Quiet Revolution. Booming Consequences. The Nexten Summit Series begins in Africa.
An African born entrepreneur believes the world is at a tipping point, and that the series of "Nexten Summits," beginning in West Africa in December 2025, is a hinge-point for upward momentum.
Madou Sylla, educated in, and a citizen of the USA. Born in Senegal, West Africa. Co-Founder and CEO of international fintech, Prime Dash, his is the bright mind and the driving force behind the Nexten Summit Series, beginning in Dakar, December 2025.
The senior editors at Veritas Chronicles recently interviewed Madou Sylla so we could get to know what is driving his ambitious program to positively drive the tech revolution on his home continent of Africa. According to Madou, there are “exciting and far-reaching consequences around the world,” not just for Africa. With 16 pivotal questions, we got a penetrating look into the mind and heart of an African entrepreneur with a global outlook.
“NEXTEN sits at the intersection of global crisis and global opportunity. We’re living in a time of massive inequality, technological disruption, and economic uncertainty. The decisions we make now will define whether we widen those inequalities or move toward inclusive progress. NEXTEN is our response—a bold vision that connects innovation with impact.”
Q1: Let’s start in the present—who are you, what are you doing now, and what’s your professional role?
I’m currently the CEO of Prime Dash, a global technology company. We work with institutions worldwide to help them develop smart solutions that create meaningful impact. Our primary clients are financial institutions—mainly banks—where we help streamline and enhance their loan processing systems. We also work with FMCGs [Fast Moving Consumer Goods eg Coca Cola, Nestle, Johnson & Johnson, Unilever, etc], and a variety of other sectors.
Madou Sylla, with Catalin Rus (right), a Co-Founder and Partner of global fintech, Prime Dash.
I’ve been in this role for about 10 years. Before that, I was a management consultant with firms based in Chicago and California. I’ve worked on between 500 and 600 projects, covering everything from organizational restructuring and cost efficiency strategies to HR [human resources] development. Just one week after graduating from business school I started my first consulting assignment. Even before finishing school, I’d done some field visits. But the moment I got my diploma, I became a road warrior—going directly to client sites, analyzing their situations, and spending two to three weeks building plans and specific action steps to help them course correct.
At one point, I specialized in emergency consulting—working with companies on the brink of collapse or bankruptcy. I loved that work. It gave real meaning to my career. It wasn’t just about making PowerPoint presentations—it was about saving people’s livelihoods and their families’ futures. I especially enjoyed working with small and mid-sized businesses.
Q2: You seem to be mission-driven, where does your drive come from?
Even when I was doing turnaround consulting, everything I took on was purpose-driven. I’ve never been someone who just wanted a job to make money. I need to wake up every day with a reason to fight—for a cause, a community, or people being left behind. I try to align my skill set with a broader mission. That way, my work doesn’t feel like work—it feels like doing what I love: making a difference. I came from Senegal as a student and first attended high school in Jefferson County, West Virginia—not far from Washington, DC. From there, I attended Shepherd University and went on to get my MBA from Marshall University. I had always dreamed of coming to the United States. Growing up, I was fascinated by American culture—especially movies—and I saw the U.S. as the place where big dreams could come true.
Madou has been lecturing and tutoring students at all levels, from elementary to tertiary levels, for many years.Opening day of a school built in Ghana, for which Madou helped raise funds.
Q3: What drew you back to Senegal and to your effort to revitalize West Africa?
In truth, I never really left. Physically, yes—but my heart and mission have always been there. And it’s not just about Senegal or Africa. It’s about finding the places where I can do the most good. Even in college, I was volunteering in underserved communities—working with kids who were falling behind in school. Five days a week, I’d go from college classes to a youth center where I taught math and helped with homework. Later, I worked in Washington, DC, helping returning citizens transition out of prison—many of whom couldn’t read or write. I taught basic literacy and life skills. So whether it’s Senegal, West Virginia, or DC, I’ve always been driven by the desire to do meaningful work. And I give all the credit to my mother. She was a single mom raising her children on her own, and she was a fighter. When I was a kid—10, 12, 13 years old—I would watch her run a shelter for abused women. She worked all day, then spent her nights helping those women rebuild their lives. Her example shaped me. I started volunteering at juvenile detention centers, working with kids who were cast aside. Watching her engage in missions through church, serve others, feed people—it became second nature to me. I don’t think I was born with it, but my mother taught me what purpose looks like. We always have to look ten steps ahead. When we see the hardships so many face today, I believe people with the skill and conscience to make a difference must step up. That’s what drives me. I’m not here just to build solutions—plenty of people can do that. I want to be useful. I want to help. I don’t want my life to be in vain. When it’s all said and done, I want to know I did everything I could to leave the world better than I found it.
