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Why Africa Must Invest Heavily in Blockchain and AI Research.

Insights from David Otieno , CEO of Chaintum & Head of Research at the Blockchain Association of Kenya (BAK) of Kenya Emerging technologies like blockchain and AI hold immense potential for transforming Africa’s economy, governance, and financial systems. Yet, a critical challenge persists: the continent’s research efforts in these fields remain fragmented and underfunded. To explore the role of research in driving Africa’s digital transformation, the Kenya Blockchain & Crypto Conference (KBCC) sat down with David Otieno, CEO of Chaintum Research and Head of Research at the Blockchain Association of Kenya (BAK). His insights highlight why African governments, private institutions, and individuals must prioritize investments in research to ensure these technologies are tailored to Africa’s unique socio-economic landscape. The Research Gap: Why Africa Needs Its Own Data Africa has long been a consumer of global innovations, but Otieno warns that imported narratives often fail to capture the realities of African markets. He emphasizes that without local research, Africa risks being a passive adopter rather than an active innovator. “One of Africa’s biggest challenges in emerging technology adoption is the lack of localized research. We have often relied on imported narratives that do not fully capture our unique realities,” says Otieno. A quote by Femi Longe of the Human Rights Foundation (HRF) perfectly encapsulates this issue: “Our Bitcoin reality is not yours.” A fact underscored by the low Bitcoin mining nodes in Africa. This statement underscores how blockchain and AI solutions developed in the West often do not align with Africa’s economic and social structures. The lack of tailored research leads to a “knowledge segregation gap,”where only the most tech-savvy individuals can navigate these innovations, while the majority remain excluded. Bridging the Gap with Research Otieno believes research is the missing link between blockchain’s theoretical potential and real-world adoption. He points out that while blockchain is frequently marketed as a solution for Africa’s challenges—such as financial inclusion, governance, and trade inefficiencies—its actual impact on African communities remains poorly documented. “We couldn’t just talk about blockchain’s potential in abstract terms; we needed to ground it in real-world use cases that resonate with everyday people. Research, I realized, was the bridge between blockchain evangelists and those unfamiliar with the technology.” Chaintum Research: Advancing Africa’s Blockchain and AI Ecosystem At Chaintum Research, Otieno and his team focus on five key areas where blockchain and AI can drive meaningful change in Africa: These research areas are critical for Africa’s future because they directly impact economic development, social equity, and technological progress. Without localized insights, Africa remains at risk of adopting foreign blockchain and AI solutions that do not effectively address local needs. “If Africa is to fully harness the power of blockchain and AI, we must prioritize research that is grounded in local realities, amplifies African innovations, and guides strategic adoption.” The Role of Governments and private Institutions in Research Funding Research into blockchain and AI remains grossly underfunded in Africa. For instance, less than 1% of GDP is directed towards research and development in Kenya. The Science, Technology, and Innovation (Amendment) Bill 2024 targets 2% of GDP to R&D funding, a target yet to be achieved. To put things into perspective, Kenya’s GDP was KSh 13.5 trillion as of 2022, a 2% apportionment to that would amount to KSh 260 billion –no small addition to innovation, were it to be realized. David Otieno identifies three major reasons why meaningful research in blockchain and AI has not been attained: – Limited institutional support: Most research institutions lack the needed resources and infrastructure to carry out high-impact studies. – Lack of funding and grants: Due to insufficient financial support, many important research studies have not been completed, and this is delaying the development of localized solutions. – Weak industry collaboration: Disconnection among academia, policymakers, and private sector players is one of the main reasons for non-translation of research into application. At BAK, Otieno is actively working to bridge these gaps by engaging policymakers, industry leaders, and institutions to shape pro-innovation regulations and support research-driven adoption of blockchain and AI. For Africa to fully harness the potential of blockchain and AI, governments and institutions must take proactive steps in funding research. That is, creating specific funds for research, attracting private investment, and encouraging academia-industry partnerships. Only through sustained investment can Africa develop homegrown innovations that address its unique socio-economic challenges. Steps to Strengthen Research in Africa Otieno suggests three key solutions: 1. Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): Governments should work with private companies to create research hubs. 2. Academic Grants & University Collaborations: Funding students and researchers working on blockchain and AI. 3. Industry-Driven Initiatives: Encouraging corporations to invest in localized R&D. While Kenya has made some strides, with institutions like the Kenya National Innovation Agency (KENIA)and Konza Technopolis supporting innovation, a structured national research strategy is still lacking. “For real impact, Kenya needs a structured national strategy that integrates research, policy, and industry adoption to ensure that blockchain and AI contribute meaningfully to economic and social transformation.” The Future: Breakthroughs That Could Shape Africa’s Economy Looking ahead, Otieno identifies four key breakthroughs in blockchain and AI research that will have the greatest socio-economic impact in Africa: 1. Decentralized Finance (DeFi): Enabling financial inclusion for the unbanked. 2. AI-Driven Agricultural Analytics: Enhancing food security and climate resilience. 3. Blockchain-Based Supply Chains:Improving transparency and reducing corruption in trade. 4. Digital Identity Solutions:Strengthening governance and cross-border commerce. Chaintum Research is playing a much needed role in driving these advancements by producing data-driven insights that inform policymakers and entrepreneurs. “Our research ensures that blockchain and AI solutions are tailored to Africa’s unique challenges, fostering homegrown innovations that drive sustainable economic growth.” Why Africa Must Act Now Africa is at a critical juncture in its digital transformation journey. Investing in blockchain and AI research is not optional—it is essential for ensuring these technologies serve African needs rather than merely being imposed from abroad. Governments, private institutions, and individual investors must take responsibility for funding and supporting localized research, ensuring that Africa not

Chebet Kipingor: Championing crypto for Africa

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For many, the leap from law to blockchain might seem like a radical pivot. But for Chebet Kipingor, Kenya Lead at Busha and Africa Ambassador at AWIC Africa it was a natural evolution—one shaped by a deep passion for communication, brand building, and the power of storytelling. “My path has been shaped by a deep passion for communication and brand building. While I studied law, my heart was always in marketing and storytelling—skills I’ve honed over nine years of working with tech startups and consulting in traditional finance,” she shares. It was this experience that helped her see a glaring gap in Africa’s Web3 landscape. Crypto’s biggest barrier, she realized, wasn’t education—it was marketing and storytelling . Many Web3 companies were operating in silos, using technical jargon that alienated everyday users. “Many Africans don’t even realize these solutions exist simply because we’re not communicating in ways that resonate with them,” she explains. “My background in marketing and community building helped me bridge the gap between builders and users—making Web3 accessible, relatable, and practical for the people who need it most.” That mission has driven her work at Busha, Nigeria’s first regulated crypto exchange, which is now expanding its footprint in Kenya. Busha : More Than Just a Crypto Exchange While many crypto platforms mimic Western models, Busha has taken a different approach—one deeply rooted in African realities. “When people ask me about Busha, I tell them we’re not just another crypto exchange—we’re a movement for financial freedom in Africa,” Chebet asserts. Founded in 2019, Busha recognized early on that Africa’s biggest financial challenges—capital preservation, cross-border payments, and financial inclusion —needed African solutions. She recalls a story that underscores why this matters: “I remember a young freelancer telling me how she lost clients because she couldn’t receive international payments. Today, she uses Busha to get paid instantly from anywhere in the world.” For Chebet, the real impact of crypto isn’t in speculation—it’s in economic empowerment. “When a mother in rural Kenya can use crypto to pay for her children’s education abroad, or when a small business owner can preserve wealth despite local currency fluctuations—that’s the Busha difference. We’re not just providing a platform; we’re empowering our people to participate in the global economy on their own terms.” The Future of Crypto Regulation in Kenya With Kenya being a global pioneer in digital finance—thanks to M-Pesa—it’s no surprise that crypto is on the regulatory radar. But for Chebet, regulation needs to go beyond just rules—it needs to be innovative and inclusive. “Looking at Nigeria’s regulatory framework for crypto exchanges, I’m optimistic about Kenya’s path. But we need to do more than just regulate—we need to innovate in regulation,”she explains. The key, she believes, is balancing financial stability with Kenya’s entrepreneurial spirit. While discussions between industry leaders and regulators are promising, she sees education as crucial in shaping the right framework. “Regulators are increasingly understanding that crypto isn’t just about speculation—it’s about financial inclusion, remittances, and economic opportunity for millions of underserved Kenyans.” Empowering Women in Crypto: The AWIC Movement Beyond Busha, Chebet is also championing women’s participation in blockchain through the Association of Women in Crypto!”