In 2025, we took a major step forward in strengthening Africa’s Bitcoin developer pipeline through the Btrust Builders program. 🚀
Over the course of the year, 493 developers across Africa and beyond were supported through Builders pathways, selected from 1,800+ applications, a 180% increase from the previous year.
Developers joined from 15+ countries, spanning West, East, Central, and Southern Africa, with additional participation from South America, Europe, and South Asia.
We evolved from a single‑cohort program into a continuous, modular learning pipeline, supporting developers at different stages; from first exposure to Bitcoin, through hands-on technical learning, and into real open‑source contributions.
In 2025, we delivered:
• Foundational learning through Mastering Bitcoin
• Hands‑on technical practice via Bitcoin from the Command Line
• Protocol‑level development in Rust for Bitcoiners
• Programming fundamentals through Language Clubs (Python & C++)
• Advanced open‑source onboarding through Start Your Career in BOSS
To bridge learning and contribution, we also launched our first Open Source Bootcamp. Over four weeks, 38 developers from 7 countries submitted 103 code contributions, opened 50+ pull requests, and saw 12 PRs merged, including 3 to Bitcoin Core.
The impact went well beyond training. Several Builders alumni transitioned into fully funded open‑source work, supported by @nprofile1q... and @nprofile1q..., contributing to projects like Bitcoin Core, LDK Node, BlueWallet, Bitcoin Dev Kit, and Rust‑Payjoin. Others went on to start their own Bitcoin projects, applying what they learned to build new tools and infrastructure in the ecosystem.
We also launched the Builders Resource Hub, which has since been widely shared across the Bitcoin developer ecosystem as a go‑to learning library for open‑source contribution, tooling, and deep technical study. Check it out here: https://pathways.btrust.tech/resource-hub
In recognition of this work, the @nprofile1q... team named Btrust Builders the 2025 African Bitcoin Project of the Year at the 2025 @nprofile1q....
All this was made possible by the dedication of faculty and chaperones, many of whom are alumni themselves; mentors who gave their time, experience, and patience; and the core Builders team, including Stephanie Titcombe, the program lead, and Kelvin Isievwore, the engineering lead, who carried the vision from design through delivery.
Just as importantly, the wider Builders community, learners, alumni, contributors, and supporters, shaped the culture that made collaboration, accountability, and growth possible.🧡
We’ve shared what worked, what we learned, and how Builders has grown into a long‑term contributor pipeline helping decentralize Bitcoin development.
➡️ Read the full blog for more: https://blog.btrust.tech/strengthening-africas-bitcoin-developer-pipeline-reflections-from-2025/
Over the course of the year, 493 developers across Africa and beyond were supported through Builders pathways, selected from 1,800+ applications, a 180% increase from the previous year.
Developers joined from 15+ countries, spanning West, East, Central, and Southern Africa, with additional participation from South America, Europe, and South Asia.
We evolved from a single‑cohort program into a continuous, modular learning pipeline, supporting developers at different stages; from first exposure to Bitcoin, through hands-on technical learning, and into real open‑source contributions.
In 2025, we delivered:
• Foundational learning through Mastering Bitcoin
• Hands‑on technical practice via Bitcoin from the Command Line
• Protocol‑level development in Rust for Bitcoiners
• Programming fundamentals through Language Clubs (Python & C++)
• Advanced open‑source onboarding through Start Your Career in BOSS
To bridge learning and contribution, we also launched our first Open Source Bootcamp. Over four weeks, 38 developers from 7 countries submitted 103 code contributions, opened 50+ pull requests, and saw 12 PRs merged, including 3 to Bitcoin Core.
The impact went well beyond training. Several Builders alumni transitioned into fully funded open‑source work, supported by @nprofile1q... and @nprofile1q..., contributing to projects like Bitcoin Core, LDK Node, BlueWallet, Bitcoin Dev Kit, and Rust‑Payjoin. Others went on to start their own Bitcoin projects, applying what they learned to build new tools and infrastructure in the ecosystem.
We also launched the Builders Resource Hub, which has since been widely shared across the Bitcoin developer ecosystem as a go‑to learning library for open‑source contribution, tooling, and deep technical study. Check it out here: https://pathways.btrust.tech/resource-hub
In recognition of this work, the @nprofile1q... team named Btrust Builders the 2025 African Bitcoin Project of the Year at the 2025 @nprofile1q....
All this was made possible by the dedication of faculty and chaperones, many of whom are alumni themselves; mentors who gave their time, experience, and patience; and the core Builders team, including Stephanie Titcombe, the program lead, and Kelvin Isievwore, the engineering lead, who carried the vision from design through delivery.
Just as importantly, the wider Builders community, learners, alumni, contributors, and supporters, shaped the culture that made collaboration, accountability, and growth possible.🧡
We’ve shared what worked, what we learned, and how Builders has grown into a long‑term contributor pipeline helping decentralize Bitcoin development.
➡️ Read the full blog for more: https://blog.btrust.tech/strengthening-africas-bitcoin-developer-pipeline-reflections-from-2025/