Upcoming Ecosystem Leads 2026

Together, they are laying the foundations for scalable technology, resilient communities, and sustainable digital economies—proving that impact in Web3 comes not from one path, but from many. As we look ahead to 2026, these ecosystem enablers stand at the forefront of Africa’s next chapter in blockchain growth.

Aurelia Mutua

From her early roots in tech networking to empowering people and brands to connect and scale, Aurelia brings a strong business development edge shaped by strategy, operations, and deep local market understanding. As Co-Founder of Decentrix Africa, she drives business growth, community building, and blockchain education—bridging global tech communities with Africa. Having hosted and moderated key Web3 events, including the OKX Nairobi Meetup (160+ attendees) and panels at the Africa Blockchain Festival, she has emerged as a rising voice in Kenya’s Web3 and digital assets space. 2026 signals an exciting next chapter in her growth as a leading ecosystem builder.

Lavender Khayali:

Currently serving in an operations leadership role at Avalanche, Lavender’s impact is strongly felt across Africa’s Web3 ecosystem. As an Avalanche Ambassador focused on smart contract development, she has supported community events, meetups, and hackathons that drive blockchain education, DeFi adoption, and developer growth across the continent. Previously, as Operations Steward at H.E.R. DAO Kenya, she played a key role in organizing the Polkadot Savannah Hackathon & Conference, one of Africa’s largest women-focused Web3 events. She has also hosted and contributed to major industry gatherings, including panels at the Scroll RWA Summit Nairobi, consistently convening builders, developers, and ecosystem stakeholders. Her commitment and steady rise signal a standout trajectory—2026 is set to be a defining year in her continued growth.

Sabina Gitau:

A leading Bitcoin innovator and Co-Founder of Tando, recognized as one of The Most Impactful African Bitcoiners of 2025. That year, she cemented her influence by scaling Tando into a critical financial bridge connecting Africa and its diaspora. By enabling instant BTC-to-KES conversion and allowing Bitcoin spending anywhere M-PESA is accepted, Tando addressed key challenges for circular economy merchants and simplified cross-border remittances. Under her leadership, the platform processed millions of Lightning Network transactions, proving Bitcoin’s viability as everyday money across Africa. As 2026 unfolds, Sabina’s trajectory signals even greater impact in shaping a more inclusive and scalable Bitcoin ecosystem on the continent.

Chris Oketch:

As Blockchain Lead at Base Africa, Chris is building scalable platforms and payment systems while advancing community-led innovation across emerging markets. Through initiatives like the Code Africa 2.0 Hackathon, he has created spaces that inspire developers to experiment, build, and trust their ideas in Web3 and AI. By leading from the front with MiniSend—a frictionless crypto-to-fiat off-ramp powering fast, low-cost conversions for Africa’s creator economy and processing tens of thousands of transactions—Chris demonstrates how strong ideas become real-world products. As 2026 unfolds, his impact as a developer-first ecosystem leader is set to grow even further.

Steve Kimoi:

A Kenyan blockchain and full-stack developer and Developer Relations (DevRel) professional. A former CTO and co-founder of Investa Farm, he pioneered a blockchain- and AI-powered agritech fintech platform that connects smallholder farmers to affordable, insured loans from global crypto lenders by tokenizing farm assets, promoting financial inclusion, and achieving early successes by piloting with thousands of farmers. He has served as Dev Rel in organizations such as ICPHUBs and Lablab driving developer education, evangelism and ecosystem growth through hands-on tutorials and building communities. His impact earned him recognition as one of the Top 25 Young IT Achievers of the Year 2025, marking him as a key community anchor and innovator poised for continued influence in 2026.

Eddie Kago:

Eddie Kago is a prominent Kenyan tech entrepreneur, software engineer, and Web3 advocate driving blockchain adoption in East Africa, with a strong focus on agriculture and financial inclusion. He founded Antugrow, an innovative on-chain platform that empowers smallholder farmer cooperatives through decentralized identity, achieving milestones like mainnet launch on NEAR, accelerator success (top in NEAR Horizon Cohort 2), and presentations at global events including Devcon. He stepped down as CEO of Antugrow in early 2025 to take on his current role as Growth Lead for East Africa at Base (Coinbase's Ethereum Layer 2 network), where he supports builders, expands the ecosystem, hosts events like Based Onchain Summer Nairobi, and drives on-chain adoption for real-world solutions across the region. His earlier work includes decentralized identity projects like Vibranium ID and Kweli (a Pan-African SSI trust framework), thought leadership on blockchain's non-crypto applications in Africa, and community building, positioning him as a key mobilizer for practical Web3 innovation and economic empowerment in Kenya's thriving scene.