( AWIC Africa). “The Association of Women in Crypto was born from a simple truth I witnessed firsthand—when women gather, magic happens,” she says. She believes that in crypto, women aren’t just closing a gender gap—they’re leading a financial revolution. And that revolution is about to take a major step forward. “I’m thrilled to announce that we’re launching the AWIC African chapter on February 8th with our signature Block & Brunch event. Picture this: powerful women from finance, tech, and business coming together—not just to network, but to reshape Africa’s digital future.” Beyond events, AWIC is rolling out initiatives tailored to African women: Chebet is already seeing a shift. Women who once felt intimidated by blockchain are now building their own portfolios and businesses. Advice for Women Entering Blockchain For women curious about blockchain, Chebet has one key message: you don’t need to be a coder to belong in this space. “Start where you are, with what you know. Your experience—whether in marketing, law, education, or business—is valuable in this space,” she advises. She recalls her own entry into blockchain—not as a developer, but as a marketer fascinated by its potential to transform Africa. “I didn’t write a single line of code, but I understood our people’s needs and how to communicate solutions effectively. That’s equally valuable.” Her advice? Start small.Maybe by using crypto for a simple, practical purpose—like sending money to family abroad. Then, build your knowledge gradually and tap into communities like AWIC. Her advice? Start small.Maybe by using crypto for a simple, practical purpose—like sending money to family abroad. Then, build your knowledge gradually and tap into communities like AWIC. The Vision for Busha in Kenya and Women in Blockchain Looking ahead, Chebet has a bold vision for both Busha in Kenya and women’s leadership in blockchain. “I dream of a Kenya where using crypto is as natural as using M-Pesa—where every market trader, every student, every entrepreneur has the tools to participate in the global economy.” With Busha, that vision goes beyond just crypto trading. She sees it evolving into a comprehensive financial platform that enables people to dream bigger and reach further. And when it comes to women in blockchain, she’s aiming even higher. “I envision an Africa where women don’t just participate in blockchain—they lead it. Where girls grow up seeing women as CEOs of crypto companies, blockchain architects, and investment leaders.” Already, she’s seeing that future take shape. “We’re already seeing success stories—from the woman-owned businesses using crypto to import goods, to the female students funding their education through crypto savings. These stories fuel my vision of an Africa where financial freedom knows no gender.” Owning Our Story: A Call to Action For Chebet, blockchain is more than just technology—it’s about owning Africa’s narrative in the global digital economy. She sums it up with a quote that deeply resonates

TOP WEB3 DEVELOPERS COMMUNITIES TO WATCH

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Memoi Africa Memoi Africa was started in 2020 to address three key challenges that directly impacted its founders: a high unemployment rate of 85% among engineering graduates due to lack of marketable skills, high rate of scams from outside Africa that pretend to understand the technology yet are scammers, and the need to support technical founders in scaling their projects. To meet these goals, Memoi’s vision was to integrate blockchain technology into tertiary institutions like universities’ curriculums and organize developer-focused conferences. By November 2022, this vision materialized with the launch of an edTech (they are launching the name this coming week) and the Code Africa Conference, set to run until 2026. The conference aim was to activate a Technical Founders program, enhance curriculum integration, and partner with governments to create sustainable tech projects. Memoi currently supports over 6,000 developers and founders, offering 4-6 month training programs, hosting conferences, meetups, workshops, and creating job opportunities, with a long-term goal of ensuring sustainable training and employment for developers across Africa. JOIN THE COMMUNITY SpaceYaTech For a platform that started as a Twitter space in 2022, SpaceYaTech’s community growth to more