Sarah Idahosa and her team at WomenInDeFi have successfully hosted the second edition of the Women In DeFi Summit, a fast-growing gathering dedicated to empowering African women in blockchain, decentralized finance, and emerging Web3 technologies.
Held under the theme “Beyond the Bridge: African Women Leading the Future of Web3,” the summit attracted more than 500 physical attendees — representing a 43 percent increase from last year’s edition — and underscoring the rising interest among African women seeking opportunities in the rapidly evolving digital economy.
The event brought together a diverse audience of creatives, developers, entrepreneurs, founders, business leaders, and Web3 newcomers, creating a collaborative environment focused on education, innovation, and leadership within the blockchain ecosystem.
Speaking on the inspiration behind this year’s theme, Idahosa explained that the summit was designed not only to introduce African women to Web3 opportunities, but also to equip them with the practical skills, tools, and networks needed to actively build and lead within the industry.
“Our goal goes beyond onboarding and education,” she noted. “We want African women to become contributors, innovators, and leaders shaping the future of Web3 globally.”
The summit featured a lineup of panel discussions and educational sessions addressing critical areas within the blockchain industry. Topics included “From Skill to Stack: Transitioning Into Web3 as a Builder,” “Personal Branding for Women in Web3,” “What to Know About Crypto Compliance in Africa,” and “Funding, Founding, and the Female Factor in Web3 & Blockchain.”
These conversations provided participants with insights into navigating the industry, building sustainable careers, understanding regulatory developments, and accessing funding opportunities within Africa’s growing blockchain ecosystem.
One of the major highlights of the summit was the second edition of the WID Laptop Scholarship initiative, aimed at improving digital access and supporting women entering the technology space. This year, five beneficiaries received laptops through the initiative, with leading Nigerian crypto platform Busha serving as the lead partner.
The event also received backing from major industry stakeholders and organizations, including Zcash Foundation, TuringBitchain, Betaling Africa, TS Academy, and Bybull, all of whom contributed to making the summit possible.
Idahosa also paid tribute to the speakers, volunteers, partners, donors, and members of her organizing team, acknowledging the collective effort required to deliver a successful event of this scale.
“No one saw how much work happened behind the scenes,” she said while praising her team’s dedication and execution. “This is only the beginning of what’s to come for African women in Web3.”
As blockchain adoption and decentralized technologies continue to gain traction across Africa, the Women In DeFi Summit is increasingly emerging as a key platform for fostering inclusion, education, and female leadership within the continent’s digital innovation landscape.
With growing participation and expanding industry support, the summit signals a broader shift toward ensuring that African women are not only included in the future of Web3, but are actively helping to shape it.