**Ms. Lumari Speech on Africa GCV Conference**

Good evening to everyone, all ambassadors in Africa. Thank you for inviting me to attend this special meeting. I want to acknowledge and thank Mr. Olivier; I believe this is my 6th time being invited to speak to the African community, if I’m not mistaken. I also want to greet Ms. Doris Yin, our esteemed founder of the Global GCV Movement. Good evening, Ms. Doris. I’d also like to greet Mr. Mazi Onyido, our co host for tonight, and also a newly appointed Assistant Head of Africa, and of course, our dear Brother Iyanda, a member of the GCV Core Committee and Head of GCV Ivory Coast. Good evening, and thank you for having me.

Tonight, I want to highlight a topic that is critical to our shared success: our massive merchant onboarding campaign. This initiative is the cornerstone of building a thriving ecosystem and a driving force for economic empowerment.

To build a strong ecosystem, I’ve realized that all ambassadors globally must come together and collaborate. That’s why the Philippines is committed to onboarding 40,000 merchants. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), there are a total of 1,246,373 registered business enterprises operating in the country. This means that 40,000 merchants would represent 3.21% of all businesses—an achievable and impactful target.

Onboarding merchants is becoming easier, especially with the upcoming Open Mainnet (OM) launch. The Pi Core Team (PCT) has committed to launching OM within the first quarter of this year. From January 12 to March 31, there are only 78 days left, and they will pass quickly—almost like 78 nights of sleep. We believe OM could happen even earlier, possibly around March 14.

Regardless of when I'M launches, our commitment to onboarding 40,000 merchants by March 31 remains firm. This is because we understand the importance of having a solid ecosystem in place. A strong network of merchants will ensure that, after OM, pioneers can immediately use their Pi to purchase goods and services. It will be a win-win situation for everyone if we are ready to meet the needs of both merchants and the ecosystem.

I truly hope that Africa will follow suit in this mission. The potential here is immense. Africa is home to over 67 million registered businesses. If just 3% of these businesses—around 2,010,000 merchants—join the Pi ecosystem, the economic impact could be truly transformative. Imagine the ripple effect this will have, not only within the continent but globally, as Africa's economic landscape strengthens and integrates into the broader global economy. This is not just a small change—it's an opportunity to reshape industries, empower entrepreneurs, and fuel innovation across Africa.

Such a remarkable transformation is within reach, but only if we remain united and aligned under a single vision. The strength of a vision lies in its ability to inspire collective action, and when we all contribute to this shared goal, we create a force that is unstoppable. Together, we can create a thriving ecosystem that benefits not only pioneers but also every business and individual involved.   (we can do this).

As Nelson Mandela once said, "It always seems impossible until it’s done." This powerful quote serves as a reminder that no vision is too big, no goal too ambitious. Every great achievement begins with a bold idea, and it is through unity, hard work, and perseverance that we make these ideas a reality.

We are embarking on a journey that will require commitment and resilience, but the rewards will be more than worth it. When we stand together with a shared purpose, there is no limit to what we can achieve. Let this be the driving force that propels us forward, as we work towards building a powerful, interconnected ecosystem for all.

I also want to emphasize the importance of daily tracking. I request all Ecosystem Ambassadors to send me your email addresses so we can monitor the progress of merchants registered on the Map of Pi globally.

Mr. Kerun Li is responsible for verifying all entries, ensuring the registered business names are accurate and complete. Please make sure the full and correct business name is submitted during registration. This ensures merchants are visible on the Map of Pi, maximizing their opportunity to participate in the ecosystem. Accurate entries will make all our efforts worthwhile and impactful.

In closing, I want to leave you with this thought: The future of our ecosystem is in our hands. By uniting across borders, aligning our efforts, and working towards a common vision, we can build something truly remarkable. The strength of our global community will determine how far we go, and I believe with all my heart that together, we can overcome any challenge and create a powerful, thriving ecosystem.

Let us continue to support one another and commit to the goal of onboarding merchants and expanding Pi’s presence worldwide. The potential is limitless, and every effort counts. Africa, with its vast potential, has an incredible opportunity to lead the way.

Thank you again for this opportunity to speak with you tonight. The journey ahead will be transformative, and I look forward to seeing the incredible impact we will all have on the future of the Pi ecosystem.

Good evening, and Mabuhay!

Lumari
Executive Director Global Core Team 
January 12, 2025