SANBA

Building the Future of

Blockchain in South Africa

SANBA is the national gateway to South Africa’s blockchain ecosystem.
We bring together developers, investors, government, startups, academia, and civil society to drive forward innovation, policy, and growth in the blockchain space.

01.

South Africa’s Blockchain Future

Driving Blockchain Innovation in South Africa

SANBA brings together key players in South Africa’s blockchain ecosystem to foster a collaborative space for research, development, and innovation. The goal is to build a strong foundation that accelerates blockchain adoption across sectors.

Mapping the National Blockchain Community

SANBA connects ecosystem participants through a growing network of stakeholders. Our first step is creating a comprehensive “Who’s Who” of Blockchain in South Africa—a dynamic directory that helps us understand and strengthen the national ecosystem.

A Decentralised, Community-Led Alliance

SANBA is a collective initiative uniting government, academia, research institutions, businesses, startups, and civil society. Operated as a distributed, decentralised network, it is shaped and driven by the South African blockchain community itself.

02.

What is SANBA?

The South African National Blockchain Alliance (SANBA) is a decentralised, collaborative network connecting key players across sectors:

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Government institutions
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Research and academic bodies
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Entrepreneurs and startups
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Established businesses
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Non-profit and civic organisations

SANBA’s core mission is to create a connected, resilient ecosystem that enables South Africa to emerge as a leading blockchain hub on the African continent.

03.

Areas of Focus

Policy and Regulation
Supporting the development of clear and inclusive blockchain frameworks, in coordination with bodies like the Intergovernmental Fintech Working Group (IFWG) and the South African Financial Blockchain Consortium (SAFBC).

Funding and Investment
Opening access to capital, grants, and investor networks for blockchain startups and projects.

Skills Development and Education
Building national capacity through training programs, certifications, and academic partnerships focused on blockchain and Web3 technologies.

Support Systems and Networks
Connecting innovators to accelerators, venture capital, R&D centres, and technology hubs.

Research and Innovation
Partnering with universities and research institutions to explore use cases across sectors such as finance, agriculture, logistics, and public services.

Market Access
Facilitating local and international collaboration to help projects scale beyond South Africa.

Advocacy and Public Awareness
Driving blockchain literacy, public engagement, and industry advocacy to support adoption and responsible innovation.

04.

News

05.

Official Launch

SANBA was officially launched on 3 April 2018 by the Director-General of the Department of Science and Innovation, Dr Phil Mjwara. This launch marked a formal commitment by the South African government to support blockchain as a strategic technology for national development.

The launch was livestreamed as part of a broader initiative to ensure transparency, inclusion, and open participation in the ecosystem.

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03.

Supporting Blockchain Innovation in South Africa

At SANBA, we’re committed to driving blockchain growth through collaboration and strategic funding. With the support of partners like Spribe — creators of the popular crash game Aviator and pioneers in blockchain-powered entertainment — we aim to empower South Africa’s blockchain ecosystem and deliver meaningful impact.

Access to funding plays a key role. That’s why we collaborate with innovation-focused partners to unlock opportunities for developers, entrepreneurs, and changemakers across the country.

Funding Opportunities

  • Global Innovation Fund (GIF)
    In partnership with the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), GIF backs scalable blockchain solutions that improve lives. Proposals from innovators are welcome.
  • Blockchain Challenge Bounty Hunt
    A public bounty platform that connects blockchain problems with local solvers.
    Funding: R30,000
  • Who’s Who in Blockchain SA
    A public directory of blockchain professionals and organizations in South Africa.
    Funding: R30,000
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06.

Why SANBA Matters

  • The first nationally supported blockchain alliance in South Africa
  • Created through collaboration between public and private sectors
  • Actively supports over 30 organisations and growing
  • Aims to position South Africa as a continental leader in blockchain innovation
SANBA logo featuring a stylized geometric “S” above a modern city skyline, symbolizing innovation and blockchain development in urban infrastructure.

07.

Who Should Get Involved

Whether you’re a developer building Web3 applications, a policymaker shaping regulation, a startup looking for funding, or an academic exploring blockchain research — SANBA provides the network, tools, and visibility to support your goals.

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