LAB: Africa’s First Bitcoin Layer 2 Development Hub & Incubator
Hey Stackers, today we’re taking a moment to recognize the great work done by builder and community member Eniola Samuel (aka ‘Sam’) and share some exciting updates about his continuing work.
Sam’s path in the Stacks ecosystem shows how one contributor can create lasting impact. He began as a community contractor with Stacks Australia, then launched initiatives to guide new developers as they discovered Stacks. Along the way, he supported the broader community through roles with the Stacks Discord, ALEX Labs, Ryder, and more. Most recently, he founded Stacks Nigeria, a grassroots hub dedicated to onboarding builders, and even hosted the Lagos Nakamoto meetup to bring local developers together.
Recently, we shared how Sam worked with Stacks contributors and leaders to transfer the brand “Stacks Labs” over to the new operational entity for the ecosystem (one of the milestones laid out in SIP-031). While the ‘new’ Stacks Labs takes shape, Sam is doubling down on his efforts to bring the transformative power of programmable Bitcoin to Africa via Let Africa Build (LAB).
Sam’s path in the Stacks ecosystem shows how one contributor can create lasting impact. He began as a community contractor with Stacks Australia, then launched initiatives to guide new developers as they discovered Stacks. Along the way, he supported the broader community through roles with the Stacks Discord, ALEX Labs, Ryder, and more. Most recently, he founded Stacks Nigeria, a grassroots hub dedicated to onboarding builders, and even hosted the Lagos Nakamoto meetup to bring local developers together.
Recently, we shared how Sam worked with Stacks contributors and leaders to transfer the brand “Stacks Labs” over to the new operational entity for the ecosystem (one of the milestones laid out in SIP-031). While the ‘new’ Stacks Labs takes shape, Sam is doubling down on his efforts to bring the transformative power of programmable Bitcoin to Africa via Let Africa Build (LAB).
Africa’s First Bitcoin Development Hub & Incubator
Let Africa Build’s mission is to position Africa as a global leader in Bitcoin blockchain technology through institutional research, strategic partnerships, and infrastructure development tailored to the continent’s unique needs. As Africa’s first Bitcoin development hub and incubator, LAB leverages Stacks to advance Bitcoin infrastructure and drive practical economic solutions.
Through its programs, developers are tackling challenges ranging from cross-border payments and DeFi savings tools to agricultural tokenization and credentialing systems. With plans to replicate this model across major cities and countries, LAB aims to ignite growth and opportunity across all 54 nations.
LAB Programs
This approach has already established a strong pipeline of talent and startups, boasting 300+ graduates, 95% job placement, and over N128M raised to date.
Through its programs, developers are tackling challenges ranging from cross-border payments and DeFi savings tools to agricultural tokenization and credentialing systems. With plans to replicate this model across major cities and countries, LAB aims to ignite growth and opportunity across all 54 nations.
LAB Programs
- Through its 12-week Academy, developers gain skills in Bitcoin, Lightning, and Stacks.
- The Builders Incubator supports early-stage blockchain startups with mentorship and funding access.
- The Infrastructure track drives research on payments, scalability, and developer tools.
This approach has already established a strong pipeline of talent and startups, boasting 300+ graduates, 95% job placement, and over N128M raised to date.
Follow LAB on X for updates and learn more via their website.