opportunities

How many African developers were even actively consulted into the formulation of EIP 7983? How many had a seat at the table when the gas limit was discussed and debated? My guess would be the answer is way too few.

We can’t just wait for these innovators to break through, we need to actively seek them out and amplify their voices. We need to learn more about their unique challenges and make sure that Ethereum’s growth doesn’t come at their expense.

This isn’t all about philanthropy, that’s the key – it’s about economic opportunity. Africa is a continent full of good ideas and energy and innovation. By working together to build a more inclusive blockchain ecosystem, we can open up enormous opportunities and help change the world for the better.

One of the things that the Ethereum community has always prided itself on since day one was being new, decentralized and inclusive. There is no better moment to make our actions match those ideals.

  • Listen: Actively engage with African blockchain communities to understand their concerns and needs.
  • Collaborate: Work with African developers to explore Layer-2 solutions and other strategies that can mitigate the impact of the gas cap.
  • Advocate: Push for policies that promote equitable access to Ethereum, such as subsidized gas fees for transactions originating from developing countries.

I encourage you to get involved with African blockchain communities. Engage with their discussions, hear out their needs, and provide your advocacy. Ask yourself, "How can I ensure that the future of Ethereum is one that empowers, rather than excludes?"

The future of Ethereum depends on it. The advancement of African blockchain innovation largely relies on it. We need to make sure that a good-faith proposal doesn’t accidentally shut out the very people who would gain the most from this exciting new technology. Let’s turn up their voices instead!

I urge you to reach out to African blockchain communities. Join the conversations, listen to their concerns, and offer your support. Ask yourself, "How can I ensure that the future of Ethereum is one that empowers, rather than excludes?"

The future of Ethereum depends on it. The future of African blockchain innovation depends on it. Let's not let a well-intentioned proposal inadvertently silence the voices of those who stand to benefit the most from this transformative technology.