Blockchain Africa Conference 2024 is expected to bring together blockchain developers, influencers, investors, entrepreneurs and business leaders from around the world at the CSIR International Convention Center in Pretoria (Tshwane) on November 20, 2024.
This major event, marking the 10th edition and organized by Bitcoin Events, will foster collaboration and provide participants with an overview of the dynamic and rapidly evolving blockchain and cryptocurrency ecosystem in Africa.
The conference provides a platform for networking, knowledge sharing and collaboration, bringing together local and international experts to discuss the most important trends in cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology.
Highlights of the Blockchain Africa 2024 conference:
Engaging keynote speakers:
- Charles Hoskinson (virtual speaker) – Founder of Cardano and IOHK. In his session titled “Empowering Africa’s Digital Future,” Hoskinson will share Cardano’s initiatives in Africa, focusing on their success over the past six years in South Africa, Ethiopia, Kenya and Tanzania , among others. Cardano has been instrumental in blockchain adoption in these regions through partnerships and projects aimed at improving digital identity, financial inclusion and education systems. Notably, in Ethiopia, Cardano collaborated with the Ministry of Education to implement a blockchain-based system to track the educational progress of 5 million students. In South Africa, Cardano continues to engage with local developers and stakeholders to support blockchain education and develop sustainable solutions for economic growth. Hoskinson will showcase these efforts and discuss future plans to expand the positive impact of blockchain across the continent.
- Ernest Mbenkum – Founder and CEO of Interstellar Inc. His keynote, “The Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) and the African Foreign Exchange Market,” will explain how PAPSS is transforming cross-border commerce in Africa. By facilitating transactions in 42 African currencies without relying on intermediary currencies like the US dollar, PAPSS significantly reduces transaction costs, potentially saving up to $5 billion per year. Developed in partnership with the African Union, the system already includes 115 commercial banks and 15 central banks, strengthening economic integration and streamlining payments across the continent.
- Stafford Masieformer CEO of Google Africa and current board member of Discovery Bank, will present on “The Power of Bitcoin: Exploring the Ingenious Proof of Work Mechanism”. His speech will highlight how Bitcoin mining in Africa offers unique opportunities for individuals and organizations.
Panel sessions featuring industry giants:
- The role of crypto exchanges in Africa and beyond: With Chris Maurice (CEO and co-founder of Yellow Card), Badi Sudhakaran (co-founder and head of product of VALR) and Marius Reitz (general manager for Africa at Luno). This session will examine the role of crypto exchanges, the adoption of stablecoins and how they are transforming cross-border payments and remittances in Africa.
- Digital Assets: Navigating the Regulatory Landscape in South Africa: This panel will include a representative from one of South Africa’s regulatory bodies, Anne Njoroge (Legal Director of BankservAfrica) and Michail Le Roux (Senior Legal Advisor at Hanekom Attorneys Inc.), who will discuss recent developments such as the issuance of CASP licenses and regulations. clarity for stablecoins in South Africa.
Fireside Chat: “OGs Unplugged – Insights from the Crypto and Blockchain Pioneers, 10 Years Later”: To celebrate the 10th edition of the Blockchain Africa Conference, this special fireside chat will feature early pioneers like Elizabeth Rossiello, CEO of AZA Finance, and Ernest Mbenkum, founder of Interstellar Inc. and the Bantu Blockchain Foundation . Both Elizabeth and Ernest have been instrumental in the development of the blockchain landscape in Africa, with Elizabeth speaking at the inaugural conference in 2015. This session will not only reflect on their decade-long journey, but also explore how whose industry has transformed over the years. . Attendees can expect an engaging discussion on the evolution of blockchain technology in Africa, the impact of regulatory changes and insight into future opportunities as we commemorate a decade of innovation and growth in the African space crypto and blockchain.
Stablecoins in Africa: understanding their adoption and impact: Panelists will explore the adoption and use of stablecoins across Africa, highlighting their role in mitigating currency volatility and proposing solutions for cross-border trade. With nearly 70% of African countries facing currency shortages, stablecoins have become a powerful tool for businesses and institutions to manage liquidity and stabilize operations.
Connecting Cape Town’s vibrant Web3 community
Following the main event in Pretoria, the conference will move to Cape Town for a dedicated networking event with the local Web3 community. This exclusive gathering will allow international delegates to connect with Cape Town’s dynamic blockchain innovators, further expand their networks and deepen their understanding of Africa’s thriving blockchain ecosystem.
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