The third and final day of the Africa Blockchain Festival 2025 marked a fitting close to three days of innovation, collaboration, and cultural exchange. Unlike the earlier days that centered on panels and workshops, the final day brought participants outdoors, encouraging reflection on the human side of technology and Africa’s collective future.
Morning Energy: Kigali Tech Run
The day began at the Nyarutarama Running Track, where numerous blockchain enthusiasts joined the Kigali Tech Run. The early morning event fostered camaraderie and wellness among attendees after two full days of discussions.
It reflected the festival’s broader message: a healthy ecosystem, whether physical or digital, thrives on community participation.
Honoring Memory and Resilience
Following the run, participants visited the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a site that holds the remains of more than 250,000 victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
The visit offered a quiet moment of reflection and strengthened participants’ understanding of Rwanda’s history and resilience.
Closing Celebration: Building the Future
The evening concluded with a gathering of the organizing committee and invited guests, including Senator Frank Habineza and Norbert Haguma, Chairman of the Rwandan Blockchain Association.
Over dinner and toasts, the festival’s convener, Olubunmi Fabanwo, expressed gratitude to the Rwandan hosts and promised that the next edition would be even stronger. In his remarks, Haguma revealed that the success of this year’s festival had opened doors for more blockchain organizations to enter Rwanda.
Spotlight on Local Talent: Rwanda’s Blockchain Builder
Among the standout figures at this year’s event was Cyusa Asaph, a certified smart contracts engineer and member of the festival’s organizing committee. With over four years of hands-on experience in blockchain development, Cyusa has contributed to both local and international projects, from enterprise-grade solutions to community initiatives. Beyond his technical work, he has trained dozens of Rwandans in blockchain programming, helping build the next generation of developers.
In an interview with SolanaFloor, Asaph shared his journey into blockchain and his hopes for Rwanda’s growing ecosystem.
From Curiosity to Commitment
Cyusa explained that his path began with curiosity about how economies function. With a background in Computer Science and Economics, he transitioned from Web2 to blockchain after realizing the transformative potential of decentralized systems.
In 2022, a scholarship from the Solana Foundation enabled him to study Rust and Anchor, marking the start of his journey in the Solana ecosystem. Since then, he has remained deeply involved in development and education.
Currently, Cyusa focuses on helping Rwanda create a supportive environment for blockchain innovation through regulatory and policy frameworks. He described ongoing efforts to establish clear frameworks that attract investment while ensuring accountability.
He also hinted at a Solana-based project his team is developing: a whale tracker designed to improve interoperability and user experience, set to launch early next year.
Solana’s Appeal in Emerging Markets
When asked what aspects of Solana’s technology appeal to developers in emerging markets, Cyusa pointed to low transaction fees, speed, and strong community support. He explained that in markets like Rwanda, where mobile money and fintech already dominate, cost and efficiency are critical.
He noted that if blockchain solutions were to compete with existing fintech solutions, they need to be faster and cheaper, adding that Solana’s infrastructure aligns well with these needs.
A Message for Young Developers
To aspiring African developers, Cyusa offered simple advice: start small, stay curious, and build something meaningful. He described Solana as a fertile ecosystem for innovation, particularly for developers aiming to create scalable consumer applications.
“Africa has the talent to lead the next wave of blockchain innovation,” he said, “and Solana gives builders the tools to launch real products.”
Curtain Call
As the sun set on the festival’s final evening, the energy in Kigali remained vibrant. Attendees departed with renewed optimism and a sense of shared purpose.
The Africa Blockchain Festival 2025 had not only showcased technological potential but also celebrated human connection, reflection, and resilience. It ended not as a conclusion, but as the beginning of a new chapter for Africa’s blockchain story.
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