Africa Takes Center Stage as Cardano Constitutional Convention Kicks Off in Nairobi

 Intersect, a member-based organization for the Cardano ecosystem, and in close collaboration with Input Output, a leading blockchain infrastructure research and engineering firm, announced the start of the Cardano Constitutional Convention.

This landmark three day event takes place across two locations—Nairobi and Buenos Aires—with elected delegates from around the world gathering to shape the future of Cardano, a blockchain renowned for its scalability, sustainability, and interoperability.

The convention marks a pivotal moment for the Cardano ecosystem, which aims to establish the foundational governance principles for the blockchain. By approving a constitution through a decentralized, community-driven process, the convention underscores Cardano’s commitment to fostering inclusivity and decentralized science (DeSci) initiatives empowering its users with the decision-making authority to drive it forward. The event also highlights Cardano’s leadership in blockchain innovation and its dedication to empowering local talent and communities to have a say in their future.

Africa’s Major Role in Cardano’s Future

Selecting Nairobi as a host city underlines the immense importance of Africa’s role in Cardano’s mission, with one fifth of the convention’s 120 delegates hailing from the continent. These representatives were selected from over 1,200 participants across more than 60 workshops held in 50 countries. This inclusive approach ensures that voices from regions most poised to benefit from blockchain technology play a key role in shaping Cardano’s future.

“Nearly a decade ago, we embarked on a journey to build Cardano. What began as a bold experiment has grown into a global movement—reshaping industries and empowering communities worldwide,” said Charles Hoskinson, Co-Founder of Cardano and CEO of Input Output. “I’ve always emphasized that we’re not just building a blockchain; we’re creating a resilient and inclusive system that can fundamentally change how the world views governance, finance, and society. This vision is now coming to life at the Cardano Constitutional Convention.

“Africa stands to gain immensely from Cardano’s potential to transform lives, promote financial inclusion, and create a more equitable future,” he continued.

“Hosting part of the Constitutional Convention in Nairobi is a reflection of how important this region is to us, and a testament to the incredible talent and commitment within the African Cardano community, “ said Jack Briggs, Intersect Ecosystem Director. “We’re not just building technology; we’re building a system that empowers people to shape their own futures through decentralized governance. We’re building a system that will transform lives and create a better, more inclusive society for everyone.”

A New Standard for Decentralized Governance
The Cardano Constitutional Convention represents a landmark moment in defining a governance framework that will redefine blockchain decision-making. The governance model includes decentralized representatives (DReps), a decentralized treasury, and on-chain voting mechanisms.

“Our primary goal is to establish a foundational constitution that reflects the consensus of Cardano’s global community,” added Hoskinson. “This combination of liquid democracy and a constitutional republic sets a new benchmark for decentralized governance.”

Jack Briggs, Ecosystem Director at Intersect, the member-based organization for the Cardano community and a key facilitator of the convention, emphasized the importance of collaboration- particularly African participation: “This event demonstrates the power of community-driven governance. By bringing together delegates, developers, and contributors from across the globe, we’re creating a secure, collaborative ecosystem that ensures Cardano’s sustained growth. Africa’s role in this process has always been essential to the future of Cardano and the continent continues to be at the forefront  of determining  the best outcomes for the future.”

Africa’s Influence on DeFi’s Future

Driven by necessity and opportunity, Africa’s embrace of blockchain technology is miles ahead of other continents. Economic challenges such as high inflation, financial exclusion, and underdeveloped infrastructure have created an urgent demand for transformative solutions, while the continent’s entrepreneurial spirit, openness to new technology and rapid digital innovation positions it as a global leader in decentralized finance (DeFi) adoption. Cardano’s initiatives in Africa aim to build on this momentum by empowering local talent to lead decision-making and innovation. Through blockchain technology, Cardano seeks to create an inclusive and affordable financial system that provides greater access to services for the unbanked, and enables individuals to better manage their finances and contribute to economic growth. With these advancements, Africa is shaping its future as a global hub for decentralized systems and financial transformation.