Bitcoin Boma Workshops Draw 263 Students in Malawi

Bitcoin Boma, a Malawian nonprofit, ran two free Bitcoin workshops at Malawi universities in September 2026 with sponsorship from Trezor Academy. Turnout rose from 55 students on the first day of the first workshop to 263 on the first day of the second. Trezor Academy replied: "263 participants, wow! That's surely a Trezor Academy record!"

Where did the workshops take place?

The first program ran at the University of Blantyre Synod. Attendance grew each day: 55 on Day 1, then 62 on Day 2 and 65 on Day 3. Bitcoin Boma said the energy and the questions grew with the numbers. Students who attended all three days received certificates.

The team later shared student stories. In a video interview, a student named Jane said she plans to save in Bitcoin and teach others. A conversation with Mwamba, from the same campus, was also posted. Two young women were featured in a post titled "Empowering Girls Through Bitcoin Education," and Diploma Program alumnus Gracium Mbango spoke about using Bitcoin and the Lightning Network for payments.

University of Malawi, September 18 to 20

The second program ran at the AVC venue at the University of Malawi, organized with the Media for Development Society. The media partnership shaped the program. Bitcoin Boma described Day 1 as focused on "learning, connection and exploring the role of media in driving positive development."

Day 1 (recap posted September 19): 263 participants
Day 2 (recap posted September 22): more than 200 young people
Day 3: certificates awarded, including to three friends who attended together

On September 24, Bitcoin Boma posted a video featuring Media for Development Society executives who took part. The Day 3 recap named Pacharo Nyirenda and Yankho Ngolleka as facilitators.

What do Bitcoin Boma's workshops teach?

The workshops are free and open to beginners. They cover Bitcoin basics, how the technology works, and its role in development. Participants who complete all three days receive a certificate of attendance.

For students who want to go further, Bitcoin Boma runs a free 10‑week Bitcoin Diploma with My First Bitcoin. Bitcoin Boma says graduates have helped merchants start accepting Bitcoin, including Lightning payments in Mulanje.

Who runs Bitcoin Boma?

Bitcoin Boma is a Malawian nonprofit with three co‑founders.

Grant Gombwa is Co‑Executive Director. He previously worked with The Core, a Bitcoin education platform in Kenya. At Adopting Bitcoin Cape Town 2025, he gave a talk titled "Only Sound Money Can Save Us Now: The Case of Malawi."

Ian Foster has lived in Malawi for more than ten years and has advocated for Bitcoin there since 2014. He created EconoKidz.com, an animated economics course for children, and spoke at Adopting Bitcoin 2024 in El Salvador.

Nick Twyman is based in Malawi and focuses on Bitcoin's social layer. He co‑founded Free Market Kids and the Free and Open‑Source Education (FOSE) Foundation.

Watch their Cape Town talk: Bitcoin Boma: Grassroots Bitcoin Adoption in Malawi.

Why does Bitcoin education matter in Malawi?

In 2023, Malawi devalued the kwacha by 44% overnight. Bitcoin Boma speakers have also pointed to savings rates capped at 4% while inflation runs much higher. In May 2025, the Human Rights Foundation funded Bitcoin Boma through its Bitcoin Development Fund, citing "persistent inflation, currency devaluations, and high poverty rates."

Bitcoin Boma's view is that people need education before they can choose an alternative.

Frequently asked questions

What is Bitcoin Boma?

Bitcoin Boma is a Malawian nonprofit that runs free Bitcoin education programs, including university workshops and a 10‑week Bitcoin Diploma.

How many people attended Bitcoin Boma's September 2026 workshops?

At the University of Blantyre Synod, attendance was 55, 62, and 65 across the three days. At the University of Malawi, 263 people attended Day 1 and more than 200 attended Day 2.

Are Bitcoin Boma's workshops free?

Yes. The workshops and the 10‑week Bitcoin Diploma are both free. Trezor Academy sponsored the September 2026 programs.

Why is Bitcoin relevant in Malawi?

Malawi has faced persistent inflation, a 44% currency devaluation in 2023, and capped savings rates. Bitcoin Boma teaches Bitcoin as a possible alternative for saving and payments.

How can I join a future Bitcoin Boma workshop?

Follow @BitcoinBoma on X, where the group announces programs.