The Africa Blockchain Festival has kicked off in Nairobi, Kenya, bringing together 50 African startup founders, venture capital investors, regulators and technology industry leaders to explore investment opportunities and the future of digital finance across the continent.

The three-day event, which began on October 15, 2026, at the Sarit Expo Centre, is expected to run until October 17. It aims to strengthen connections between emerging African technology companies and potential investors while encouraging discussions on regulatory frameworks supporting blockchain adoption.

A major highlight of the festival is its startup fellowship programme, which selected 50 African founders to participate in investment-focused activities. The programme provides opportunities for entrepreneurs to pitch their businesses, hold scheduled meetings with investors and establish partnerships that could help accelerate their growth.

Participating founders will also be featured in an investment deal book showcasing opportunities to potential financial backers. Organisers intend to track funding commitments and partnerships emerging from the event.

American venture capitalist Tim Draper, founder of Draper Associates, is among the prominent investors participating in the festival.

Draper has highlighted Africa’s growing participation in the global Bitcoin economy, particularly as individuals and businesses increasingly explore cryptocurrency for transactions and international trade.

Africa Blockchain Festival Convener Olubunmi Fabanwo emphasised the importance of connecting promising entrepreneurs with financial resources, strategic partnerships and supportive regulatory environments.

According to Fabanwo, African startups have the talent and innovation required to compete globally but need greater access to investment networks and policies that encourage technological development.

Beyond investment opportunities, the festival is hosting discussions involving representatives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Central Bank of Kenya, Capital Markets Authority and Nigeria’s Securities and Exchange Commission.

These conversations focus on regulatory alignment, stablecoins, cross-border payments, digital assets and the use of blockchain technology in financial services.

A closed-door policy roundtable will also examine the implementation of the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol, including how participating countries can develop more consistent regulations for digital transactions.

By combining startup fundraising opportunities with regulatory discussions, the festival seeks to address two major challenges facing Africa’s blockchain industry: limited access to growth capital and fragmented regulatory requirements.

Organisers hope the connections established during the festival will continue beyond the event, creating longer-term opportunities for African blockchain companies to attract investment, expand their operations and participate more actively in the global digital economy.