Q4: Why now, for instigating the Nexten Summit, and why start in Senegal?
We’ve come to a collective understanding that we can’t keep waiting. NEXTEN stands for the next ten years and the next ten cities. What that means is: we believe we have a ten-year window to dramatically change course for entire regions—to shift economic realities and open up new opportunities. We’ve selected ten cities that are strategically important—not just for themselves, but because of their regional influence. That’s why we’re in Senegal. Senegal has a long history of peaceful transition of power. It’s a stable country, with a majority-young and very bright population. It’s the perfect starting point. If we can create meaningful acceleration here—if we can catalyze growth, unify communities under a shared goal, and open up new freedoms—then we can take this same model elsewhere. By “freedom,” I don’t just mean political freedom. I mean freedom from outdated systems—freedom to choose your own path, to innovate locally, and to own your own future. That’s what NEXTEN is about.
Q5: Can you expand on that idea of freedom from legacy systems? How do blockchain and tokenization fit into this? What are the possibilities, and how does NEXTEN tie in?
For any developing nation—or any under-resourced community—the path to economic independence starts with three things.
First, we must democratize access to innovation. Tools like AI and blockchain are no longer reserved for elite teams with $10 million budgets. Just a few years ago, you’d need 200 developers to build an advanced system. Now, with a well-crafted prompt and free tools, you can build something powerful. Imagination is the new currency. You don’t need billions—you just need to believe it’s possible.
Second, we want to ignite investment, particularly where it’s needed most. In places like Senegal, there are incredible young entrepreneurs creating real solutions. But they don’t have the access or backing to take those solutions global. We’re building a platform called NexCF—a tokenized crowdfunding model on the blockchain. This will allow people anywhere to invest in startups or fund critical local projects. It gives governments an alternative to predatory international debt structures. You can self-fund your growth—and we’re here to enable that.
Third, we must establish tech-sovereignty. Too many countries are stuck using outdated financial systems and legacy technologies controlled by foreign powers. They’re afraid to move away because they are used to the old tools. But those tools come with costs—financially and politically. We’re saying: you don’t have to live under that fear anymore. You can build, maintain, and scale your own systems—tailored to your own needs. That’s what we mean by sovereignty. You should never be afraid that someone overseas could flip a switch and turn off your infrastructure. We want to help nations build their own futures—with local developers, local ownership, and local relevance.
Q6: So the ten cities in NEXTEN—are those locations already selected? Are they all in emerging markets?
Not all selected yet, but we’re being very strategic. We’re choosing cities that act as regional hubs—places with influence over their surrounding countries. The idea is to amplify our impact. Senegal, for example, doesn’t just influence Senegal. It has strong ties and cultural resonance across about 15 neighboring countries. We believe that if you spark something here, the ripple effects will extend across West Africa
Q6: So the ten cities in NEXTEN—are those locations already selected? Are they all in emerging markets?
Not all selected yet, but we’re being very strategic. We’re choosing cities that act as regional hubs—places with influence over their surrounding countries. The idea is to amplify our impact. Senegal, for example, doesn’t just influence Senegal. It has strong ties and cultural resonance across about 15 neighboring countries. We believe that if you spark something here, the ripple effects will extend across West Africa
Madou shares a moment of camaraderie with one of Nelson Mandela’s grandsons.
Q7: West Africa has an economic zone, ECOWAS — Economic Community of West African States — 16 countries — why start in Senegal and not one of those other countries?
Senegal is one of the most stable countries in the world—not just in Africa. It’s called “the country of Teranga,” which means hospitality. People come here for safety, education, and opportunity. Many students from countries like Mauritania, Guinea, and Côte d’Ivoire come to Senegal for university. It’s respected by its neighbors, and it plays a central role in regional cooperation. That’s why Senegal is such a smart place to begin the NEXTEN journey. It already has a foundation of peace and progress. Our job is to add momentum and introduce tools that will let the region leap forward.
