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The Launch of Bitcoin Victoria Falls: Zambia’s First Bitcoin Circular Economy

Bitcoin Victoria Falls  officially launched in Livingstone, Zambia, as the first Bitcoin Circular Economy in the country. This bold initiative is focused on financial empowerment, Bitcoin education, Bitcoin tourism, and expanding economic opportunities all with a broader mission of building a sustainable Bitcoin ecosystem in Zambia.

How It All Began

The story of Bitcoin Victoria Falls began in late 2022, when Adam Cowperthwait, the founder of the initiative, visited El Zonte, El Salvador, and witnessed the transformative impact of The Hope House and the Bitcoin Beach Project. Inspired by what he saw, Adam envisioned bringing the same type of Bitcoin-powered community development to Africa.

Identifying similarities between El Zonte, El Salvador and Livingstone, Zambia, Adam reached out to Samantha Knaub, founder of the Free Haven Community Initiative, a grassroots community program he had supported philanthropically for over six years. Through her, Adam was introduced to Forest Hall, President of Free Haven, who embraced the idea. Together, they brought Jason Peck on board as a volunteer and formed the initial discovery team behind envisioning Bitcoin Victoria Falls.

Laying the Groundwork

In early 2023, the team began holding monthly planning meetings to map out how the circular economy would work in Livingstone. With support from Anita Posch, founder of Bitcoin for Fairness, they connected with Ndesanjo Macho ("Ndesa"), the Zambia coordinator for Bitcoin for Fairness. Ndesa helped identify Humphrey Simwinga, who was interested in becoming the Co-Founder and Community Leader of a Bitcoin Circular Economy. .

Education First: Mi Primer Bitcoin

At the core of Bitcoin Victoria Fall’s strategy is education. In 2024, Bitcoin Victoria Falls began offering Mi Primer Bitcoin / My First Bitcoin, a five-week educational course open to the general public. The classes cover essential Bitcoin concepts and include hands-on learning experiences such as downloading Lightning wallets and practicing real-world Bitcoin transactions.

Bitcoin Victoria Falls has conducted the Mi Primer Bitcoin course five times three times in 2024 and twice so far in 2025 graduating a total of 76 students, with an average of 15.2 graduates per cohort. To graduate, learners must attend at least four out of the five classes. Graduation ceremonies are held, Light refreshments are served during graduation ceremonies and they are hosted in conjunction with one of the monthly meetups to build community and deepen understanding.

Meetups, Merchants, and Momentum

In addition to the classroom sessions, Bitcoin Victoria Falls hosts Bitcoin Meetups at Jollyboys Backpackers, a well-known lodge in Livingstone that already accepts Bitcoin. These events help grow the community, share stories, and encourage more businesses to accept Bitcoin as a form of payment.

Global Support and Recognition

Our mission is simple: educate, empower, and build a self-sustaining Bitcoin economy from the ground up. "Bitcoin Victoria Falls Team"

Bitcoin Victoria Falls has caught the attention of the global Bitcoin community. Support has come from organizations and individuals including:

• @BFFbtc (Bitcoin for Fairness)

• @AnitaPosch

• @MyfirstBitcoin_

• @BitcoinZambia

• @bitcoin_diary

• @jdennehy_writes

• @BitcoinEkasi

• @Bitcoinbeach

• and many more.

As Bitcoin Victoria Falls continues to grow, the team invites Bitcoiners, tourists,and change-makers from around the world to visit Livingstone to experience the majestic Victoria Falls, spend Bitcoin locally, and witness the beginning of a financial revolution in Zambia.