The 10th edition of the Blockchain Africa Conference, hosted by Bitcoin Events, took place on November 20, 2024, at the CSIR International Convention Centre in Tshwane, South Africa. This landmark event brought together over 411 attendees from 22 countries, representing diverse sectors, including financial institutions, software development, academia, and government.
With a theme centered on Africa’s unique opportunities in blockchain, the conference featured 37 speakers, 19 sessions and 3 workshops, delivering a rich blend of insights, learning and networking opportunities. Since its inception in 2015, the Blockchain Africa Conference has evolved from exploring blockchain hype to showcasing its real-world applications, attracting 10,900 attendees from 160 countries to date.
Key Highlights
Inspiring Keynotes
The event’s keynote speakers included:
- Charles Hoskinson, Founder and CEO of IOHK, who emphasized blockchain’s potential to revolutionize finance, governance and education in Africa.
- Stafford Masie, Former CEO of Google Africa, who provided insights into Bitcoin’s proof-of-work mechanism and its transformative applications.
- Ernest Mbenkum, Founder of Interstellar Inc., who explored the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (“PAPSS”) and its role in driving economic integration across Africa.
Interactive Workshops
The workshops delved into critical aspects of blockchain:
- Tokenizing Real-World Assets: Led by Sean Emery and Stephen Pratt, this session examined regulatory frameworks and practical case studies.
- Mastering Automated Trading: Jurgen Kuhnel demonstrated how to set up and optimize trading strategies using cutting-edge platforms.
- Financial Inclusion in Fintech: Dr. Allan Davids and Julian Kanjere presented on open payment systems fostering equity and inclusion.
Diverse Attendee Demographics
The conference’s attendees hailed predominantly from Africa (91.73%), with South Africa leading at 85%. A significant portion of the participants were professionals, including C-level executives (23%) and directors (15%).
Networking and Exhibitions
The exhibition floor featured startups and established companies showcasing innovative blockchain solutions. The event concluded with a Cocktail and Networking Event, sponsored by ChainUp, fostering meaningful collaborations and connections among attendees.
Continued Engagement
For those who missed the event, session recordings and further details are available on the Blockchain Africa website and YouTube channel. Visit blockchainafrica.co for more information.
Acknowledgements
Bitcoin Events extends its gratitude to all sponsors, partners and participants who contributed to the success of Blockchain Africa Conference 2024. With its sights set on the future, the conference remains committed to driving blockchain adoption and innovation across Africa.
