What You Missed At GoChapaa’s Wallet LAUNCH Event: “Unlocking the Future: The Role of Crypto and Web3 in Africa’s Digital Economy”

Date: February 7th, 2025 | Venue: Nairobi Garage, Pinetree Plaza | Host: GoChapaa

The digital economy in Africa is rapidly evolving, with crypto and Web3 technologies at the forefront. This was the focus of GoChapaa’s groundbreaking event, GoChapaa’s Wallet Launch “Unlocking the Future: The Role of Crypto and Web3 in Africa’s Digital Economy.” A mix of education, innovation, entertainment, and networking, the event brought together some of the brightest minds in the Kenyan crypto space to discuss how these emerging technologies can reshape Africa’s digital landscape.

The Agenda: A Full Day of Insights, Inspiration, and Innovation

The event, which officially kicked off at 5:00 PM, was carefully curated to provide a mix of education, networking, and fun. With a variety of interactive sessions, powerful speeches, and inspiring panel discussions, every moment was designed to engage and enlighten. Below is a detailed breakdown of the event’s activities:

1. Attendee Registration and Networking

The registration process was more than just checking in—it was the first step in experiencing the Go Chapaa wallet ahead of its official launch. Guests were welcomed into the beautifully decorated Nairobi Garage at Pinetree Plaza, where the evening’s energy was set by the vibrant sounds of a live band. The soulful music created an inviting atmosphere, encouraging networking and conversation as attendees settled in.

Early arrivals took the opportunity to mingle, share their experiences in the crypto space, and discuss their expectations for the Go Chapaa wallet. As part of the event, guests were required to sign up for the wallet, giving them an exclusive first-hand experience before its official rollout.

“The live band was such a brilliant touch! It set a great mood and made the whole experience feel more personal and exciting,” remarked one guest.

The event’s main purpose was to officially launch the Go Chapaa wallet, and from the very start, attendees were immersed in what the platform had to offer.

2. Official Welcome by Faith Nyambura

The event officially began with an enthusiastic welcome from Faith Nyambura, who represented GoChapaa. With a warm smile and confident demeanor, Faith took the microphone and expressed her gratitude to all who had joined.

She highlighted the significance of the event, emphasizing how GoChapaa is committed to bridging the gap between traditional finance and the growing world of digital currencies. Faith promised an evening packed with learning, innovation, and fun.

“Today’s event is more than just a conversation—it’s a step forward for Kenya’s crypto community. We’re thrilled to have you here to be part of this journey,” she said.

3.Keynote Address by Edward Karani – CEO, GoChapaa

Edward Karani, the CEO of GoChapaa, is a visionary leader passionate about financial inclusion and digital innovation. With a background in fintech and blockchain, he is dedicated to simplifying access to digital finance for all Kenyans. Under his leadership, GoChapaa is breaking down barriers and making digital transactions safer, easier, and more accessible.

Edward’s keynote speech was nothing short of inspiring. He shared the story behind GoChapaa—how it was created to solve real financial challenges that many Kenyans face daily. He painted a clear picture of the future of digital finance and how GoChapaa is working to make it a reality for everyone.

He explained that the GoChapaa Wallet is designed to be simple and user-friendly, allowing anyone, regardless of their technical knowledge, to participate in the digital economy. He emphasized GoChapaa’s mission to promote financial inclusion through easy-to-use solutions that bring the benefits of blockchain technology to the masses.

“Our goal at GoChapaa is to break down barriers in digital finance. We want every Kenyan, whether crypto-savvy or new to the space, to feel empowered to use digital currencies safely and seamlessly,” Edward stated passionately.

His speech left the audience energized and eager to explore GoChapaa’s product and its potential to reshape digital finance in Kenya.

4. Product Walk-Through by Reuben, GoChapaa Tech Lead

Next on stage was Reuben, GoChapaa’s Tech Lead, who conducted a detailed demonstration of the GoChapaa Wallet.
Reuben Nguyo: Technical Lead and Blockchain Architect at GoChapaa

Reuben Nguyo has made significant contributions as a Technical Lead at GoChapaa, where he was instrumental in designing and implementing innovative fintech solutions. During his time with the company, he was responsible for improving software performance and ensuring a seamless customer experience. Notably, Reuben’s work led to a 33% improvement in software performance and a 24% increase in consistency across customer experiences.

