Ecosystem-wide collaboration platform SA Blockchain Alliance has launched

A blockchain ecosystem-wide collaboration between government, academia, business and civil society has launched.

The South African National Blockchain Alliance (Sanba) was officially launched earlier this month, on 3 April by the director general of the Department of Science and Innovation Phil Mjwara.

The organisation aims to connect academia, civil society, business and government — to support research, development and innovation in blockchain technology and its application.

It also aims to facilitating skills development, advocacy and education on “all things blockchain”; catalyse blockchain adoption in all sectors of South Africa; and leverage the blockchain ecosystem as a lobbying platform to tackle issues blocking blockchain adoption in South Africa.

The Department of Science and Technology will support the South African National Blockchain Alliance in a number of areas

Sanba said in a statement at the time that the department will be supporting the organisation in a number of areas.

These include, through seed funding the organisation, which will act as a catalyst for blockchain research, development and innovation (it did not reveal what amount the department would be providing).

“This will support its role of strengthening partnerships between business, government, academia and civil society, by creating an enabling environment for science, technology and innovation,” Sanba added.

In addition, the organisation will provide a gateway to government, as it aims to raise the profile of science, technology and innovation into cross-cutting government planning at the highest levels.

Furthermore, an investor in research, development and innovation opportunities, the department will support blockchain solutions that have the potential for social benefit and fundamental economic transformation, it said.

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