The Blockchain Africa Conference 2024 was a monumental event that took place on November 20 at the CSIR International Convention Centre in Tshwane, South Africa. This marked the 10th edition of the conference, which has grown to become a premier gathering for blockchain enthusiasts and professionals from around the world. Since its inception in 2015, the conference has welcomed over 10,900 attendees from 160 countries, solidifying its position as a key event in Africa’s blockchain ecosystem.
The theme for the 2024 edition was “Ready for Business,” underscoring the evolution of blockchain technology from theoretical concepts to practical applications. The conference featured a lineup of 19 sessions, 37 speakers, and three workshops, offering a platform for in-depth discussions, knowledge sharing, and actionable insights. Chipo Mushwana, Executive for Payments and Technology at Nedbank, set the tone as the Master of Ceremonies, guiding attendees through a day filled with forward-thinking perspectives.
The keynote speakers at the event included industry luminaries such as Stafford Masie, who delved into the intricacies of Bitcoin’s Proof of Work consensus mechanism and its wide-ranging implications. Ernest Mbenkum, the founder of the Bantu Blockchain Foundation, shed light on the transformative potential of the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS), highlighting its role in boosting intra-African trade through streamlined cross-border payments. Charles Hoskinson, the founder of Cardano, explored blockchain’s impact on reshaping finance, governance, and education in Africa.
The conference drew a diverse audience, with strong representation from financial institutions, fintech startups, academia, and software development. Of the 411 attendees, 91.73% hailed from Africa, with South Africa leading the pack at 85%. Other notable countries in attendance included Nigeria (3%), the USA (2%), and Ghana (1%), showcasing the event’s broad continental and international appeal.
The workshops held at the conference provided additional depth, covering topics such as real-world asset tokenization and automated trading strategies. Speakers like Sean Emery from RainFin discussed South Africa’s regulatory framework for tokenizing real assets, while Jurgen Kuhnel of Xago Technologies shared practical insights on leveraging automated trading platforms for navigating digital currency markets effectively.
The success of the event was made possible by the support of sponsors such as Tether, a prominent player in the stablecoin market, and Staking4All, a provider of Proof-of-Stake services, among others. These sponsors played a crucial role in fostering dialogue and driving adoption within the blockchain community.
The conference concluded with a cocktail reception and networking event, providing a platform for attendees to connect and collaborate. A subsequent meetup in Cape Town extended these networking opportunities, featuring esteemed speakers like Hannes Wessels of Binance and Jason Marshall of Yellow Card, further solidifying the conference’s influence in the African blockchain landscape.
As the Blockchain Africa Conference embarks on its next decade, its dedication to showcasing innovation and advancing blockchain adoption remains unwavering. The 2024 event was a testament to its enduring impact, creating a space for collaboration, learning, and progress within the blockchain ecosystem.
