Global blockchain and artificial intelligence leaders will converge in Kenya this October for a major conference expected to bring together investors, policymakers, technology experts and entrepreneurs to discuss the future of Africa’s digital economy.
The Africa Blockchain Festival (ABF) 2026 will be held from October 15 to 17 at the Sarit Expo Centre in Nairobi, bringing together thousands of delegates from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and North America.
The Nairobi event will be held under the theme “Capital, Code and Continuity: Building Africa’s Permanent Digital Economy.”
It will also be co-hosted with the World Token Summit, with organizers positioning the partnership as an opportunity to connect African innovators with global investors and technology leaders.
What the Africa Blockchain Festival Will Focus On
The three-day event will feature keynote presentations, policy discussions, investor forums, startup showcases, technical workshops, executive networking sessions and exhibitions.
Discussions will focus on blockchain infrastructure, artificial intelligence, digital finance, cybersecurity, tokenization, stablecoins and other emerging technologies.
Participants are also expected to explore the use of technology in areas such as cross-border payments, digital identity, financial services and enterprise operations.
The festival will bring together startup founders, venture capital firms, financial institutions, technology companies, developers, government representatives, regulators and academic institutions.
It comes as African countries continue to expand their use of digital technologies, particularly in financial services and mobile payments.
Organizers say blockchain and artificial intelligence could help African countries address challenges in financial inclusion, public services and trade while opening up opportunities for new industries.
Africa has already developed strong digital finance and mobile money ecosystems, while technology companies and startups across the continent increasingly explore artificial intelligence, blockchain, and other emerging technologies.
Meanwhile, the event is expected to provide a platform for African innovators to showcase technologies and businesses to international investors and potential partners.
Why Kenya Was Selected
Kenya’s selection as the 2026 venue reflects its growing reputation as one of Africa’s leading technology hubs.
Nairobi, often referred to as the “Silicon Savannah,” has developed a strong ecosystem around fintech, mobile money, technology startups, and digital entrepreneurship.
The country has also attracted international technology companies, investors and innovation-focused organizations looking to expand across the African market.
Africa Blockchain Festival Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer Olubunmi Fabanwo said Kenya provides an ideal environment for conversations about the continent’s digital future.
“Kenya has consistently demonstrated that innovation thrives when talent, entrepreneurship and supportive ecosystems come together,” Fabanwo said.
“Today, the country is helping shape Africa’s leadership in artificial intelligence, blockchain and digital finance. There is no better place to convene the conversations that will define Africa’s digital future.”
He said the country was helping shape Africa’s leadership in artificial intelligence, blockchain and digital finance.
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Beyond Cryptocurrency
Fabanwo added that the festival’s focus extends beyond cryptocurrency and digital assets.
“Blockchain gives Africa an opportunity to build the digital foundations that future generations deserve,” he said.
According to Fabanwo, the technology could help create trusted systems, improve financial inclusion, strengthen public services, modernize trade and support the development of new industries.
The 2026 festival will, therefore, examine how blockchain and other emerging technologies can be applied to practical challenges facing businesses, governments and communities.
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World Token Summit Partnership
The Africa Blockchain Festival will be held alongside the World Token Summit, which focuses on asset tokenization, real-world assets, central bank digital currencies and blockchain innovation.
World Token Summit Founder Ahmed Refaie said the partnership would bring governments, investors, innovators and industry leaders together in one forum.
“Bringing Africa Blockchain Festival and the World Token Summit together in Nairobi creates a unique opportunity to connect governments, innovators, investors and industry leaders from around the world,” Refaie said.
He said collaboration would be critical in helping Africa participate in and influence the next wave of technological transformation.
What Delegates Can Expect
Among the key areas expected to feature at the event are tokenized assets, artificial intelligence, blockchain applications, cross-border payments, digital identity and enterprise blockchain adoption.
Investment in startups and policy frameworks for emerging technologies will also form part of the discussions.
The organizers expect the festival to strengthen links between African technology companies and international partners while creating opportunities for investment and collaboration.
Registration, sponsorship opportunities, and partnership applications for the Africa Blockchain Festival 2026 are currently open.
About Africa Blockchain Festival
Africa Blockchain Festival is a blockchain, Web3, and artificial intelligence conference that brings together innovators, investors, policymakers, developers, entrepreneurs, and business leaders to discuss digital transformation and investment opportunities across Africa.
The 2026 festival follows the inaugural edition held in Kigali, Rwanda.
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