“Intelligence knows no geography. Innovation isn’t limited by skin color or passport. The only thing missing here has been access—and belief. Too many brilliant young Africans grow up consuming solutions created by their peers in other countries. We want to flip that dynamic. Why shouldn’t a young person in Senegal create the next global solution?”
Q8: ECOWAS has a shared currency and a regional central bank. Do you need ECOWAS’ permission to implement what you’re developing?
No, we don’t. ECOWAS is a bloc of independent nations with shared economic goals, but each country is fully sovereign. They make their own decisions. Senegal’s government, in particular, has been very clear—they are tech-driven. The president himself has said that technology is the key to solving many of Senegal’s challenges. That aligns perfectly with what we’re bringing. We’re not replacing systems. We’re enabling new capabilities—building on what’s already there. We believe the government, the public institutions, and the private sector will all embrace this. Senegal can become a true innovation hub—not just for itself, but for the whole region.
Q9: But what about the CFA franc—the shared West African currency that’s backed by the Euro and managed from France? Doesn’t that limit Senegal’s monetary independence?
Yes, and that’s one of the key issues. The CFA (XOF and XAF) is essentially a Euro by another name. You’re buying Euros when you use it. That stability is helpful in some ways, but it also means monetary policy is being set outside the continent—in Europe, specifically in France. That’s a major problem. Many economists and political leaders here are starting to say: “We need to make our own decisions.” This isn’t just about money—it’s about sovereignty. Countries need to forge their own paths. And they can. They have the talent. They have the resources. What they need is belief—and tools. We’re not trying to be controversial. We’re trying to empower. Africa is the last truly underdeveloped continent. It’s not because the people aren’t capable. It’s because too many decisions are still made elsewhere. NEXTEN is about reclaiming that power. We want nations to own their decisions—successes and failures alike.
Q10: In your NEXTEN white paper, you suggest this isn’t just a shift for Africa—it’s a hinge point for the world. Why?
Because NEXTEN sits at the intersection of global crisis and global opportunity. We’re living in a time of massive inequality, technological disruption, and economic uncertainty. The decisions we make now will define whether we widen those inequalities or move toward inclusive progress. NEXTEN is our response—a bold vision that connects innovation with impact. It connects ambition with action. Through this summit and the initiatives that follow, we’re bringing together global leaders, local talent, cutting-edge tools, and a new financial model. It’s not just about recovery—it’s about leapfrogging. We want to help countries build digital sovereignty, mobilize local capital, and equip their citizens with 21st-century skills. This moment is fragile, but it’s also fertile. It’s the perfect time to plant something bold. If we do it right, we won’t just change Senegal—we’ll light a path for the rest of the world.
Q11: What are the roadblocks? What stands in your way, and what kind of support do you need?
There are always skeptics. People say things like: “Tech doesn’t solve poverty.” Or, “People here don’t have internet.” Or, “There are no regulations for this kind of thing in Africa.” We hear all of it. But here’s how we respond:
Local relevance: We don’t import one-size-fits-all solutions. We co-create locally. Everything is context-driven.
Offline tools:Â There are offline-compatible AI tools and mesh networks that can work without broadband infrastructure. We also provide digital inclusion training ahead of the summit.
Open source only:Â We insist that all tools be license-free, open source, and community-owned. No foreign lock-ins. Local governments or cooperatives will own the tools.
Policy frameworks: Yes, regulation is needed. That’s why we’re hosting roundtables with policymakers to co-develop smart frameworks for AI, blockchain, and digital finance.
Reskilling, not job loss: AI isn’t about displacement. It’s about retooling the workforce for higher-value roles. We’ll train people to thrive in the next economy.
Readiness: People say countries like Senegal aren’t ready. That’s not true. Senegal just released a national technology strategy called the “New Deal Tech,” and we fully support it. It outlines a pathway toward a digital economy powered by innovation, AI, and smart infrastructure.
Our mission:Â is to address every one of these concerns with real, tangible, scalable answers.
Q12: Let’s now shift the focus from tech to food security. Do you think the world is running out of food? Or do you see ways to solve the food problem for everyone?
