Season 1 · Episode 32
Bitcoin as a Catalyst for Change in Kenya: The Story of Afribit Kibera w/ Ronnie Mdawida
new renaissance capital w/ frank corva · Frank Corva
February 24, 20261h 20m
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Show Notes
<p>In this episode, we travel to Nairobi, Kenya to learn about Afribit Kibera, a project proving that Bitcoin is more than just a financial asset — it's a tool for social and environmental reform.</p>
<p>Afribit co-founder Ronnie Mdawida details how they have integrated Bitcoin into waste collection groups, women’s upcycling initiatives, and even motorcycle taxi (boda boda) licenses.</p>
<p>By creating a circular Bitcoin economy, Kibera residents are keeping value within their community and building a brighter future.</p>
<p>Host: Frank Corva</p>
<p>Guest: Ronnie Mdawida</p>
<p>For more on Afribit: <a href="https://www.afribit.africa/">https://www.afribit.africa/</a></p>
<p>To donate to Afribit: <a href="https://geyser.fund/project/afribitkibera">https://geyser.fund/project/afribitkibera</a></p>
<p>Timestamps:</p>
<p>0:00 Hook</p>
<p>0:35 Lead-in from Frank</p>
<p>4:09 Introduction: Ronnie Mdawida & Afribit Kibera</p>
<p>6:06 Afribit's Work in Kibera: Waste Management, Incentivized Learning & Onboarding Merchants</p>
<p>16:05 Tando: A Bitcoin Lightning Network App That Enables M-PESA Payments</p>
<p>17:55 Bitcoin Catalyzing Behavioral Change</p>
<p>19:52 A History of Ronnie's Work in Kibera</p>
<p>25:45 The Ubuntu System</p>
<p>27:21 Banking the Unbanked with Bitcoin</p>
<p>34:06 Afribit's Plan Beyond Bitcoin</p>
<p>42:09 The BBC Covers Afribit</p>
<p>49:35 The Challenges of Running Afribit</p>
<p>1:05:35 Fedi's SateNet</p>
<p>1:09:53 Afribit's Victories</p>
<p>1:16:55 Conclusion</p>
<p>1:20:07 Final Words from Frank</p>
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