As the technical visionary behind GoChapaa’s platform, Reuben led development teams to design complex systems that adhered to project specifications while meeting regulatory compliance. His expertise in blockchain integration, smart contract development, and cybersecurity played a crucial role in advancing GoChapaa’s mission to bridge the gap between traditional finance and blockchain technology.

One of his major achievements was implementing a DevOps approach, which streamlined development processes and promoted automation using industry-standard tools. This approach not only boosted efficiency but also enhanced collaboration among team members, contributing to improved project outcomes.

Before joining GoChapaa, Reuben worked as an Android Lead Developer at Maaditech Limited, where he ensured 99% uptime for mobile applications and introduced a vision-driven TransUnion credit score feature. This addition improved the accuracy of financial services by 90% and enhanced security for consumers. Throughout his career, Reuben developed a variety of applications, including mobile and web solutions, which led to significant gains in user engagement and revenue.

Beyond his technical expertise, Reuben has been a strong advocate for the Kenyan blockchain community. He dedicated time to mentoring and guiding emerging tech talent, helping to foster innovation in the country’s rapidly growing digital landscape.
Using a live demo, Reuben walked the audience through the app’s features, focusing on its ease of use, security protocols, and functionality.

He showed how users can:

• Create a secure account in minutes.
• Send and receive crypto assets with minimal fees.
• Track and manage their digital currencies effortlessly.

Reuben also emphasized the security measures built into the wallet to protect users’ funds, reassuring the audience that GoChapaa prioritizes safety. Attendees were encouraged to download the app and follow along, with a Q&A session afterward to address any questions.

“We’ve built GoChapaa with the user in mind. Whether you’re new to crypto or an experienced trader, this app will meet your needs,” Reuben concluded confidently.

5. Ice-Breaker Game: Crypto Trivia

After the product demonstration, it was time to inject some fun into the evening with a Crypto Trivia Game. Designed to be both entertaining and educational, the trivia session got the audience buzzing.

The game featured multiple rounds of questions, ranging from blockchain basics to more complex Web3 concepts. Attendees competed to answer the questions as quickly as possible, with some showing impressive knowledge of crypto history and technology.

Prizes, including GoChapaa-branded merchandise and crypto tokens, were awarded to the winners, creating an electric and playful atmosphere. The friendly competition helped break the ice and brought a renewed sense of excitement to the event.

“This was such a creative way to engage us! I even learned a few things I didn’t know about blockchain,” said one happy participant.

6. Founders Panel Discussion: Innovation, Adoption, and Regulation in Crypto

The highlight of the evening was the Founders Panel Discussion, moderated by Faith Nyambura. The panel featured some of the most influential figures in Kenya’s crypto and blockchain space, including:

Sam Kim – Founder, GoChapaa

Mwakisha Ikenga – Africa Blockchain Growth Expert

Yvonne Kagodu – Founder, ICP HUB Kenya

Sam Kim: A Visionary in Blockchain and Social Impact

Sam “Sahmrip” Kim is a social venture capitalist and the founding partner of Sukuma Ventures, a Singapore-based firm focused on bridging the digital divide in Sub-Saharan Africa. He is also the founder of GoChapaa, a blockchain startup in Kenya that empowers young Kenyans by providing crypto payments, digital banking, micro-loans, remittances, and education on cryptocurrency and blockchain technology.

With over 20 years of experience spanning investment banking and social impact, Sam has been at the forefront of technological innovation. He has lectured at universities and spoken at global forums such as the World Economic Forum (WEF) on how blockchain can drive solutions aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). His passion lies in leveraging blockchain to create meaningful social change and financial inclusion.

