Smart Contracts, Institutional Tokenization, and Modular Infrastructures: Blockchain Trends Shaping 2026. As blockchain technology continues to evolve, 2026 promises to be a year of transformative growth. Osama Bari, CTO of D24 Fintech, highlights key trends driving the future of blockchain, including the rise of modular blockchains, the increasing adoption of smart contracts, and the growth of institutional tokenization. With platforms like EigenLayer and Celestia leading the way, modular blockchains are set to enhance scalability and interoperability. The convergence of AI and blockchain will further enhance smart contracts, enabling seamless, gasless transactions and automated trading. Meanwhile, tokenized assets like treasuries and bonds are poised to revolutionize traditional markets, offering 24/7 trading and instant settlement. As blockchain technology integrates with Zero-Knowledge (ZK) proofs and confidential computing, privacy and compliance will be taken to the next level, ensuring users control their data while maintaining transparency.
Tag: infrastructure
A temporary rise in African Emissions is justified on the way to energy prosperity
Africa faces a dual challenge: the world’s lowest per-capita emissions and the highest levels of energy poverty. In this opinion piece, Louis Strydom argues for a lean-carbon pathway—allowing a temporary, tightly controlled rise in emissions to rapidly expand reliable power while accelerating the shift to renewables. Instead of false choices between “no fossil fuels” and “gas everywhere,” he proposes fuel-flexible plants, declining fossil use, and strict carbon covenants to stabilise weak grids, replace costly diesel generation, and enable faster renewable deployment. With development financiers slowly embracing transitional projects, Africa can peak emissions early, avoid long-term fossil lock-in, and finally unlock growth without derailing global climate goals.
Why Africa needs collaborative funding value chains to drive intra-continental trade
Africa’s path to stronger intra-continental trade relies on collaborative funding value chains that unlock growth for SMEs. Despite the AfCFTA’s potential to boost regional exports and integrate a $22 billion market opportunity, small businesses still face a $100 billion annual trade-finance gap, infrastructure limits, and information barriers. By aligning commercial banks, DFIs, government agencies, and fintech innovators, Africa can streamline due diligence, expand access to liquidity, improve market intelligence, and create a borderless trade ecosystem. This collaborative model can accelerate SME competitiveness, drive cross-border commerce, and help lift millions out of poverty through sustainable economic growth.
Africa Emerges as Most Fraud-Exposed Region Globally, New Sumsub Study Reveals
A new Sumsub 2025 Global Fraud Index, developed in collaboration with Statista, reveals that Africa remains the world’s most fraud-exposed region, with an average score of 3.84, far exceeding the global average of 2.79. Covering 112 countries, the Index highlights persistent regional vulnerabilities in digital and financial systems despite global improvements. Mauritius ranked as Africa’s most fraud-protected nation, while Nigeria, Tanzania, and Uganda were among the least protected globally. The report stresses the urgent need for investment in digital infrastructure, stronger policy frameworks, and cross-sector collaboration to combat evolving fraud threats. Experts emphasize that governance and AI-driven defences will be critical for building trust and resilience in Africa’s fast-growing digital economy.
How Africa’s gaming sector can power impactful development
Africa’s gaming sector is emerging as a powerful driver of social and economic development. Valued at $1.8 billion in 2024, the industry is not only growing rapidly but also funding education, infrastructure, and community projects across the continent. According to Alex Mabunda, Group CEO of Ntiyiso Consulting Group, Africa’s lotteries and gaming operations can evolve beyond entertainment to become a “fifth estate” of development—fueling innovation, responsible gaming, and inclusive growth through the African Lotteries & Gaming Association (ALGA). By harmonizing regulation, promoting integrity, and reinvesting revenues strategically, the gaming industry can help tackle poverty, unemployment, and inequality, shaping a more unified and prosperous Africa.
Bridging Infrastructure Gaps: Tech and Distribution in Africa’s Gaming Ecosystem
Africa’s gaming industry is on the brink of transformation. With its youthful population, mobile-first culture, and creative energy, the continent is emerging as a key player in global gaming. Yet two critical challenges—technological infrastructure and game distribution—continue to hold back progress. In this article, Chris Meredith, SVP of Business Development (EMEA) at Xsolla, explores how addressing Africa’s internet connectivity gaps, limited payment integration, and developer support systems can unlock sustainable growth. By improving local payment solutions, empowering creators, and investing in digital infrastructure, Africa can redefine the future of gaming and become a global innovation hub.
“African banks and institutions must lead on urbanisation finance – or risk being sidelined by foreign investors”, says pan-African banker
African banks and institutional investors must take the lead in financing urban development across the continent or risk being sidelined by foreign capital, warns pan-African banker Sepo Haihambo. Highlighting rapid urbanisation and growing foreign investment in infrastructure, Haihambo calls for domestic financial institutions to step up, offering local leadership, financial structuring, and project assessments to ensure sustainable, inclusive growth. While international finance remains important, she argues African banks are uniquely positioned to anchor long-term development strategies and ensure economic benefits stay within local economies.
Driving Africa’s Digital Future: Insights from Tamu Dutuma, Absa’s Head of Strategy & Transformation
Tamu Dutuma, Head of Strategy & Transformation at Absa Regional Operations, shares insights on unlocking SME growth in Africa through technology, cross-border trade, digital payments, and ecosystem collaboration. He highlights the transformative role of fintech, partnerships, and early-stage startup engagement in shaping Africa’s digital economy.
Why multi-tenancy is central to MVNO partnerships and enterprise strategies
Africa’s rapidly growing telecoms market offers significant opportunities for Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to diversify their revenue streams through partnerships with Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs). The ability to efficiently manage multiple MVNOs is made possible by multi-tenant OSS/BSS systems, which allow MNOs to offer tailored services to each MVNO while maintaining centralized operational efficiency. Beyond MVNOs, this model also supports enterprise clients, turning MNOs into comprehensive telecom platform providers. Multi-tenant architectures not only reduce costs and simplify operations but also enable faster deployment and dynamic scalability. As African telecoms expand into new geographies, multi-tenancy will play a crucial role in managing international operations with cost-effective and flexible systems. Operators adopting this approach will be well-positioned for sustained growth in a competitive market.
Situational awareness has become a frontline imperative for first responders
Situational awareness has become a critical tool for first responders, revolutionizing emergency response and life-saving efforts in real time. Traditional tools like radios and CCTV cameras are no longer sufficient, particularly in regions with urban density, extreme weather, and complex threats, such as South Africa. Advances in technology—such as body-worn cameras, drones, IoT sensors, and AI—are reshaping emergency response, providing unified, predictive insights that allow for faster, more effective action. Real-world examples, such as those from Chula Vista, California, and Police Scotland, demonstrate measurable improvements in response times and public safety. With the rise of LTE and 5G networks, cities can now harness real-time intelligence, improving operational efficiency and building trust through transparency. The convergence of body-worn cameras, drones, IoT, and AI-driven analytics offers a path toward a more integrated, intelligent, and accountable emergency response system, benefiting both first responders and the communities they serve.