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CRYPTOCURRENCY AND BLOCKCHAIN EVENTS

Setting the standard for blockchain and cryptocurrency events since 2015.

Bitcoin Events, co-founded by Sonya Kuhnel and Theo Sauls in 2014, emerged as a result of their early adoption of cryptocurrencies and their strong belief in the transformative potential of blockchain technology. With a keen focus on addressing challenges, such as financial inclusion, economic development, and job creation, they recognised the need for education and information on blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies in the region.

To bridge this knowledge gap, Bitcoin Events established a platform that offers a range of events, workshops, and educational meetups. These gatherings provide valuable opportunities for individuals and organisations to learn, connect, and network with like-minded enthusiasts and industry leaders who are actively building products and services utilising blockchain technology.

Bitcoin Events pioneered Africa’s blockchain conference landscape in 2015 with the Bitcoin Africa Conference in Cape Town, which evolved into the landmark Blockchain Africa Conference. Over a decade, this flagship event has grown into one of the continent’s most influential industry gatherings.

Building on this success, the Crypto Fest was launched in Cape Town in 2019, followed by the virtual DeFi Conference in 2020 – a strategic pivot that expanded global accessibility through digital platforms.

In 2025, we have marked another milestone with the inaugural Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Summit, exploring Bitcoin’s remarkable journey from a cryptographic experiment to its emerging role in national monetary policy. This virtual summit examines how sovereign states are reimagining their reserve assets for the digital age.

Throughout the 10-year journey, we have had the honor of welcoming over 18,000 attendees from more than 165 countries. We have had the privilege of engaging with esteemed individuals and reputable companies at the forefront of the blockchain space. With a far-reaching influence, Bitcoin Events remains dedicated to empowering Africa through our world-class events, contributing to the advancement of the region’s blockchain ecosystem.

Our Events Over the years

Bitcoin Events is the hosts of the annual Blockchain Africa Conferences, Crypto Fest and DeFi Conference.

Bitcoin Africa Conference 2015

Cape Town | 150+ attendees | 12 Speakers

March 2015

Bitcoin and Blockchain Africa Conference 2016

Johannesburg | 200+ attendees | 14 Speakers

March 2016

Blockchain Africa Conference 2017

Johannesburg | 320+ attendees | 17 Speakers

March 2017

Blockchain Africa Conference 2018

Johannesburg | 400+ attendees | 32 Speakers

March 2018

Blockchain Africa Conference 2019

Johannesburg and Cape Town | 600+ attendees | 60 Speakers

March 2019

Crypto Fest 2019

Cape Town | 250+ attendees | 25 Speakers

11 September 2019

Blockchain Africa Conference 2020

Johannesburg | 250+ attendees | 35 Speakers *Attendee numbers were lower than expected due to COVID-19 and lockdown restrictions

11 & 12 March 2020

DeFi Conference 2020

Virtual | 977 attendees | 34 Speakers

5 August 2020

Crypto Fest 2020

Virtual | 1288 attendees | 30 Speakers

30 October 2020

Blockchain Africa Conference 2021

Virtual | 5729 attendees | 57 Speakers

18 & 19 March 2021

DeFi Conference 2021

Virtual | 1572 attendees | 44 Speakers

5 August 2021

Crypto Fest 2021

Virtual | 1649 attendees | 43 Speakers

29 October 2021

Blockchain Africa Conference 2022

Virtual | 1964 attendees | 57 Speakers

17 & 18 March 2022

Crypto Fest 2022

Hybrid: Cape Town & Virtual | 987 attendees | 37 Speakers

30 September 2022

Blockchain Africa Conference 2023

Hybrid: Johannesburg & Virtual | 955 attendees | 44 Speakers

16 & 17 March 2023

Crypto Fest 2023

Cape Town | 454 attendees | 29 Speakers

24 November 2023

Crypto Fest 2024

Cape Town | 403 attendees | 29 Speakers

11 October 2024

Blockchain Africa Conference 2024

Pretoria/Cape Town | 411 attendees | 37 Speakers

20 & 22 Nov 2024

Blockchain Africa Conference

Bitcoin Events has been at the forefront of blockchain and cryptocurrency innovation in Africa, organizing the groundbreaking Blockchain Africa Conferences since 2015. Over the past decade, these conferences have attracted approximately 10,900 attendees from across the globe, solidifying their status as the premier blockchain event on the continent.

As the pioneers of this remarkable initiative, we’ve hosted some of the brightest minds and industry trailblazers, including visionaries such as Charles Hoskinson, Founder and CEO of IOHK and Cardano; Rene Reinsberg, Co-Founder of Celo and President of the Celo Foundation; Sandra Ro, CEO of the Global Blockchain Business Council; Denelle Dixon, CEO and Executive Director of the Stellar Development Foundation; and Andreas M. Antonopoulos, an esteemed expert in security and distributed systems.

Our conferences have consistently served as a platform for global thought leaders to exchange ideas, foster collaboration, and explore the transformative potential of blockchain technology, with a particular focus on its applications and impact in Africa.

Throughout the years, our themes have evolved alongside the blockchain industry’s progression. From “Beyond the Hype” to “From Hype to Mainstream”, and most recently, “Ready for Business?”, our conferences have reflected the maturing of blockchain technology and its journey toward widespread adoption.

Join us as we continue to lead the way, inspire innovation, and shape the future of blockchain technology. Prepare to be inspired by industry pioneers, participate in thought-provoking discussions, and forge meaningful connections that drive impactful change.

Crypto Fest

Crypto Fest is South Africa’s premier crypto festival, held annually in Cape Town. For six years, this groundbreaking event has brought together an extraordinary mix of game-changers, thought leaders, innovators, technologists, entrepreneurs, traders, enthusiasts, investors (private and institutional), payment providers, cryptocurrency exchanges, and forward-thinking individuals driving innovation in cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology.

As the go-to destination for Web3.0 insights, Crypto Fest features global speakers at the forefront of crypto and blockchain innovation. Since its inception, the event has welcomed over 5,000 attendees, offering engaging discussions on a wide array of topics, including NFTs, DeFi, cryptocurrencies, and blockchain technology.

The festival has been hosted in some of Cape Town’s most iconic venues, such as Cabo Beach Club, The Grand Africa Beach Café, and, most recently, the DHL Stadium. Each location highlights not only the innovation of the event but also the beauty and vibrancy of South Africa’s hosting capabilities.

Crypto Fest continues to be the ultimate gathering for anyone passionate about the future of finance, technology, and innovation.

Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Summit

Get ready to explore the transformative power of Bitcoin at the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Summit!

This ground-breaking event brings together visionaries and change makers from across the spectrum—government leaders, top financial institutions, and cutting-edge tech innovators—for an electrifying discussion on Bitcoin’s potential to reshape the global economy.

Bitcoin’s transformation from a niche cypherpunk idea to a potential Strategic Bitcoin Reserve (SBR) asset marks a significant shift in how nations may safeguard and assert their economic influence. This evolution transcends the mere modernization of national treasuries; it embodies a profound rethinking of financial strategies in an increasingly digital landscape.

The summit is a platform to spark bold ideas, share visionary strategies, and map out the future of economic resilience with Bitcoin as a strategic reserve asset.