Africa isn’t waiting for Web3 tourism and payment rails: it’s already integrating them, because it only makes sense to unleash real travel cases. KBCC 2025 in Nairobi proved that beyond any doubt.
First, massive thanks to Sheila Waswa and Vivian Kisaka for creating something truly special. Over 2,000 participants with CEXs and startups in force.
Still, what struck me most was witnessing the real-world adoption happening here. Many providing the exact infrastructure links I’ve been looking for: payment rails connecting #TradFi to blockchain. Hotels and travel operators ready to implement on-chain solutions to extend their reach. Project Mocha and AgriDexPlatform transforming coffee trade and cross-border agricultural commerce, and showing how they could be a natural fit for touristic corporate ESG programs that demand for transparency in destination.
I’d normally add that touristic systems need to be adapted the way payment systems did to unleash this potential, but this is Camino Network’s role and we’re leading this convergence.
Kenya’s position at the intersection of payments innovation and tourism creates unique opportunities. M-Pesa proved that leapfrogging traditional infrastructure works. Now we’re seeing the same pattern with stablecoins, cross-border payments, and blockchain-based distribution. As Aurelia Mutua noted in our panel, this isn’t about theoretical Web3 - it’s about solving real problems for real businesses. All my co-panelists concurred on the need to avoid the “cool crypto solution” or engagement-for-rewards trap and concentrate on metrics that track adoption on the ground and user experience.
One reflection: the disconnect between the narrative of Africa we’re still (mainly self-)fed in Europe and what you see on the ground is incredible. The entrepreneurial energy is undeniable, and the value chain here is refreshingly short - you can actually reach institutional decision makers. But that advantage only works when regulators listen to fintech (both startups and established players) and especially individuals feel safe to thrive: I’m sure we’ll see progress on both fronts.
I’m actively seeking partnerships with:
- East African fintechs focused on onramping/offramping solutions: let’s integrate what you’ve shown me in Nairobi with our travel rails
- Hotels and touristic providers: let’s expose you to European tour operators and travelers by augmenting traditional API-based rails with payment-enabled wiring
The momentum from KBCC needs to translate into progress while energy is high and connections are fresh. I was impressed by the Kenyan speed - apart from the conference agenda time-tracking ;) and the pace from handshake to actual deal in mere days Michael Hasler. Now I want to see implementation in 30 days to keep this momentum and validate our hypothesis.
Africa is leading through implementation, reach out and let’s deliver something fast!
#KBCC2025 #BlockchainInAfrica #TravelTech #Kenya #StablecoinPayments
