• Rwanda, Kigali hosted the Africa Blockchain Festival (Nov 7–9), gathering over 1,000 investors, regulators, and innovators.

• Discussions focused on blockchain’s role in financial inclusion, supply-chain transparency, and AI integration in Africa.

• Africa’s blockchain startups raised USD 34.7 million in 2024, reflecting growing investor appetite.

The Africa Blockchain Festival 2025, held from November 7 to 9 in Kigali, brought together developers, investors, and policymakers to assess how blockchain and artificial intelligence (AI) can accelerate Africa’s economic integration and digital transformation.

Organized under the theme “Africa’s AI and Blockchain Renaissance,” the event focused on practical applications of blockchain in finance, education, and governance. Sessions such as “Digital Safety: Privacy, Scams & Deepfakes” and “The Future of Work” examined how technology can address Africa’s cybersecurity and employment challenges.

The panel “Youth Builders: How Africa’s Young Developers Are Changing Tech” showcased African innovators developing solutions in DeFi (decentralized finance), EdTech, and AI-powered systems for social impact. Participants emphasized the continent’s growing pool of digital talent and the need for stronger infrastructure and policy support to scale innovation.

In a session led by Abraham Augustine of Norrsken, startups received guidance on attracting investment and engaging with investors amid a tight funding environment. According to market data, African blockchain startups raised about USD 34.7 million across 12 deals in 2024, reflecting steady investor interest despite global capital slowdowns.

Blockchain technology — a decentralized digital ledger system — has seen steady growth across Africa over the past five years. According to data from CV VC Africa and Crypto Valley Journal, blockchain startups on the continent attracted over USD 474 million in funding between 2021 and 2023, with Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa leading adoption. Beyond cryptocurrency, African firms are applying blockchain in agriculture, healthcare, remittances, and identity verification, signaling a gradual shift from speculative use to infrastructure-level innovation.

Statistics portrayed and discussions held at the event show that with a digital economy projected to reach USD 180 billion by 2030, blockchain technology could play a key role in enhancing financial inclusion, supply-chain traceability, and cross-border trade efficiency. The festival concluded with calls by participants and stakeholders present for clear regulatory frameworks and continental cooperation to enable blockchain and AI to drive sustainable growth across Africa.

Cynthia Ebot Takang