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Expectations were high, and it’s safe to say that the team at Bitcoin Events pulled through. Blockchain Africa 2021 was a massive success. Bitcoin Events, having plenty of practice with virtual events in 2020, made sure that the conference ran as smooth as can be, apart from some minor technical challenges, which are almost impossible to avoid in a virtual event.

The charismatic MC, John Lombela, kicked off day two with welcoming enthusiasm who then handed over to Sam Bankman-Fried, founder at Alameda Research and CEO and Founder at FTX. Sam discussed the decentralised financial ecosystem of the future, specifically focusing on the Serum project. Next up was Richard Ells, CEO and Founder of Electroneum and AnyTask, who spoke on the topic of ‘Empowering a Generation with Crypto’ hinting that Africa, has massive potential for exponential growth in the adoption of crypto.

Digital blockchain education in Africa was covered next by the director and founder of BitcoinKE, David Gitonga, who highlighted the importance and value that is developed from digital education in Africa and spoke on his experience and how BitcoinKE has grown over the past few years. It was then onto Pretty Kubyane, Co-founder at Coronet Blockchain, spoke about how blockchain can be utilised for food security and financial inclusion, specifically in Africa.

Following a short lunch break, viewers were welcomed with a panel discussing the institutional adoption of Decentralised Finance (DeFi). Panelists included Mariana Gospodinova, Ajit Tripathi with representatives from Kyber Network, BCG Platinion and ConsenSys. The panel spoke about, among other things, the current level of institutional interest in DeFi, the risks associated with institutions adopting DeFi and the various opportunities for institutions in adopting DeFi. I would highly recomend this intriguing discussion around institutional DeFi adoption is highly recommended for any DeFi enthusiast.

Arguably, the most important panel discussion, hosted by Muthoni Njogu, focused on the regulatory landscape of blockchain and digital assets in the US, Europe, UK and Africa. Among the panel members was Brandon Topham, Divisional Executive Enforcement at the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA). Topham suggested that South Africa has a “long way to go” in terms of crypto regulation. Topham mentioned that the FSCA has only just started working on crypto regulation “in one small aspect”, that being, to regulate the ‘players’ that provide services. This would likely include crypto exchanges, wallet providers ect. 

“To try and say that regulation will be sorted by X date is almost impossible”. Said Topham.

And with the blink of an eye, the Blockchain Africa Conference 2021 is over! That being said, I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it and hope to attend in person next year. I just like to thank the team at Bitcoin Events for hosting such an exciting event. It was truly an experience like no other.

Until next time.

Feature image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay 

Andrew Drake
Andrew is a law student currently studying at UNISA, and Global Crypto's in-house reporter. Andrew discovered blockchain in his final year of school and since developed a keen interest in the subject. He appreciates a good cup of coffee. When he is not too busy with work or studies, he enjoys playing a good round of golf.
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