I don't just participate in Web3. I build its bridges, amplify its communities, and architect its future in Africa.

My name is Edidiong Umana, but in the ecosystem, I’m known as Defi Messiah. I am a builder, a connector, and a catalyst for onchain adoption, driven by an unwavering belief in Africa’s Web3 potential. From community to code, my work is dedicated to empowering the next generation of developers, founders, and users.

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About

From Local Roots in the Trenches to a Global Ledger

My journey in Web3 wasn’t born in a boardroom; it was forged in the heart of Nigeria’s vibrant tech scene. I saw the disconnect: immense local talent, boundless ambition, but a chasm separating them from global opportunities and the transformative power of decentralized technology to bridge this gap.

Developer Relations: Empowering the Builders

 I translate complex protocols into practical knowledge, equipping developers with the skills to build, deploy, and scale. My work ensures that the builders of tomorrow have the support they need today.

  • Services: Technical Workshops, Ecosystem Education, Hackathon Support, Documentation.

Community Architecture: Cultivating a Movement

I build more than just channels; I cultivate ecosystems. By organizing events, fostering dialogue, and creating educational content, I transform passive users into passionate advocates and build communities that last.

  • Services: Grassroots Activation, Event Management, Content Strategy, Global Community Engagement.

Strategic Growth: From Vision to Velocity

I guide projects from ideation to impact. By crafting Go-to-Market strategies, managing product lifecycles, and forging key partnerships, I help Web3 ventures navigate the market and achieve sustainable growth.

  • Services: GTM Strategy, Project Management, Business Development, Ecosystem Partnerships.

Championing the cause for Local Talents and Global Impact

I am not just an advocate; I am an architect of access. My mission is to dismantle these barriers, to translate the complexities of the blockchain into tangible tools for progress, and to ensure that Africa is not just a market for Web3, but a driving force in its development. This isn’t just about technology; it’s about empowerment, sovereignty, and building a future where opportunity is as decentralized as the platforms we build.

  • Developer Relations
  • Community Architecture
  • Strategic Growth
Let's Build Together
Gallery

From Onboarding Workshops to community events/activations

Popular Skills

Building for Impact
Building for Africa

Building tools for massive adoption, creating contents, hosting workshops, activating IRL communities is my core passion 

Developer Relations
70%
Product Development
93%
Community Building
81%
Developer Marketing
75%

Why I Build: My Ventures

I build because I care, I build because I want to see a better Africa, where every young person is equipped to contribute valuably to the future with their own skills and can access global opportunities from a remote village.
I build because I want to see African  talents harnessed and where ideas turn to great products at the speed of thought!

Get Started
Upskill Africa

Upskill Africa

 To democratize Web3 education. Upskill Africa is a grassroots educational initiative dedicated to equipping African youths with the high-demand skills needed to thrive in the on-chain economy. We are building the talent pipeline that will power the next wave of African innovation.

DeclanWork

DeclanWork

To build the Upwork of Web3. Declanwork is an AI-powered talent hub designed to bridge the global gap between innovative Web3 projects and Africa’s top-tier talent. We are creating a future of work that is secure, equitable, and borderless, powered by Web3 technologies.

Tonia Labs

Tonia Labs

Tonia Labs is an emerging tech and innovation lab focused on getting more African women involved in AI, web3 , blockchain, robotics , cloud robotics , advanced VR applications , AI powered cancer R & D, Healthcare alongside other critical facets of emerging tech.
Tonia Labs has a dedicated arm to R&D in using emerging tech in Healthcare , a women-focused innovation labs.

XDM Academy & Studios

XDM Academy & Studios

Learn web3 development & content creation in a fun way and get practical skills contribute onchain and get rewarded in the XDM DAO

DeFi as Africa's Lifeline: A New Competitive Edge

I firmly believe that Decentralized Finance and its underlying technologies are more than just innovation; they are a lifeline for a new generation of Africans. For too long, talent has been limited by geography and gatekeepers. Web3 shatters those barriers. It provides direct access to global opportunities, permissionless financial tools, and a chance for Africans to not just participate in the global economy, but to gain a genuine competitive advantage within it. My work is dedicated to activating this potential.

As a Developer Advocate: Building the On-Ramps.

My role is to demystify the technology. Through hands-on workshops and clear education, I transform complex protocols into practical tools. By empowering African developers to build on global platforms like Base, Sui, and Optimism, I am directly creating the technical workforce that can seize these new opportunities and build the continent’s next wave of financial infrastructure

As a Community Architect: Weaving the Network.

Technology alone is not enough. I build the human layer on top of the code. By organizing events, fostering collaboration, and connecting thousands of youths, I create a robust support network. This ecosystem allows talent to be discovered, ideas to be shared, and partnerships to be forged, turning individual ambition into collective strength.

As a Strategic Guide: Charting the Course.

I help projects and founders navigate the path from idea to impact. By advising on Go-to-Market strategies and managing projects, I ensure that the solutions being built are not just technically sound but also commercially viable and aligned with the real needs of the market. This strategic guidance helps African-led projects compete and win on a global stage.

Your Vision, Amplified. Let's Build the Future, Together.

My journey is dedicated to building—building platforms, building communities, and building connections. If you are a founder with a vision, a protocol seeking to grow its ecosystem in Africa, or a team looking for a strategic partner who can bridge the gap between technology and community, then our journeys might be about to intersect.

You bring the fire. I’ll bring the strategy, the network, and a relentless drive to execute.

Let's Build