Kigali, Rwanda – August 21, 2025 – The Government of Rwanda has officially endorsed the Africa Blockchain Festival (ABF) 2025, making history as the nation strengthens its position as a continental leader in digital innovation. Organized through the Rwanda Convention Bureau, this groundbreaking initiative marks Africa’s first-ever AI and Blockchain Festival, setting the stage for a new wave of technological growth across the region.
The Africa Blockchain Festival 2025 is not just another industry event. It is a transformative platform designed to unite innovators, developers, investors, policymakers, and creatives to accelerate Africa’s digital future. With Rwanda as the host, the festival underscores the country’s strategic role as a hub for technology, artificial intelligence, and blockchain adoption.
Festival Overview
The highly anticipated festival will take place from November 7–9, 2025, at the iconic Kigali Convention Centre in Rwanda’s capital city.
- Theme: Africa’s AI & Blockchain Renaissance – a call to shift Africa from being a consumer of technology to becoming a global innovator.
- Expected Attendance: Over 5,000 participants, including developers, venture capitalists, tech entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and blockchain ambassadors.
The festival will feature a vibrant mix of keynote addresses, panel discussions, live workshops, startup pitch competitions, and a hackathon showcasing blockchain-driven solutions for real-world African challenges.
What to Expect at ABF 2025
The Africa Blockchain Festival 2025 promises a diverse, high-impact agenda tailored to Africa’s unique needs and opportunities:
- Thought Leadership & Keynotes: Global and African leaders in AI, blockchain, and digital transformation will share insights on emerging technologies shaping the future of work, finance, and governance.
- Interactive Panels & Workshops: Experts will lead immersive discussions and hands-on learning sessions covering blockchain adoption, AI integration, fintech growth, and policy innovation.
- Startup Pitch Competition: African founders will showcase cutting-edge projects to investors and decision-makers, creating opportunities for funding and strategic partnerships.
- Hackathon: A live innovation challenge where developers will build real-world blockchain applications addressing issues like financial inclusion, supply chain transparency, and creative rights management.
Spotlight on African Creatives
One of the festival’s unique highlights is its focus on empowering African creatives—filmmakers, musicians, designers, and content creators. Specialized sessions will explore how blockchain technology can protect intellectual property, facilitate decentralized fan engagement, and enhance AI-driven content creation.
This approach reflects the festival’s broader mission: ensuring that blockchain and AI are not just buzzwords, but practical tools for Africa’s creative economy.
Curated Networking & Immersive Experiences
Beyond its educational agenda, ABF 2025 will foster meaningful connections through exclusive networking opportunities:
- Deal Rooms: Private investor and founder meetings for startups seeking growth capital.
- Kigali Innovation Tours: Guided visits to Rwanda’s top innovation hubs and tech ecosystems.
- Afro-Tech Connect Gala: A celebration blending African culture, music, and technology in a glamorous evening event.
- Kigali Digital Connect: Interactive sessions designed to connect policymakers, entrepreneurs, and innovators.
These activities will allow participants to form partnerships that extend beyond the festival, creating lasting impact across the continent.
Rwanda’s Commitment to Digital Transformation
The Republic of Rwanda’s strong backing of ABF 2025 reflects its broader commitment to shaping Africa’s digital transformation journey. Rwanda has consistently positioned itself as an innovation hub, attracting global investment and recognition.
The country’s partnerships with international stakeholders, including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, highlight Kigali’s growing reputation as a leader in technology-driven development. By hosting this pioneering festival, Rwanda reinforces its ambition to transform into a global center for AI, blockchain, and digital policy innovation.
Speakers to Watch
The Africa Blockchain Festival 2025 boasts an impressive lineup of visionary speakers and thought leaders. Confirmed speakers include:
- Paula Ingabire – Minister of ICT and Innovation, Rwanda
- Dr. Emomotimi Agama – Director-General, Securities and Exchange Commission, Nigeria
- Alex Ntale – CEO, Rwanda ICT Chamber
- Dr. Vít Jedlička – President, The Free Republic of Liberland
- Michelle Chivunga – Founder, Global Policy House
- Fisayo Fosudo – Renowned Nigerian tech and finance creator
- Paresh Daya – Tech entrepreneur and Founder of Asaari
- Shameera Akbar & Ayesha Bayat – Co-founders, Digiyouth Africa, South Africa
- Janet Quainoo – Award-winning PR strategist and journalist
- Delppy – Ghanaian tech content creator
- Ogunsuyi Kehinde David – Founder of Trybeboost, cybersecurity specialist
More world-renowned innovators, entrepreneurs, and policymakers will be announced in the coming weeks, further strengthening the event’s impact.
Why ABF 2025 Matters for Africa
The Africa Blockchain Festival 2025 is more than a three-day event. It represents a continental movement to position Africa as a global leader in AI and blockchain adoption.
By bringing together diverse stakeholders under one roof, ABF 2025 aims to:
- Accelerate financial inclusion through decentralized systems.
- Strengthen policy frameworks for blockchain and AI regulation.
- Inspire homegrown innovation across technology and creative sectors.
- Showcase Africa’s potential to move from technology consumer to global innovator.
As Rwanda leads the charge, ABF 2025 is poised to catalyze long-term growth, encourage investment, and inspire a new generation of digital pioneers across Africa.
Conclusion
With Rwanda’s endorsement, the Africa Blockchain Festival 2025 is set to make history as the continent’s first large-scale AI and blockchain celebration. From its diverse lineup of speakers to its immersive networking opportunities, ABF 2025 will mark a turning point for Africa’s digital economy.
By championing collaboration, innovation, and sustainable growth, this landmark festival ensures that Africa is not only ready for the future but ready to define it.
