The Digital Assets Summit Africa (DASA) event in Ghana brought together policymakers, academics, and industry leaders to explore the future of data, fintech innovation, and virtual assets in shaping Africa’s digital economy.
The gathering highlighted the continent’s growing role in global conversations around technology, finance, and regulation.
Setting the tone
The event opened with Prof. Samuel Kobina Annin, Director for the Africa Centre of Statistics at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and Former Government Statistician of Ghana.
Prof. Annin underscored the importance of reliable data in driving policy, innovation, and inclusive growth across Africa. He emphasized that building robust statistical systems is crucial to ensure that fintech and digital asset adoption benefit all sectors of society.
Central Bank insights from Kwame Oppong
Delivering the opening keynote remarks, Kwame A. Oppong, Head of FinTech and Innovation at the Bank of Ghana, highlighted the regulator’s role in balancing innovation with stability.
Oppong discussed Ghana’s evolving digital finance ecosystem, stressing that trust, consumer protection, and sound regulatory frameworks will be critical as fintech continues to expand.
Spotlight on regulation – Virtual Assets Bill
The discussions also featured a keynote by the Deputy Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Ghana, Mensah Thompson, who focused on the forthcoming Virtual Assets Bill.
The address outlined how the bill aims to regulate cryptocurrencies and related services, providing clarity for innovators while ensuring market integrity and investor protection.
Academic perspectives on law and technology
The event’s intellectual depth was further enriched by a keynote address from Prof. Tonya M. Evans, a globally recognized consultant, author, and professor in intellectual property and new technologies.
Prof. Evans explored the legal, regulatory, and ethical implications of digital assets and blockchain, encouraging African policymakers to craft forward-looking frameworks that encourage innovation while safeguarding users.
The rest of the event featured panel discussions on Navigating Macro Trends and Geopolitical Forces in digital assets and pathways for Bitcoin adoption in Africa.
