The Africa Blockchain Festival (ABF) 2026 will take place from 15 to 17 October in Nairobi, Kenya, bringing together policymakers, investors, fintech leaders and technology innovators to discuss the continent’s growing blockchain and digital economy ecosystem.

Africa’s growing role in blockchain, digital assets and financial technology will take centre stage when the Africa Blockchain Festival 2026 returns for its second edition at the Sarit Expo Centre in Nairobi.

Under the theme ‘Capital, Code, and Continuity: Building Africa’s Permanent Digital Economy’, the three-day gathering is expected to attract more than 3,000 delegates from across Africa and beyond. Participants will include regulators, government officials, financial institutions, investors, blockchain developers, fintech companies and entrepreneurs.

Following its inaugural edition in Kigali, Rwanda, in 2025, the festival moves to Kenya as the country continues developing its digital asset regulatory environment and expanding its wider fintech ecosystem.

Bringing Together Capital, Technology and Regulation

The festival’s agenda will focus on three interconnected pillars: capital, code and continuity.

The first day, 15 October, will concentrate on investment, regulation and the commercial opportunities emerging from blockchain adoption.

Discussions will cover institutional investment, stablecoins, tokenisation of real-world assets, cross-border payments and the regulatory frameworks needed to support Africa’s expanding digital economy.

Among the speakers are 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 (EU); Daniel Mainda, CEO of the Nairobi International Financial Centre; and Sitah Lang’o, Head of East and West Africa at Swift. Our very own Richie Santosdiaz will also be one of the speakers.

The opening programme will also feature venture capitalist Tim Draper in a fireside conversation with festival founder Olubunmi Fabanwo.

A notable feature will be a closed-door discussion on operationalising the African Continental Free Trade Area’s (AfCFTA) Digital Trade Protocol, bringing together representatives from regulatory institutions and the wider digital finance ecosystem.

From Blockchain Innovation to Practical Applications

On 16 October, attention will shift towards the technologies and businesses shaping Africa’s digital future.

Artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain infrastructure, digital identity, decentralised finance (DeFi) and the creator economy will feature prominently.

Sessions will explore how blockchain can address practical challenges across African markets, including improving cross-border transactions, strengthening financial inclusion and supporting new business models.

The programme will also include technical workshops, developer discussions, live demonstrations and conversations about the future of digital payments.

A startup pitch competition will give emerging businesses an opportunity to showcase their solutions before investors and industry representatives, with finalists competing on the second day.

The festival will conclude on 17 October with networking and cultural activities, including a football tournament and opportunities for delegates to experience Nairobi.

Industry Participation and Partnerships

The event has attracted participation from organisations operating across financial services, blockchain and digital infrastructure.

Inkryptus has been confirmed as title sponsor, alongside industry involvement from VALR, the Nairobi International Financial Centre, ADI Foundation, MEXC and Passpoint.

Their participation reflects the increasing interest in Africa’s digital asset ecosystem, particularly as more countries explore regulatory frameworks and the commercial use of blockchain technology.

Beyond the conference sessions, dedicated networking opportunities and investor meetings will seek to connect African startups with potential partners and sources of capital.

The Fintech Times at Africa Blockchain Festival 2026

The Fintech Times will also be represented at the festival. As mentioned previously, Richie Santosdiaz, will participate as 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. The discussion will examine investment opportunities and the role of institutional capital in developing Africa’s blockchain ecosystem.

On day two, Santosdiaz will also moderate a fireside chat titled ‘Adopting Crypto Responsibly’ with Keega Gachutha – Legal Counsel for Inkryptus and Managing Partner of Keega & Company Advocates, continuing discussions around Africa’s evolving digital economy. Santosdiaz is additionally listed among the judges for the startup pitch finals.

The Fintech Times is also a partner of Africa Blockchain Festival 2026, helping support conversations around financial innovation and the development of Africa’s fintech ecosystem.

As blockchain adoption moves beyond cryptocurrencies towards wider applications in payments, investment and digital infrastructure, Africa Blockchain Festival 2026 provides an opportunity to assess the continent’s progress and remaining challenges.

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