It is easy to dismiss African Bitcoin developers and builders and think they are not innovating, but the ecosystem growth from 2023 into 2024 will leave you speechless. The quality of working solutions and products validates its contribution to the Bitcoin ecosystem. I dare say, it is the fastest-growing Bitcoin ecosystem across all continents (at least on Earth 🫣)

Thanks to Africa Bitcoiners for curating and visualizing the data of Africa's Bitcoin ecosystem growth.

We will explore the various Bitcoin projects turned startups, education initiatives, communities, Non-profits, Mining, Bootcamps, training and other relevant subsections.

We just saw an increase in the awareness level of Bitcoin across the continent and also saw the successful second edition of the AfroBitcoin Conference(the largest bitcoiners gathering on the continent, that attracts local and international individuals, businesses, government agencies, innovators for high signalling and insights). Additionally, the growth of programs to train a new generation of 'bitcoin core & lightning developers' was birthed, such as Btrust(formally Qala), Chaincode and Afrobitcoin Fellowship.

The influence of the Afrobitcoin conference was undeniable, as more Bitcoin-centric solutions, projects and products were launched. The ecosystem was experiencing its gold rush frenzy. Investment into African startups was a focus this period, either through Non-profits such as HRF, Bitcoin For Fairness or VC such as Recursive Capital, Wolf, among others.

If I was not an African, I wouldn't believe the explosive growth of the ecosystem. It feels like something out of a galactic movie(you are staring into a bland sky, then suddenly staring into a galaxy of stars).

Sectors that experienced more growth in Bitcoin Mining, Education, Bootcamp/Training Camps, Payment solutions and Utility platforms ie: iPayBTC, Bitpension, Cashwyre, etc

Now it is clear that the growth is not a fluke and can't be denied. A lot of Bitcoin projects have not turned into profitable startups. Bitcoin developers' meetup is experiencing steady growth across various African countries, legacy platforms are adopting the Lightning payment option, and Governments are proposing Digital Asset regulations, which is a high signal of adoption(there is still a long way to go).

Some participants in the Btrust Builders Hackathon in partnership with the AfroBitcoin 2023 announced their beta launch, such as Mavapay, Bitpension, Stealth Money, among others.

We are undoubtedly in the last lap of the year, 2024 and everyone is only optimistic for increased growth regardless of the various economic mood swings and unrest smiling at the continent. Yet we have a lot to be comforted with, the highest signalling Bitcoin conference is happening in Nairobi, Kenya (Afrobitcoin Conference), a dedicated Bitcoin Hackathon by TBD(register), launch of FEDI, Interim CEO of Btrust, Bitcoin open-source developers Grantee among other things.

Let's keep innovating and building solutions that solve our everyday problems. I'll remind anyone who cares to listen, "Don't ask for permission, only ask for forgiveness: if you are serious about life".

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