The world is at a crossroads. There’s good news and bad news. The good news: if you were born in this decade, there’s a high chance you’ll live to be 100. Thanks to medical advancements, we can now extend life, even for people with chronic illnesses—cancer, tumors, you name it. We have ways to manage it all. But here’s the challenge: longer lives mean a greater footprint on the ecosystem. We’re cutting down forests, converting land for agriculture and housing, and pushing the planet’s limits. If we keep growing food the way we always have, we simply won’t have enough arable land to feed everyone. That’s where technology—specifically AI and controlled-environment agriculture—comes in. We must move toward greenhouse-based food production. In greenhouses, one acre of land can be turned into seven by going vertical. With AI systems, you can precisely calibrate light, temperature, humidity, and shading to optimize plant health—without pesticides or chemicals.
Q13: So you’re saying there is enough food—if the world or a country or a region embraces this model?
Yes, there will be enough food. But only if we start building these systems now. Traditional methods won’t work at the scale we need. If we keep relying on outdoor farming alone, access to fresh fruit and vegetables will become a luxury—available only to the wealthy. We can—and must—change that by scaling intelligent greenhouse farming. It’s not a theory. We’ve tested it. For a year and a half, we ran an R&D greenhouse in Arizona—one of the most difficult places on Earth to grow food because of the extreme heat. Our goal was to prove that we could grow food anywhere. We developed a system that’s 100% AI-driven—fully controllable with a few inputs. The AI learns and adapts throughout the plant’s growth cycle, adjusting the environment in real time. And it worked. That’s why I’m so confident. This isn’t speculation—it’s validated. Greenhouses are the future of sustainable food production, especially in regions with challenging climates.
Q14: Some people say the food we’re growing today isn’t as nutrient-dense as it used to be. Do you agree?
Absolutely. Especially in Africa, a lot of the soil is degrading. Overuse of pesticides has stripped the land of its nutrients. Eventually, that soil stops producing. That’s another reason why we need to shift to enclosed, controlled environments. Greenhouses allow us to grow food without pesticides—and without depleting the land. They’re not just a solution for yield. They’re a solution for nutrition, for sustainability, and for economic opportunity.
Q15: The kind of vision you’re expressing—the drive to fulfill it—is usually powered by some kind of belief system or faith. Where does that come in for you?
Faith is everything. It’s what keeps us going in the face of overwhelming odds, setbacks, and criticism. It’s what keeps our team united and focused. This mission we’re on—it’s not easy. But we believe we can make a difference. And that belief is what propels us forward. Faith is also what allows us to see across differences—of culture, skin color, background, and religion. We believe that if we hold hands and work together, we can do something meaningful. That unity is essential. This isn’t just about innovation or economic theory. It’s about people. It’s about heart. At NEXTEN, we are driven by the conviction that collective will, shared purpose, and unshakable belief can overcome even the most deeply rooted challenges.
Q16: It really sounds like you’re not just trying to lift up Senegal or West Africa. You’re trying to help Africa take its place on the world stage.
That’s exactly it. For too long, Africa has been seen as a recipient of ideas—never a source. But that’s wrong. Intelligence knows no geography. Innovation isn’t limited by skin color or passport. The only thing missing here has been access—and belief. Too many brilliant young Africans grow up consuming solutions created by their peers in other countries. We want to flip that dynamic. Why shouldn’t a young person in Senegal create the next global solution? Why can’t the world use our tools? That’s the mindset we’re planting. And now, with open-source AI, with blockchain, with platforms like NEXTEN, it’s finally possible. You don’t need to be rich. You don’t need to be connected. You just need to imagine—and act. This is the equalizer. The barriers are coming down. What matters most today is not money. It’s imagination. And our message to Africa’s youth is simple: “The world is your stage. Your market is global. Your time is now.”
Our message to Africa’s youth is simple: “The world is your stage. Your market is global. Your time is now.”
“We can do this,” says Madou Sylla. “It’s time!”
Nexten is not just about Africa, that’s just where it begins, in Madou Sylla’s homeland. Both he and the Nexten crew are thinking globally. Above: Madou Sylla teaches a group of elementary school students in Romania about his family’s Thanksgiving traditions in the USA.
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