Bridges, Blocks & Breakthroughs: Web2 → Web3 Leap

Bridges, Blocks & Breakthroughs: Web2 → Web3 Leap – panel session with Frederic (Genty) Samvura – Founding Member, Ekival; Kennedy Matsagas Schaal – Founder & CEO, Rejuve Biotech; Peter Onyango – Chairman, Virtual Assets Association of Kenya; Andreas Pletscher – Chief Operating Officer, Cardano Foundation; and Jessica Groopman – Founder, Regenerative Technology Project.

This panel explored the potential of Web3 technologies in Africa, bringing together experts across blockchain, finance, and biotech to examine how decentralized systems can reshape finance, identity, and data ownership. The discussion focused on Africa’s unique position – driven by a young, mobile-first population – and how Web3 could enable more inclusive, transparent, and locally owned digital ecosystems.

The conversation highlighted Web3 as a major opportunity for Africa to leapfrog traditional systems through decentralized finance, digital identity, and tokenized assets. While adoption is growing – especially in markets like Kenya – scaling requires better mobile-first products, regulatory clarity, and trust-driven solutions. Beyond finance, Web3 also opens new models for data ownership and participation, particularly in areas like healthcare, positioning Africa to define its own path in the next generation of the internet.

Key Highlights
• Africa’s Structural Advantage: A young, mobile-first population and strong fintech foundations (e.g. mobile money) are accelerating blockchain adoption.
• Mobile-First Gap: Most Web3 products are still desktop-based—unlocking adoption requires simple, mobile-native solutions.
• DeFi Solving Real Problems: Low-cost, borderless remittances and payments are among the most immediate and impactful use cases.
• Data Ownership & Digital Identity: Web3 enables individuals to control their data, with major implications for sectors like healthcare and research.
• Trust, Regulation & UX Matter: Adoption depends on affordability, reliability, and clear regulatory frameworks—not just technology.

From keynotes to dynamic panel discussions, the summit explored groundbreaking topics across four flagship tracks: the Africa Money & DeFi Summit, Africa Climate Tech & Investment Summit, Africa Startup Summit, and Africa AI & Digital Summit. Attendees immersed themselves in the latest trends, shared ideas, and discovered cutting-edge innovations that are redefining Africa’s tech landscape.

But it wasn’t just about the talks – networking buzzed with energy, workshops sparked creativity, and exhibitions showcased the region’s tech solutions.

Africa Tech Summit Nairobi 2026 celebrated its 8th edition on February 11th and 12th at the Sarit Expo Centre in Nairobi. Bringing together leading industry players the summit explored the latest trends and insights in technology and business across Africa and beyond.