Marcel Lorraine:

A Kenyan financial activist, Bitcoin advocate, and founder of Bitcoin Dada, a women-centric education program and community launched in 2022 that empowers African women through tuition-free Bitcoin literacy. She pioneered a six-week virtual course to demystify Bitcoin, close the gender gap, combat misinformation, and foster safe discussions—reaching alumni across 11+ countries (including Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, Uganda, and recent expansions to Mozambique and Cameroon as of 2026). Under her leadership, Bitcoin Dada has hosted events like African Bitcoin Day and Machankura launches, supported alumni in launching ventures (e.g., Tando for transactions, BitBiashara for merchant onboarding), secured job placements in Bitcoin companies, and driven innovations for community financial challenges. Recognized as the Most Impactful African Bitcoiner. She also leads Dada Devs for women building Bitcoin solutions, positioning her as a key force accelerating grassroots Bitcoin adoption, inclusion, and empowerment in Africa's thriving scene into 2026.

Sheila Watetu:

Sheila Watetu is a Kenyan Web3 ecosystem builder, community steward, and growth strategist advancing blockchain and on-chain adoption across Africa. As Ecosystem Lead for Africa at KRNL_xyz, she drives regional expansion, and fosters builder communities through events, broadcasts, and collaborations. She serves as a steward at HER DAO Kenya, contributing to women-focused Web3 initiatives, including panels on sisterhood, safety, and collaboration at gatherings like SuiSterhood Kenya. Active in meme culture and community engagement, she supports on-chain ecosystems via hands-on growth efforts, local meetups, and thought leadership on platforms, positioning her as a vital connector and mobilizer for practical Web3 innovation, inclusion, and ecosystem maturity in Kenya's thriving scene into 2026.

Edwin Sikini:

A seasoned blockchain and Web3 leader Since 2017. Founder & CEO of Blockchain Technologies (K) Ltd and Wallets & Vaults Ltd he has played a pivotal role in advancing secure and practical blockchain adoption—training key institutions including the Kenya Revenue Authority, National Intelligence Services, and the Kenya Bankers Association on digital assets and risk management. His work continues to bridge innovation and regulation, shaping scalable blockchain adoption in Kenya and across Africa.

Maryanne Njuguna:

She brings valuable insight into go-to-market strategies for Web3 products, helping teams penetrate new markets, prove real utility, and build sustainable businesses. With a strong foundation in product management, she guides the development of customer-centric solutions designed for broader adoption in emerging markets. As a community builder, business developer, and ecosystem contributor, Maryanne actively connects builders, founders, and stakeholders—driving collaboration, partnerships, and knowledge sharing that continue to strengthen Kenya’s Web3 and blockchain ecosystem.

Basil Ogola:

A digital assets lawyer and policy advisor playing a key role in shaping Kenya’s blockchain and virtual assets landscape. As a Director at the Virtual Assets Chamber of Commerce (VACC), he has been at the forefront of policy advocacy and regulatory dialogue around the VASP Bill 2025, helping define frameworks that protect consumers while enabling innovation. Through active engagement in policy forums and industry panels, Basil continues to strengthen trust, compliance, and sustainable growth within Kenya’s blockchain ecosystem.

Sharon Murugi:

You don’t have to be a developer to make impact—Sharon Murugi’s journey proves it. A creative communicator and community builder, she strengthens the Web3 ecosystem by turning complex blockchain ideas into clear, engaging stories. Through content, social media, conversations, and events, she drives awareness, inclusion, and community participation—shaping narratives that help Web3 connect meaningfully with people and culture. As 2026 unfolds, her journey continues to evolve, with even more room for growth and impact ahead.

Mary Usaji:

Mary Usaji is a developer, project manager, and Web3 strategist dedicated to scaling blockchain adoption through education, community engagement, and practical coding empowerment. She has focused on demystifying blockchain technology for women and developers, leading training sessions that equip participants with skills in smart contracts, decentralized applications, and digital asset security—helping close gender gaps and open doors for broader participation in the space. Mary also creates accessible content and thought leadership on topics like Web3 and Kenya’s digital asset regulation, strengthening understanding and confidence in the technology across the ecosystem.

Do you think there's any potential ecosystem lead we might have left out? Comment below