The Africa Blockchain Festival 2026 will bring more than 3,000 delegates to Nairobi from 15 to 17 October, with sessions spanning investment, technology and regulation. The second edition will take place at the Sarit Expo Centre under the theme “Capital, Code, and Continuity: Building Africa’s Permanent Digital Economy.”

Policymakers, investors, fintech leaders and technology innovators are expected to attend. The event follows its inaugural edition in Kigali, Rwanda, in 2025, and moves to Kenya as the country develops its digital asset regulatory environment and wider fintech ecosystem, according to The Fintech Times’ report.

Africa Blockchain Festival Opens With Investment and Regulation

The first day, 15 October, will focus on investment, regulation and commercial opportunities tied to blockchain adoption. Planned discussions include institutional investment, stablecoins, tokenisation of real-world assets, cross-border payments and regulatory frameworks for Africa’s digital economy.

Named speakers 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.

Venture capitalist Tim Draper is scheduled for a fireside conversation with festival founder Olubunmi Fabanwo. A separate closed-door discussion will bring regulatory institutions and digital finance participants together to address operationalising the African Continental Free Trade Area’s Digital Trade Protocol.

The agenda also includes a panel moderated by The Fintech Times’ Richie Santosdiaz, titled “Institutional Capital Comes to Africa.” Representatives from Launch Africa Ventures, Antler and Grand Stream are expected to discuss investment opportunities and institutional capital’s role in the region’s blockchain ecosystem.

Technology and Startups Take the Next Stage

On 16 October, sessions will turn to technologies and businesses shaping the continent’s digital future. Topics include artificial intelligence, blockchain infrastructure, digital identity, decentralised finance and the creator economy.

Organizers say sessions will examine practical applications, including cross-border transactions, financial inclusion and new business models. Technical workshops, developer discussions and live demonstrations are also planned, alongside conversations about digital payments.

A startup pitch competition will give emerging businesses a chance to present solutions to investors and industry representatives. Finalists will compete on the festival’s second day. The program then concludes on 17 October with networking and cultural activities, including a football tournament and opportunities for delegates to experience Nairobi.

The schedule places the event within wider conversations about crypto markets’ move toward practical financial uses, as discussed in this market report. Its regulatory sessions also connect with coverage of global oversight changes and efforts to define durable rules.

Industry Partners and Nairobi Meetings

Inkryptus is confirmed as title sponsor. Other organizations named in the source include VALR, the Nairobi International Financial Centre, ADI Foundation, MEXC and Passpoint. The report says their participation reflects interest in Africa’s digital asset ecosystem, while more countries explore regulatory frameworks and commercial blockchain uses.

Networking opportunities and investor meetings are intended to connect African startups with potential partners and sources of capital. Santosdiaz will also moderate a day-two fireside chat, “Adopting Crypto Responsibly,” with Keega Gachutha, identified as Inkryptus legal counsel and managing partner of Keega & Company Advocates. Santosdiaz is listed among the startup pitch finals judges, and The Fintech Times is a festival partner.

With its three-day program, the festival will offer a venue for participants to discuss blockchain applications across payments, investment and digital infrastructure. Its scheduled sessions and meetings will put those subjects on the agenda in Nairobi from 15 to 17 October.