Ten years ago, on January 6, 2016, we published our first words to the world: “Hello World! Welcome to BitHub.Africa.”
What began as a bold vision to bring Blockchain technology to Africa has grown into a decade-long journey of education, innovation, and community building. Today, as we mark our 10th anniversary, we look back with gratitude at the path we have walked together.
The Beginning: A Vision for Africa’s Digital Future
In 2016, Bitcoin and Blockchain technology were still emerging concepts across much of Africa. We saw an opportunity—not just to participate in this technological revolution, but to shape how it would unfold across our continent. BitHub Africa was founded as the first Blockchain Accelerator dedicated to Africa’s unique needs and opportunities.
Our founding mission was clear: to spread information and knowledge on cutting-edge Blockchain technologies while bringing together key players in both the public and private sectors. We believed then, as we believe now, that Blockchain technology holds transformative potential for Africa—politically, economically, and socially.
A Decade of Milestones
2016: Laying the Foundation
Our first year was dedicated to research and awareness. We published our groundbreaking Blockchain Opportunity Feasibility Study, appeared on Bitcoin Rush, and engaged African Central Banks and regulators at the Digital Financial Services Workshop. We participated in conferences like Dot Finance Africa and AITEC, planting seeds that would grow in the years ahead.
2017: Building Momentum
We released the African Blockchain Opportunity Report, providing a comprehensive analysis of Blockchain potential across the continent. Our coverage of the Blockchain Africa Conference 2017 brought these discussions to a wider audience. The year culminated with the BitMari Bitcoin Bus Tour and Pitching Competition, taking Blockchain education directly to communities.
2018: Recognition and Technical Innovation
This was a breakthrough year. BitMari completed the first remittance transaction on the Lightning Network—a technical milestone for African Blockchain adoption. We conducted Blockchain Essentials Training at Strathmore University, bringing formal education to the ecosystem. Our work was recognized globally when BitHub Africa won an award at the Global Blockchain Congress 2018.
2019: Expanding Our Reach
We delivered a keynote at the World Blockchain Summit on the Evolution of Blockchain in Africa, sharing our vision on the international stage. Most significantly, we launched Melanin Academy—an internship program designed to nurture the next generation of African Blockchain talent.
2020: New Protocols, New Possibilities
Despite global challenges, we continued to innovate. The Whive Protocol and Network launched on 02/02/2020, demonstrating our commitment to building, not just advocating for, Blockchain solutions.
2021: Sustainability and Inclusion
We turned our attention to how Blockchain could drive sustainable energy adoption across Africa. Our work on “Black People & Cryptocurrency” initiated important conversations about financial inclusion and the role of decentralized technologies in addressing historical inequities.
2022: Educating Through Media
The launch of the ProofOfWork Show marked a new chapter in our educational mission. Through episodes covering everything from Bitcoin mining essentials to tokenomics, we made complex concepts accessible to a broader audience.
2023-2024: Global Conversations
Our Fireside Chat with Arthur Hayes and participation in the Black Blockchain Summit connected our community to global thought leaders. Recent content exploring Bitcoin and Black Liberation with Sinclair Skinner continues our tradition of examining Blockchain through the lens of African and diaspora empowerment.
By the Numbers
Over 10 years, BitHub Africa has:
- Published 39 articles documenting Africa’s Blockchain journey
- Covered 9 years of continuous Blockchain evolution
- Built a community spanning researchers, developers, entrepreneurs, and enthusiasts
- Conducted training sessions, workshops, and educational programs across the continent
- Launched Melanin Academy to develop African Blockchain talent
- Created the ProofOfWork Show to make Blockchain education accessible
The Road Ahead: Preserving Our Legacy
As we close this chapter, BitHub Africa transitions into an archived portal—a permanent digital monument to a decade of Blockchain education and advocacy in Africa. Our articles, resources, and historical records will remain accessible, serving as a reference for researchers, historians, and anyone interested in understanding how Blockchain technology took root in Africa.
The conversations we started, the communities we built, and the knowledge we shared do not end here. They continue in the work of every developer we trained, every entrepreneur we inspired, and every community member who carries the vision forward.
Thank You
To our community: you made this journey meaningful. From those who attended our first meetups to those discovering us through this archive—thank you for being part of the BitHub Africa story.
To our partners, collaborators, and supporters across Africa and the world: your belief in our mission enabled everything we accomplished.
The Blockchain revolution in Africa is far from over. If anything, it is just beginning. We are proud to have been among those who helped light the way.
Join the Blockchain Revolution in Africa Today!
BitHub Africa (2016-2026)
Web3 Community | Melanin Academy
Founded by John Wainaina Karanja & Christian Kakoba Mugisho
Preserved for Historical Reference