The blockchain summit planned in Kampala aims to deepen collaboration between industry, academia and regulatory bodies, thereby fostering a fertile environment for the expansion of blockchain technology in various sectors, organizers said.

This year’s summit, on November 1, 2024, will be held at Endiro Coffee, located on Kintu Road in Nakasero, Kampala, and builds on the progress and dialogue established at the influential 2019 Africa Blockchain Conference.

According to Mr. Reginald Tumusiime, President of the Block Chain Association of Uganda (BAU) which will host the summit, this year’s event will also focus on real-world applications, regulatory frameworks and academic engagement.

“The summit will bring together the biggest blockchain advocates, policymakers and business leaders from Uganda and Africa,” he said.
Following in the footsteps of the 2019 conference, which brought together leaders like the President of Uganda and the Governor of the Central Bank, this year’s summit continues the momentum, with a keynote address from the Deputy Governor of the Bank central Uganda.

“Participants can expect informative sessions on regulatory perspectives, technology applications and the role of blockchain in Africa’s economic and technological future,” said Mr. Tumusiime.
Since the creation of BAU in 2018, the association has played a key role in the creation
Uganda as a regional hub for blockchain and emerging technologies.

BAU has become a collaborative entity, partnering with key regulators such as the Financial Intelligence Authority and the Bank of Uganda.
Mr. Tumusiime envisions an expansion of the BAU’s mandate, moving to an “emerging technology association” that supports innovations beyond blockchain, including big data, AI and robotics.
“Our growth will be driven by the stakeholders we work with, and we aim to provide a platform for innovators to scale their ideas,” Tumusiime said.

Keynote speakers and industry insights
This year’s summit will bring together figures from across sectors such as Olivier Fines, Global Head of Advocacy and Policy Research at CFA Institute EMEA, and Thomas Giacomo, Director of Usage at BSV Blockchain, who both bring insights international perspectives on the impact of blockchain on finance and politics.

Local and regional leaders, such as Joséphine Okui of the Capital Markets Authority and
Fred Percy Kisa, from the National Social Security Fund (NSSF Uganda), will also share his expertise, reflecting Uganda’s collaborative approach to technology adoption.
The summit’s roundtables promise to shed light on the regulatory, entrepreneurial and academic landscapes.