Africa Blockchain Festival 2026: A Continent’s Digital Future Takes Shape in Nairobi

From October 15-17, Nairobi will host the second edition of the Africa Blockchain Festival (ABF), bringing together policymakers, investors, fintech leaders and technology innovators from across the continent and beyond. The three-day event at the Sarit Expo Centre is expected to draw over 3,000 delegates eager to explore blockchain’s transformative potential for African economies.

The festival’s theme—‘Capital, Code, and Continuity: Building Africa’s Permanent Digital Economy’—underscores its focus on creating sustainable digital infrastructure. Discussions will cover investment trends, regulatory frameworks, technological innovation and practical applications across diverse sectors.

Key Highlights & Speakers

• Investment & Regulation Day (Oct 15): Focus on institutional investment, stablecoins, tokenization of assets, cross-border payments, and the evolving regulatory landscape. Confirmed speakers include:

  • Dr Emomotimi Agama, Director General of Nigeria’s Securities and Exchange Commission
  • Ambassador Professor Bitange Ndemo, former Kenyan ambassador to Belgium & EU
  • Daniel Mainda, CEO of Nairobi International Financial Centre
  • Sitah Lang’o, Head of East & West Africa at Swift
  • Tim Draper (venture capitalist) in a fireside chat with festival founder Olubunmi Fabanwo

• Technology Showcase Day (Oct 16): Exploration of AI, blockchain infrastructure, digital identity solutions, DeFi applications and the creator economy.

• Startup Pitch Competition: Emerging businesses will compete for investment from industry leaders.

Building a Permanent Digital Economy

The ABF aims to facilitate connections between African startups and global investors while showcasing practical use cases of blockchain technology. Special sessions will address critical challenges facing the continent, including:

• Enhancing financial inclusion through digital asset solutions
• Improving cross-border transaction efficiency
• Leveraging blockchain for supply chain transparency
• Supporting new business models in sectors like agriculture and healthcare

The festival’s focus on continuity extends to its programming, with sessions designed to provide actionable insights that participants can implement immediately. Attendees will also have access to dedicated networking opportunities and investor meetings.

With growing interest from organizations like Inkryptus (title sponsor), VALR, Nairobi International Financial Centre, ADI Foundation, MEXC and Passpoint, the ABF 2026 is poised to be a landmark event in Africa’s digital transformation journey.