● Date and Time: : Saturday, May 16, 2026 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
● Location: Bethel Hotel, Gitega, Burundi
● Organized by: Bitdevs Gitega
● Registration link: clooza.com/events/FOSSDVPT
The 11th Socratic Seminar of BitDevs Gitega marked the official beginning of the accelerated 8-month builder-focused phase supported by the Human Rights Foundation (HRF). Following the introductory session held in April, this new phase strengthens the traditional BitDevs Socratic Seminar format by integrating practical building sessions, mentorship, project follow-up, and technical guidance between seminars. The program keeps the open discussion and collaborative spirit of BitDevs while introducing a more structured framework designed to help Burundian developers actively contribute to Bitcoin and Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) development.
This evolution was made possible thanks to the support of the Human Rights Foundation, whose funding is helping transform BitDevs Gitega into a more solution-oriented technical community focused on producing tangible Bitcoin-related tools and infrastructure adapted to the Burundian context. During this seminar, the community focused mainly on the Lightning Network. The session was facilitated by Advaxe NDAYISENGA, who provided an in-depth refresher on how the Lightning Network operates, its architecture, payment channels, routing mechanisms, and the latest innovations currently shaping the LN ecosystem.
Special attention was given to:
● Recent innovations and improvements within the Lightning ecosystem
● Real-world Lightning use cases in Africa
● Lightning infrastructure and node operations
● The importance of scalable Bitcoin payments
● Open-source opportunities available for local developers
● The growing need for African contributors in Bitcoin infrastructure development
This session also introduced a new working methodology for the 8-month program:
● Monthly Socratic Seminars
● Practical development sessions
● Mentorship and technical supervision
● Follow-up tasks between seminars
● Collaborative project-building
● Continuous Proof of Work contribution tracking
The objective is no longer only learning Bitcoin concepts, but also helping participants progressively become active Bitcoin open-source contributors.
● Welcome & Recap of April Session
● Introduction to the Accelerated Builder Program
● Lightning Network Fundamentals Refresher
● Latest Innovations in the Lightning Ecosystem
● Open Discussion on LN Development Opportunities
● Presentation of the New Mentorship & Follow-up Framework
● Q&A and Technical Exchanges
● Wrap-Up & Next Steps
Bu Tech
Digne Marie Grace Irakoze
Belyï Nobel KUBWAYO
Reine Delicia INGABIRE
RUKUNDO jovial
Abdul-Aziz Usman
Advaxe NDAYISENGA
Rukundo Geulchome
HABIMANA Moïse
NIYUKURI Dominique
Innocent Niyonkuru
Regis Niyonizeye
NIYONKURU Egide
Iradukunda Elvis Emmanuel
Akimana Answer
Niyonkuru Bertrine
Bellie Nerval BARIKWINSHI
EMERIYO Wilson Azarie
Itanganeza Landry
Irakoze Esron
Barakana Guyeudes
Elvis Arakaza
Kezakimana Ange
MANIRAKIZA Nadine
Iragaba Ainé Donels
IRADUKUNDA Paisible
Bayubahe Elias
Arsella Gladwish Kaze
Ragouël Ndenzako
Donel BUKUTO
Elvis Irambona
BWITONZI Kevin
★ BitDevs Gitega has officially entered a more accelerated and builder-oriented phase that will run for 8 months.
★ The community now combines Socratic discussions with practical development, mentorship, and structured follow-up.
★ The Human Rights Foundation’s support is enabling local developers to move from learning to actively building Bitcoin FOSS solutions.
★ The Lightning Network remains one of the main technical interests among local developers in Burundi.
★ Many participants are already exploring or developing Lightning-based tools and solutions.
★ The seminar highlighted the importance of African participation in Bitcoin open-source infrastructure development.
★ Participants expressed strong motivation to contribute to Bitcoin development through practical projects and collaborative work.
❖ Continue Lightning-focused technical mentorship sessions
❖ Assign practical development tasks before the next seminar
❖ Strengthen collaboration between local developers working on LN projects
❖ Begin structured contribution tracking for participating developers
❖ Launch the first collaborative Lightning-related development initiatives
❖ Continue building the first Bitcoin FOSS solutions developed in Burundi