During his keynote, Sam shared the inspiring journey behind GoChapaa, emphasizing the real financial challenges many Kenyans face and how blockchain can serve as a bridge to economic empowerment. His vision is to make digital finance seamless, safe, and accessible for all, breaking down barriers in the crypto space.

Beyond his work in fintech and blockchain, Sam also has a creative side—he was once a guitarist in an indie rock band and even recorded two albums! His diverse background and innovative mindset continue to shape the future of digital finance in Africa and beyond.

Ikenga Mwakisha, a leading voice in Africa’s blockchain space, is a highly experienced Africa Blockchain Growth Expert and currently serves as the P2P Africa Growth Lead at Bitget, one of the world’s fastest-growing crypto exchanges.
Ikenga Mwakisha is a prominent figure in Africa’s blockchain and fintech landscape, known for his extensive experience in driving the adoption of decentralized technologies across the continent. As an Africa Blockchain Growth Expert, Ikenga has worked with top global fintech companies, helping to shape Africa’s digital finance ecosystem. With a strong focus on financial inclusion and economic empowerment, he has been instrumental in developing innovative blockchain solutions that enable Africans to access digital financial services. Passionate about mentorship, Ikenga continues to foster a vibrant community of blockchain enthusiasts and entrepreneurs, contributing to the continent’s growing tech ecosystem.

Yvonne Kagodu is a visionary leader in Kenya’s tech space and the Founder of ICP HUB Kenya, a platform dedicated to promoting blockchain technology and Web3 innovations through education, community building, and developer support. She is a passionate advocate for digital transformation in Africa, particularly focusing on how decentralized technologies can create new opportunities for individuals and businesses across the continent.

With a background in finance and technology, Yvonne has spent years working in fintech and blockchain development, gaining a deep understanding of how these technologies can solve real-world problems. Recognizing the lack of structured support for Web3 innovation in Africa, she established ICP HUB Kenya to serve as a bridge between global blockchain ecosystems and local developers, helping to nurture talent and promote blockchain adoption in Kenya and beyond.

Under her leadership, ICP HUB Kenya has become a pioneering initiative in East Africa, offering training programs, hackathons, and networking opportunities for developers and blockchain enthusiasts. The hub works closely with Internet Computer Protocol (ICP), a next-generation blockchain platform that provides high-performance, scalable infrastructure for decentralized applications (dApps). Yvonne has been instrumental in driving awareness and adoption of ICP’s technology in the region, empowering the next generation of African innovators.

Yvonne is known for her strategic thinking and community-centric approach. Her work not only focuses on technology adoption but also on educating policymakers and traditional businesses on the benefits of blockchain. She is a frequent speaker at conferences and industry events, where she shares her insights on the future of blockchain in Africa and the role it can play in driving economic growth and financial inclusion.

As a trailblazer in the African blockchain space, Yvonne remains dedicated to building a thriving ecosystem for Web3 innovation, connecting African talent with global opportunities, and ensuring that blockchain technology is a key driver of the continent’s digital future.

The panel discussion was dynamic and thought-provoking, offering a wealth of insights on the opportunities and challenges in the Kenyan crypto space. Moderated by Faith Nyambura, the conversation explored key themes around personal journeys, crypto adoption, regulation, and collaboration. Each panelist brought their unique perspective, enriching the conversation and providing the audience with actionable insights into the future of blockchain and crypto in Kenya.

A. Personal Journeys into Crypto

Each panelist began by sharing their personal journey into the world of crypto and blockchain, illustrating how their experiences shaped their roles in driving innovation in the space:

• Sam Kim spoke about his extensive background in technology and how his experiences inspired him to launch GoChapaa. His goal was to develop user-friendly financial solutions that break down the complexities of digital finance and empower everyday users in Kenya to engage confidently with crypto.
• Mwakisha Ikenga detailed how his passion for using blockchain to solve real-world problems led him into the crypto space. With a deep desire to promote financial inclusion and education in African communities, he has been at the forefront of expanding Bitget’s P2P operations in Africa, especially in Kenya.
• Yvonne Kagodu shared her journey of founding ICP HUB Kenya, driven by a vision to build a supportive and collaborative ecosystem for blockchain startups. She highlighted her focus on developer education, mentorship, and advocacy, which has helped create opportunities for the next generation of Web3 innovators in East Africa.

