Celo Transitions from Layer 1 to Ethereum Layer 2 for Improved Scalability and Security

The transition began today when Celo halted Layer 1 block production and moved to the Layer 2 protocol.
Celo Shifts to Ethereum for Better Scalability and Interoperability
The move to Ethereum Layer 2, first proposed by Celo’s core developer CLabs in July 2023, aims to take advantage of Ethereum’s robust security and developer ecosystem. The change is designed to address scalability and interoperability challenges that Celo faced as an independent chain. The development utilized the OP Stack from Optimism, turning Celo into an optimistic rollup.
Benefits of the Layer 2 Migration
With this migration, Celo gains enhanced scalability while maintaining low-cost transactions and fast settlement times. The transition also enables native Ethereum bridging, and Celo’s block times have been reduced from 5 seconds to just 1 second. Initial partners in this migration include Aave, Fireblocks, Uniswap, and Yellowcard.
Looking ahead, Celo’s existing validators will play a crucial role as decentralized sequencers, ensuring the network’s one-block finality remains intact.