than 2,364 members is a testament that having a clear vision and commitment truly pays off. The goal at the point of inception was to inspire and empower young people considering a transition into the tech space. Through a series of Twitter (now X) spaces, SpaceYaTech (loosely translated from Swahili to Space of Tech) mentored through storytelling, and critical support the next generation of tech professionals and innovators. Two years later, most of the earlier beneficiaries from the program, now work as senior and mid-level engineers and designers. They also give back to the community that built them by offering mentorships to new members. Currently, the community focuses on capacity building through innovation while encouraging beginners to work alongside senior engineers on in-house tech projects to sharpen their skills. They mainly support beginners and junior engineers from various tech stacks. SpaceYaTech virtually organized developer groups to collaborate on real enterprise projects, building products, selling them and even founding startups. JOIN THE COMMUNITY Web3 Clubs The Web3Cubs initiative began in January 2022, motivated by the need to contribute to the blockchain ecosystem as builders. The founders, with a background in tech and Web2 development, felt the urge to transition to Web3 but lacked the necessary capacity. This sparked the idea of creating a local developer community across Kenya, starting in Kisumu, Mombasa, and Nairobi. Though primarily focused on developers, the community also supports blockchain enthusiasts and curious minds. They offer free Web3 development cohorts on topics like Rust for NEAR Protocol, Solidity for Ethereum, and Cairo for StarkNet, with more exciting cohorts planned. Web3 Clubs hosts workshops and online meetups to keep members up to date with the latest Web3 insights. Their online community is highly active, frequently discussing technical challenges, especially code debugging. In addition, they run a community lab for weekly bootcamps, project pitches, and feedback sessions, offering free resources like Wi-Fi and refreshments to foster collaboration. Their mission is to empower members not only to succeed professionally but to positively impact their families, communities, and the world through the revolutionary power of Web3. JOIN THE COMMUNITY Kiboko DAO Kiboko DAO was established in March 2023 with the mission of supporting developers and individuals interested in building and learning Web3 technology to help them scale and make a living from this emerging field. Their key pillars are training, building, and mentorship, focusing on training new developers through workshops, hackathons, and ideathons, while helping them create products and connect with potential grants and support from businesses and protocols. Kiboko DAO also works with the Web2 industry to solve existing problems by integrating Web3 solutions. The community currently comprises 200 senior developers, 500 mid-level developers, and 4,000 junior developers. This large number of junior developers stems from their inclusive onboarding approach, partnering with communities like Ledger Ladies, SpaceYaTech, HerDAO, Web3 Clubs, and Tech Sisters Kenya. Understanding that Web3 is community-driven, they aim to foster collaboration and inclusivity to change the narrative of centralized models. Their vision is to see more local projects and innovations that solve real-world problems, steering away from merely localizing international ideas. Kiboko DAO aspires to be a global name, activating communities in countries like Uganda, Nigeria, Ghana, and South Africa, while continuing to offer both virtual and physical training. By creating and fostering these communities, they hope to unite diverse ideas and work towards solving problems on a global scale. JOIN THE COMMUNITY Ngeni Labs Ngeni.io, founded in early 2021, is Kenya and East Africa’s first and largest pure-play Blockchain and Web3 development studio. They boast a team of over 106 trained developers and tech strategists, specializing in building complex cross-platform applications, bots, and dApps for Blockchain, Fintech, Cryptocurrencies, and Market Trading. The Ngeni.io community actively supports developers and tech innovators through mentorship programs, hackathons, and hands-on projects. With a thriving community of over 10,000 members, their mission is to foster innovation and leadership in the Web3 space, driving impactful solutions across Africa and beyond. JOIN THE COMMUNITY Ready to get into the world of Web3 and contribute to Kenya’s rapidly growing decentralized ecosystem? Join one of these thriving developer communities today! Whether you’re a seasoned developer or just starting, there’s an opportunity for you to learn, collaborate, and build the future of technology. Get involved, attend meetups, participate in hackathons, and take your skills to the next level. The Web3 revolution is here, and Kenya is leading the movement—be part of the movement!

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