Kigali is set to host more than 10,000 participants in November as the African Blockchain Festival (ABF) makes its debut, with conversations expected to focus on how blockchain and artificial intelligence can serve Africa’s development goals.
The three-day gathering will bring together regulators, investors, entrepreneurs, and young innovators from across the continent. Organizers say the festival will go beyond technical discussions to explore practical uses of emerging technologies in agriculture, business, and governance.
Lead convener Olubunmi Fabanwo, speaking at a press briefing in Lagos, explained that the idea for the festival had been in the works for four years before being finalized. “The aim is to make blockchain simple and relevant for Africans,” he said. “It is about connecting people with real opportunities and creating spaces where solutions can be shared.”
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He added that the event seeks to close the gap between innovators and investors. “Farmers, business owners, and entrepreneurs will not just hear theories but see how these technologies can be applied in daily life,” he noted.
Partner Fiyin Odebumi pointed out that one of the goals is to ensure that connections made at the festival last beyond the event itself. “Too often, events end when the lights go off. Our vision is to create an ecosystem where collaborations continue and projects are supported long after Kigali,” he said.
Another partner, Dami Adenuga, founder of DAW Empire, said the festival will also highlight culture and storytelling alongside technology. “It is a chance to show that African youths are not just using innovations from elsewhere but creating solutions that can compete globally,” he said.
Organizers explained that Kigali was chosen because of Rwanda’s growing reputation as a hub for digital innovation and its willingness to engage with new technologies at policy level. “Rwanda demonstrates what is possible when government and innovators work closely,” Fabanwo observed.
The festival will feature speakers such as Dr. Emomotimi Agama, Director-General of Nigeria’s Securities and Exchange Commission; Dr. Vít Jedlička, President of the Free Republic of Liberland; as well as popular digital creators Fisayo Fosudo and Delppy.
Odebumi said the diverse speaker lineup was intentional. “We want regulators, innovators, and creators in the same room. It is not about repeating old conversations but about setting a new agenda for Africa,” he stated.
Sessions will include investor roundtables, startup showcases, and community-focused workshops. According to Fabanwo, the broader aim is not just to attract global investment but also to educate communities about the social impact of blockchain technologies.
“The message is simple,” he said. “Africans are building solutions that matter, and Kigali will be a place to show what is possible.”
