Africa Blockchain Festival 2026: Nairobi Prepares to Host Groundbreaking Event

The Africa Blockchain Festival (ABF) 2026 is set to convene from 15 to 17 October at the Sarit Expo Centre in Nairobi, Kenya, marking its second edition. This significant three-day event will serve as a crucial platform for policymakers, investors, fintech leaders, and technology innovators to delve into the continent’s rapidly expanding blockchain and digital economy ecosystem. Under the overarching theme of ‘Capital, Code, and Continuity: Building Africa’s Permanent Digital Economy’, the festival is anticipated to attract over 3,000 delegates from across Africa and beyond, including regulators, government officials, financial institutions, blockchain developers, fintech companies, and entrepreneurs.

Following its successful inaugural event in Kigali, Rwanda, in 2025, the festival moves to Kenya, a nation increasingly pivotal in developing its digital asset regulatory environment and fostering its wider fintech ecosystem. This strategic relocation underscores Africa’s growing prominence in blockchain, digital assets, and financial technology.

The festival’s comprehensive agenda is structured around its three interconnected pillars. The opening day, 15 October, will concentrate on ‘Capital’, exploring investment, regulation, and the commercial opportunities burgeoning from blockchain adoption. Discussions will encompass critical topics such as institutional investment, stablecoins, the tokenisation of real-world assets, cross-border payments, and the essential regulatory frameworks needed to support Africa’s burgeoning digital economy. Featured speakers for this day include Dr Emomotimi Agama, Director General of Nigeria’s Securities and Exchange Commission; Ambassador Professor Bitange Ndemo, Kenya’s former Ambassador to Belgium and the European Union; Daniel Mainda, CEO of the Nairobi International Financial Centre; and Sitah Lang’o, Head of East and West Africa at Swift. Richie Santosdiaz of The Fintech Times is also slated as a speaker. A highlight of the opening programme will be a fireside conversation between venture capitalist Tim Draper and festival founder Olubunmi Fabanwo. Additionally, a closed-door discussion will address the operationalisation of the African Continental Free Trade Area’s (AfCFTA) Digital Trade Protocol, bringing together key representatives from regulatory institutions and the broader digital finance ecosystem.

On 16 October, the focus shifts to ‘Code’, emphasizing the technologies and businesses that are actively shaping Africa’s digital future. Sessions will prominently feature artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain infrastructure, digital identity, decentralised finance (DeFi), and the creator economy. Attendees can expect explorations into how blockchain can effectively address practical challenges prevalent in African markets, such as enhancing cross-border transactions, strengthening financial inclusion, and supporting innovative new business models. This day's programme will also include technical workshops, developer discussions, live demonstrations, and conversations centered on the future of digital payments. A startup pitch competition will provide emerging businesses with a vital opportunity to present their solutions to investors and industry representatives, with finalists competing during the second day.

The festival will conclude on 17 October with ‘Continuity’, dedicated to networking and cultural activities. This includes a football tournament and various opportunities for delegates to experience the vibrant city of Nairobi, fostering connections and cultural exchange among participants.

ABF 2026 has garnered significant participation from organizations operating across financial services, blockchain, and digital infrastructure. Inkryptus has been confirmed as the title sponsor, with further industry involvement from VALR, the Nairobi International Financial Centre, ADI Foundation, MEXC, and Passpoint. Their engagement underscores the increasing global interest in Africa’s digital asset ecosystem, particularly as more countries actively explore robust regulatory frameworks and the commercial applications of blockchain technology. Beyond the structured conference sessions, dedicated networking opportunities and investor meetings are planned to connect African startups with potential partners and essential sources of capital.

The Fintech Times will play a prominent role at the festival. Richie Santosdiaz, representing The Fintech Times, will participate as both a speaker and moderator. On the first day, Santosdiaz will moderate the panel ‘Institutional Capital Comes to Africa’, featuring representatives from Launch Africa Ventures, Antler, and Grand Stream, to discuss investment opportunities and the role of institutional capital in developing Africa’s blockchain ecosystem. On the second day, he will moderate a fireside chat titled ‘Adopting Crypto Responsibly’ with Keega Gachutha, Legal Counsel for Inkryptus and Managing Partner of Keega & Company Advocates, continuing vital discussions around Africa’s evolving digital economy. Santosdiaz is also listed among the judges for the startup pitch finals. As a partner of Africa Blockchain Festival 2026, The Fintech Times actively supports conversations around financial innovation and the ongoing development of Africa’s fintech ecosystem.

As blockchain adoption transcends beyond mere cryptocurrencies towards broader applications in payments, investment, and digital infrastructure, the Africa Blockchain Festival 2026 offers an invaluable opportunity to critically assess the continent’s progress and identify remaining challenges in building a permanent digital economy.