Makerere University Vice Chancellor Professor Barnabas Nawangwe has called on the institution to spearhead Africa’s blockchain innovation, warning that the continent risks falling behind in a rapidly evolving digital landscape if urgent action is not taken.
The call came during the unveiling of SoonPay Blockchain at Makerere University on Saturday, an event that attracted hundreds of students keen to engage with the emerging technology.
Prof Nawangwe recounted seeing a global map of blockchain and cryptocurrency developers years ago, noting that Africa had only a handful, with none from Uganda.
“How can that happen when we have the greatest university?” he asked, emphasizing that Makerere must lead in technological innovation.
He praised the university’s transformation over the past eight years, particularly in research and student engagement.
“These are the people who are supposed to emancipate Africa,” he said. “Now they are serious, studying, searching for information. That is what we need.”
Highlighting blockchain’s transparency, Prof Nawangwe suggested the technology could address persistent governance and financial challenges.
“If we are doing everything using blockchain, maybe the corruption would be so minimal,” he said, urging students to explore applications in agriculture, health, education, and Uganda’s oil sector.
He encouraged learners to take the SoonPay training seriously, describing it as a tool to empower them for the future while strengthening community development through research, innovation, and commercialisation.
SoonPay CEO Frantz Morency explained that Uganda’s youthful population, with 70% under 30, made the country an ideal starting point.
“The youth learn faster, the youth are the future,” he said. “If we don’t introduce blockchain now, Africa will be left behind again, just like with the Industrial Revolution, AI, and global payment systems.”
Morency noted that blockchain’s ability to securely record and link data ensures transparency and reliability. He added that smart contracts could prevent fraud in areas such as land transactions while helping young people create value by monetising data and running validator nodes.
“We want to bridge the gap, stop the exclusion, and bring opportunities here,” he said.
