No one can deny the fact that blockchain is transforming industries in ways that have never been seen before. Leaders across the world are in search of answers to some of the major questions about the blockchain's impact on society and business. If there’s anyone worth listening to is a leading global figure in the industry together with his professional partner. Prof Don Tapscott together with Alex Tapscott are visiting South Africa to clear the air on these subjects.

Don Tapscott is known as a leading authority on blockchain, participating regularly in Davos, the World Economic Forum, and playing a critical role in advising governments and corporates globally. Don Tapscott and Alex Tapscott will be in South Africa from 26 February to 3 March, to engage with leaders and regulators to support blockchain acceleration in Africa. The Blockchain Research Institute (BRI) is an independent, global think tank, dedicated to exploring and sharing knowledge about the strategic implications of blockchain on business, government, and society. Co-founded by Don and Alex Tapscott, BRI is funded by a consortium of international corporations and government agencies.

Commenting on the program, Don Tapscott says: “The BRI Africa’s 2023 program focuses on building community, stimulating research, facilitating education, and catalysing action from those with influence. We start in the economic hub of Southern Africa, Johannesburg, and will work our way down to Cape town, the region’s innovative capital”.

Aligned to driving Africa’s growth, the Standard Bank Group has enabled the establishment of the Blockchain Research Institute (BRI) Africa as an expansion of the international global organisation. BRI Africa is envisioned to provide a collaboration platform for leaders and experts in Africa and beyond, who are focused on blockchain opportunities in Africa. This platform is intended to provide leaders navigating the Web3 transition with bespoke research, global insights, access to leading experts and coordinated collaboration opportunities.

The relatively new field of blockchain technology has been rapidly gaining widespread adoption across industries globally. According to the latest Gartner tech hype cycle1, research is indicating that blockchain and Web3 technologies will have a radical and transformative impact on industries similar to the mobile phone and internet.

Respected industry pioneer, Charles Hoskinson, founder of Cardano, previously indicated Africa is leapfrogging the US and Europe in its embrace of blockchain technology, which is positioning Africa to be wealthier than Western nations. The application of blockchain solutions on the African continent is extensive, including the key ability to transform outdated governance systems and accelerate financial inclusion to overcome the 45% of people in Sub-Saharan who are unbanked2.

Aligned to driving Africa’s growth, the Standard Bank Group has enabled the establishment of the Blockchain Research Institute (BRI) Africa as an expansion of the international global organisation. BRI Africa is envisioned to provide a collaboration platform for leaders and experts in Africa and beyond, who are focused on blockchain opportunities in Africa. This platform is intended to provide leaders navigating the Web3 transition with bespoke research, global insights, access to leading experts, and coordinated collaboration opportunities.

Head of the Blockchain Centre of Excellence, Standard Bank Group Ian Putter notes: “During this week, BRI Africa will be convening some of South Africa’s influential decision makers to engage with global experts in Web3 and digital assets. These meetings are geared at providing global insights and stimulating action-provoking conversations. Together, we will use blockchain to drive Africa’s growth.”

The engagement will bring together blockchain experts from all over Africa and the world, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange across industries to educate and inspire attendants, helping them understand the potential of Web3 technology and how it can be best leveraged for success in African business.

Dale Russell, Director of Moore Blockchain Digital Assets Johannesburg, commented: “We are honoured to collaborate with BRI Africa in bringing Don & Alex Tapscott, two highly esteemed industry experts, to South Africa. This partnership provides an exceptional opportunity to showcase the vast potential of blockchain technology and provide a platform for top leaders in the region to share knowledge and insights.”

TSIBA Ignition Academy CEO and Project Lead on Level Up, Karien Cloete also notes: “We are passionate about supporting innovation that drives inclusive and sustainable economic development in Africa. We look forward to hosting robust discussions about the impact and possibilities of Blockchain technologies in the retail sector together with the BRI."

The engagement sessions are open to executive leaders and experts in the industry seeking to gain access to global insights, network to stimulate collaborative projects, and seeking to engage on regulation. If you’d like to participate, please contact connect@briafrica.org

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Blockchain thought leaders, Don and Alex Tapscott, visit Africa