Africa is rapidly becoming a hub of innovation, where young researchers are not only studying emerging technologies but shaping how they can transform societies. Africa Centre of Excellence in Blockchain Research (ACEBR) continues to nurture this vision by supporting a new generation of researchers exploring blockchain’s role in governance, digital trust, healthcare, and economic inclusion.
Through the Young Researchers Community (YRC), ACEBR provides academic mentorship, research guidance, and professional development to students and early-career professionals passionate about using blockchain for real-world impact. The initiative reflects ACEBR’s mission to position Africa as a global leader in responsible blockchain innovation through inclusive research, education, and collaboration.
Blockchain is redefining systems of trust, governance, and accountability across the world. Yet, its adoption in Africa demands locally grounded research studies that understand the continent’s social, legal, and economic realities. By equipping young researchers with mentorship and access to expert guidance, ACEBR ensures that Africa contributes not just as a consumer of technology, but as a co-creator of global innovation standards.
This year’s researchers are exploring diverse applications of blockchain from improving healthcare transparency and digital governance to strengthening institutional trust and supporting sustainable development.
Meet the researchers
Pinel Baudelaire Dahoui (Benin)
A Master’s student in Applied Statistics for Living Systems, Pinel explores the intersection of blockchain, artificial intelligence, and healthcare. His work focuses on building transparent and secure systems for medical decision-making while promoting ethical, human-centered data practices.
Mahalinoro Razafimanjato (Madagascar)
Mahalinoro holds a Master’s in Computer Science and Engineering from Kyungpook National University, South Korea. Her research centers on blockchain-based trust management systems, exploring how secure, decentralized technologies can enhance digital communication and governance across Africa.
Othniel Koba (Senegal)
Founder of BETA Consulting, Othniel leads blockchain-driven digital transformation projects across Africa. He focuses on helping financial institutions and governments adopt blockchain responsibly to advance transparency, inclusion, and sustainable growth.
Ajagbe Sukurat Modupe (Nigeria)
A final-year law student at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Sukurat is passionate about blockchain regulation and governance. She is the founder of Lex Chain, an initiative bridging education, policy, and dialogue around blockchain law and digital governance in Africa.
Salim Suleiman Sani (Nigeria)
A blockchain professional and economist, Salim applies his expertise to blockchain’s role in finance, regulation, and sustainability. He serves as a Fellow at the European Carbon Offset Tokenization Association (ECOTA), where he contributes to research on tokenized carbon credits and blockchain’s role in achieving net-zero goals.
Dorine Otieno (Kenya)
A Biochemistry graduate with a strong interest in public health, Dorine is researching how blockchain can improve the distribution and tracking of medical supplies in Kenyan hospitals. Her goal is to enhance transparency and efficiency in healthcare systems.
Robert Mugabe (Rwanda)
A full stack developer and blockchain researcher, Robert is passionate about innovation at the intersection of technology and development. His work explores practical use cases that demonstrate blockchain’s impact on communities and industries across Africa.
Guided by Global Expertise
These researchers are supported by leading mentors Prof. Dr. Bettina Schneider, Co-Head of the Competence Center Digital Trust at FHNW School of Business; Prof. Dr. Tim Weingärtner, Co-Head of the Information System Research Lab at HSLU School of Computer Science and Information Technology; and Dr. Abulfathi Al-Hussaini, a blockchain and AI expert focused on digital transformation and data-driven innovation.
Their collective experience bridges academia and industry, providing the guidance needed to ensure each researcher’s work contributes meaningfully to Africa’s growing blockchain ecosystem.
Looking ahead
As this community continues to grow, ACEBR remains committed to advancing African-led research that drives policy, strengthens institutions, and ensures ethical, inclusive adoption of blockchain technologies.
Through mentorship, collaboration, and innovation, these young researchers are not just studying change, they are building it.
About ACEBR
The Africa Centre of Excellence in Blockchain Research (ACEBR) is dedicated to advancing blockchain research and innovation in Africa. The Centre equips scholars and professionals with the knowledge and tools to generate high-quality research outputs, contribute to policy development, and drive innovation across blockchain and decentralized technologies.
Media Enquiries:
Email: info@acebr.org
Website: https://www.acebr.org/
