Africa surges ahead in blockchain adoption as global funding rebounds, CV VC report shows - Afcacia
As Africa pioneers real-world blockchain adoption across finance, agriculture, and climate action, the message is clear: the continent isn’t waiting for the world to catch up—it’s building the future from the ground up. Image/ Courtesy
The report signals a decisive shift: blockchain in Africa is no longer restricted to digital assets and fintech. It’s becoming a key enabler of progress in critical sectors, particularly agriculture, which employs more than 60% of the continent’s workforce.
Blockchain is now tackling Africa’s estimated double-digit billion-dollar food export losses by improving supply chain traceability. By recording farmer identities and crop histories on-chain, the technology helps meet stringent new EU import standards, such as the €7.5 billion requirement for proof of zero deforestation and ethical sourcing by 2025.
Blockchain also enables climate action monetization. Smallholder farmers using blockchain-verified carbon tracking can earn up to $300 more per year, enough to send two children to school. As global food brands chase environmental, social, and governance (ESG) targets, Africa stands poised to lead the emerging green food economy.
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“Africa isn’t testing blockchain, it’s embedding it where it matters most for the future of humanity,” said George Maina, CEO of Shamba Records. “In agriculture, we’re blending regenerative wisdom with blockchain transparency.”
Regulation: From risk to opportunity
The regulatory landscape is also evolving. Seven African countries now have formal digital asset regulations, and another 35 are actively developing frameworks, a shift from regulatory hesitation to proactive policy-making.
Yet Africa still captured just 1% of global blockchain funding in 2024, highlighting a glaring disconnect.
“This isn’t just an investment gap, it’s an opportunity gap,” said Mathias Ruch, CEO of CV VC. “Africa isn’t underperforming. Global capital is under-participating.”
With 25% of the global population projected to live in Africa by 2050, along with 65% of the world’s arable land and nine of the 20 fastest-growing economies, the stakes are high. As mobile and blockchain infrastructure leapfrogs traditional systems, African founders are not merely adapting global innovations, they are forging their own paths.
“This report highlights a continent in motion,” said Rob Downes, Head of Digital Assets at Absa Corporate and Investment Banking. “African innovators are solving deeply rooted challenges with blockchain, from trade bottlenecks to agricultural transformation. Absa is pleased to be an active contributor and believes blockchain will be central to Africa’s digital economic leap.”
