Africa Blockchain Festival Heads to Nairobi Amid Growing Regulatory Clarity

The Africa Blockchain Festival is heading to Nairobi from October 15-17, bringing together founders, investors, regulators, and developers to discuss the growing use of blockchain technology in Africa.

Kenya has been at the forefront of shaping how digital assets are regulated, with a new framework for virtual asset service providers (VASPs) coming into effect. This has created a turning point for Kenya's crypto market, with several international and African firms planning to seek licenses under the new framework.

The festival will focus on capital markets, regulation, and institutional finance, as well as developer-led discussions on smart contracts, AI and blockchain integration, and creator economy sessions. The event also highlights the growing importance of stablecoins in Africa, with multiple sessions dedicated to their use for remittances, merchant payments, and international settlement.

The investment picture is also encouraging, with blockchain accounting for 5.3% of Africa's venture funding in 2025 - almost double the global average. The festival will feature investor forums, startup pitch competitions, and venture networking opportunities.