B. The Future of Crypto Adoption in Kenya

The conversation naturally progressed into a discussion on the future of crypto adoption in Kenya and Africa at large. The panelists agreed that Kenya is uniquely positioned to lead the continent in crypto adoption, thanks to its tech-savvy population and mobile money infrastructure.

• Yvonne Kagodu emphasized the critical role of education and collaboration in making crypto accessible to a wider audience. She highlighted the importance of working with community leaders and local developers to create tailored solutions that meet the needs of Kenyans.
• Mwakisha Ikenga spoke about the need for stronger community engagement and the role of platforms like Bitget in ensuring users understand the risks and opportunities of crypto investments. He stressed the importance of financial literacy programs to demystify blockchain technology and empower communities.

C. Regulation and Policy

The panel addressed the regulatory landscape in Kenya, acknowledging the challenges of operating in an unregulated environment while remaining optimistic about the potential for collaboration with policymakers.

• Sam Kim shared his experience navigating regulations in the crypto space, advocating for a balanced approach that protects users without stifling innovation.
• Yvonne Kagodu called for more structured dialogue between blockchain startups and government bodies to ensure a regulatory framework that promotes responsible innovation and protects consumers.

D. Partnerships and Collaboration

The discussion concluded with a focus on the importance of partnerships and collaboration. The panelists encouraged startups, tech developers, and traditional financial institutions to work together to accelerate adoption and innovation.

Yvonne Kagodu urged blockchain innovators to form strategic alliances that combine local knowledge with global expertise. She stressed that partnerships are critical to scaling projects and ensuring sustainability and long-term success in the blockchain space.

• Mwakisha Ikenga reinforced the idea that collaboration extends beyond tech companies, encouraging engagement with universities, community organizations, and policy think tanks to build a more inclusive ecosystem.

Each segment of the panel offered a wealth of practical advice and inspiring stories, leaving the audience motivated to explore how they could contribute to the growth of Kenya’s blockchain and crypto landscape.

A Celebration of Community and Innovation

After the panel, it was time to celebrate! Nviiri the Storyteller, a renowned Kenyan musician, wowed the audience with a captivating performance, setting the stage for the cake-cutting ceremony.
Nviiri the Storyteller is a Kenyan singer, songwriter, and guitarist known for his smooth blend of Afro-pop and R&B. Signed under Sol Generation Records, a label founded by Sauti Sol, he gained popularity with hits like Pombe Sigara, Overdose, and Niko Sawa. His soulful lyrics and storytelling ability have made him a standout artist in East Africa’s music scene.

A Sweet Moment at the Gochapaa’s Event: Cake Cutting Celebration

As we reflect on the incredible moments of the Go Chappas event, one highlight stands out: the cake cutting! It was a sweet symbol of the milestones we’ve reached and the exciting future ahead. The event was a gathering of great minds, vibrant conversations, and a shared commitment to growth and innovation.

Attendees enjoyed drinks and refreshments, mingling with like-minded individuals and industry leaders. The networking session was buzzing with conversations about potential collaborations, shared experiences, and the future of Web3 in Africa.

The event wrapped up with a hands-on GoChapaa Wallet experience, accompanied by more live music from the band.

Conclusion

GoChapaa’s event was a resounding success, bringing together thought leaders and the community to discuss and shape the future of crypto and Web3 in Africa. Events like these are crucial for fostering innovation, collaboration, and education in the industry.

As Kenya continues to grow as a hub for blockchain and crypto projects, it’s exciting to see companies like GoChapaa leading the charge.

Stay tuned for more from GoChapaa and other leaders in the space as they build the future of digital finance in Africa!

Go Chapaa is making digital payments easy and secure for everyone in Kenya. You can download the wallet from the Google Play Store and start using it today.

Check out photos from recent Go Chapaa events here and here.

Want to learn more? Visit gochapaa.io and be part of the future of money!

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