By Shogo Ishida and Yosuke Yoshida, Co-CEOs, EMURGO Africa
Blockchain education in African universities is gradually developing, with several institutions leading the charge in incorporating this technology into their curriculum. Despite initial slow adoption, there is now a growing interest and implementation of blockchain courses and research initiatives across the continent.
Educating students and professionals about blockchain is set to foster a new generation of tech-savvy individuals who can drive innovation and entrepreneurship. By providing them with the tools to innovate and compete globally, blockchain education is the underlying driver for the growth of startups and small businesses across the continent.
Several universities on the continent have recognized this technology's importance and incorporated blockchain into their curricula. Here are ten of the top universities in Africa teaching blockchain technology:
1. University of Cape Town (South Africa)
Through its School of Economics and the UCT Financial Innovation Lab, the University of Cape Town offers a master's program in Financial Technology where blockchain, crypto, and digital assets are taught as courses. All practicals for this course are project-focused. Students are encouraged to collaborate with fintech and Web3 startups in the vibrant Cape Town ecosystem and work on practical projects for their thesis. The university also offers short courses that cover the fundamentals of blockchain technology, cryptocurrency, and their applications in financial systems.
2. University of Nairobi (Kenya)
The University of Nairobi has integrated blockchain technology into its Master of Computer Science program. The program ensures students acquire deeper and specialized conceptual knowledge and practical skills in developing Web3-based solutions to problems of interest to industries and society. Under the Department of Computing and Informatics, it also offers specialized workshops and seminars on blockchain, often in collaboration with industry partners. It has established the University of Nairobi Blockchain Research and Development Centre, dedicated to advancing the understanding and application of blockchain technology through research and development projects.
3. University of Pretoria (South Africa)
Known for its robust computer science and information systems departments, the University of Pretoria has partnered with the University of California, Berkeley to offer a course focusing on blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies, their applications, and their impact on business and finance. The course is designed by Blockchain at Berkeley and faculty from UC Berkeley's premier Computer Science department and focuses on the fundamental applications of bitcoin and blockchain technology, including exploring enterprise blockchain implementations such as JP Morgan’s Quorum, Ripple, Tendermint, and HyperLedger, the challenges and solutions around scaling blockchain adoption, and the measures governments are taking to regulate and control blockchain technology. This course is open to anyone and graduates get a Blockchain Fundamentals Professional Certificate.
4. Strathmore University (Kenya)
Strathmore University is known for its focus on future-oriented courses in Kenya. It offers blockchain-related courses through its iLabAfrica research center. Advanced courses at the postgraduate level delve deeper into blockchain technology, covering topics like smart contracts, decentralized applications (DApps), and the role of blockchain in fintech. It collaborates with blockchain industry leaders and organizations to enhance its curriculum and provide students with practical insights and real-world applications. These partnerships often lead to guest lectures, collaborative research projects, and internship opportunities.
5. Stellenbosch University (South Africa)
Stellenbosch University incorporates blockchain into its postgraduate programs in finance and engineering. The university's Techno-entrepreneurship Centre also provides blockchain education and training. The university's Techno-entrepreneurship Centre plays a crucial role in blockchain education. The center offers courses and workshops focused on the practical applications of blockchain technology in business and entrepreneurship.
6. University of Johannesburg (South Africa)
A pioneer in blockchain education in Africa, the University of Johannesburg introduced a blockchain certification into its curriculum in 2022. This initiative positioned it as one of the first African universities to offer formal education in blockchain technology. Graduates receive certification upon completing the course, demonstrating their ability to develop blockchain-based projects and promote cryptocurrency awareness in Africa.
7. Covenant University (Nigeria)
Covenant University offers blockchain and cryptocurrency courses through its Bachelors’ Degree in Fintech. The university frequently collaborates with blockchain industry players to provide practical training and exposure. Students from the university participate in the National Blockchain Hackathon Competition, with most of the winning awards during the 2024 competitions.
8. University of Lagos (Nigeria)
The University of Lagos has integrated blockchain technology into its curriculum through the computer science department. It also conducts blockchain workshops and seminars for students and professionals. There has been a proposal for the establishment of a dedicated Blockchain Research Laboratory at the University of Lagos, addressing the limited opportunities for blockchain education and research in Nigeria's higher education system.
9. Zetech University (Kenya)
Zetech University offers specialized courses in blockchain technology as part of its computer science and information technology programs. These courses cover the fundamentals of blockchain, its architecture, and its applications in various industries. The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (BScS) includes a course called BCE 413 Blockchain Technology. The existence of the student-led Zetech Web3 and Blockchain Club indicates an active student interest in blockchain technology at the university.
10. Pan-Atlantic University (Nigeria)
This university develops blockchain education material and Web3 training programs. In 2023, it partnered with EMURGO Africa to ensure students get blockchain technology textbooks as well as Web3 training programs to empower them. Under the agreement, students also gain access to blockchain internships, business mentorship, and professional networking opportunities with EMURGO Africa and its partners. Both entities are exploring joint academic research initiatives.
