Ethereum, the leading platform for smart contracts, celebrates its 10th anniversary since its launch in 2015. Over the years, the project has undergone significant changes and expansion, supporting a wide array of tools and applications worldwide.
From an Unlikely Start to Global Use
Ethereum was launched on July 30, 2015, and has since become the leading platform for smart contracts. Aya Miyaguchi, President of the Ethereum Foundation, noted that the project faced many challenges in its early days. She recalled a developer calling it 'just another shitcoin'. However, over time, Ethereum began attracting more people, and at Devcon in Prague, she actively invited new voices into the blockchain space.
Africa Joins the Ethereum Movement
The perception of Africa as a region disinterested in blockchain has changed following discussions with local developers. Miyaguchi highlighted the importance of groups like Borderless Africa and Web3Bridge that conduct projects in Nigeria, Ghana, and Ethiopia, using Ethereum technologies to address issues of education and finance. These efforts emphasize that Ethereum's ideas are also actively applied in Africa.
What Comes Next?
As the 10th anniversary approaches, Hsiao Wei Wang, Co-Executive Director of the Ethereum Foundation, emphasized the need for balance to maintain network stability while enabling faster upgrades. She pointed out that no single group can lead Ethereum forward, and the success of the network hinges on the collaborative efforts of people worldwide.
Ethereum's 10-year milestone demonstrates the significant progress made from its early days to its current status. It is crucial to maintain the openness and value of the system for all users, which will be key to its future.
