African regulators meet in Nairobi for blockchain festival

The Africa Blockchain Festival 2026 opened on Thursday at the Sarit Expo Centre, bringing together venture capitalists, technology companies, financial institutions, policymakers and entrepreneurs to explore investment opportunities in Africa’s digital economy.

Running until October 17 under the theme Capital, Code, and Continuity: Building Africa’s Permanent Digital Economy, the festival is focusing on access to capital, digital financial infrastructure and regulatory cooperation across the continent.

Draper, founder of Draper Associates and an early investor in several global technology companies, is among the event’s headline speakers. He is scheduled to hold a fireside conversation with festival convener Olubunmi Fabanwo on Africa’s prospects in the global digital economy.

“I’m very excited about what Africa’s done. Africa’s been a big part of the Bitcoin economy. A lot of those people were using Bitcoin to transact and be a part of the world economy,” Draper said previously.

His participation comes as African startups explore blockchain and other digital financial technologies to improve cross-border payments, expand financial inclusion and access international markets.

50 startups to pitch investors

The festival has selected 50 founders from across Africa for a fellowship programme designed to connect startups with venture capital firms, institutional investors and potential commercial partners.

The programme includes a startup pitch competition, an investment deal book showcasing participating businesses, scheduled investor meetings through a dedicated deal room and a post-event residency to help startups build traction.

Investment firms represented at the festival include Launch Africa Ventures and Antler.

A panel featuring Michael Mutie of Launch Africa Ventures, Kosen Kenta of Antler, angel investor Reuven Palatnik and George Mosomi of Tether is examining how institutional capital can be channelled into African technology businesses.

Fabanwo said the initiative seeks to turn investor engagement into tangible funding opportunities and commercial partnerships for entrepreneurs.

“Africa has the talent, innovation and entrepreneurial ambition to become a global leader in the digital economy. What our founders need is greater access to capital, stronger partnerships and regulatory environments that allow innovation to thrive,” he said.

He added that the festival’s impact would be assessed through funding secured by startups, partnerships established and opportunities created beyond the event.

Regulators explore cross-border digital trade

Regulatory cooperation is another key focus, with policymakers and financial institutions discussing how African countries can coordinate rules governing emerging technologies and digital financial services.

Daniel Mainda, chief executive of the Nairobi International Financial Centre Authority, participated in the opening ceremony, while former Kenyan ambassador to Belgium and the European Union Bitange Ndemo joined a discussion on the state of blockchain in Africa in 2026.

Mactar Seck of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa also took part in discussions on how African economies can shape emerging technology policies while supporting investment and digital inclusion.

A separate session is examining regulatory differences across Africa’s 54 countries and the prospects for creating a more integrated digital market.

The discussions are expected to inform a closed-door policy roundtable on implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area’s Digital Trade Protocol.

Participants include representatives of the AfCFTA Secretariat, Nigeria’s Securities and Exchange Commission, Kenya’s Capital Markets Authority, the Central Bank of Kenya, the Nairobi International Financial Centre and UNECA.

The roundtable will focus on regulatory cooperation, digital trade and financial infrastructure needed to facilitate cross-border business.

Payments and stablecoins take centre stage

The festival is also examining blockchain applications in payments, liquidity management and digital asset markets, with contributions from companies including Swift, Yellow Card, VALR and Tether.

A session on stablecoins is exploring whether digital assets pegged to conventional currencies can help reduce the cost and complexity of cross-border payments while improving transaction speeds.

VALR’s Peter Mwangi is scheduled to deliver a keynote address on Africa’s role in the future of global finance.

Inkryptus, the festival’s title sponsor, is represented by its chief executive, Pierre Luiz Pereira, who delivered an opening address. Antony Mlelwa is also scheduled to give a keynote on cryptocurrency applications beyond trading.

The programme includes technology exhibitions and an esports tournament, highlighting the intersection of digital innovation, entertainment and youth-led enterprise.

Organisers say they will track funding secured by participating startups, cross-border partnerships established and progress on regulatory proposals after the festival concludes.

The initiative aims to strengthen connections between African entrepreneurs, investors and policymakers, with a focus on translating digital innovation into viable businesses, investment and broader economic activity.