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In a context marked by rapid changes in financial systems and recent trends towards the gradual reduction of cash usage in dollars in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the University of Goma (UNIGOM) positions itself as an innovative player in the adoption of digital payment solutions.

Through its partnership with Bridgesats, UNIGOM initiated, on March 27, 2026, a series of practical activities aimed at familiarizing students and entrepreneurs with the use of cryptocurrencies, particularly Bitcoin, as an alternative to traditional payment methods.

Organized around the theme “Buying and Accepting Payments in Bitcoin,” this meetup allowed 92 students to receive their first satoshis and practice sending and receiving funds via digital wallets, notably Fedi. Participants were also exposed to various concrete use cases, ranging from payment for services (airline tickets, subscriptions, phone credit) to the integration of these solutions into business activities.

In this dynamic of applied learning, an additional step was taken on April 25, 2026, at the Green Lake Campus, where the experimentation took on a large-scale concrete dimension. More than 100 participants, composed of students, academic staff, and entrepreneurs, took part in a practical activity focused on integrating Bitcoin and USDT payments into daily exchanges.

The experience was marked by real transactions, including the sale of more than 25 chickens in Bitcoin, thus demonstrating the feasibility and effectiveness of these solutions in a local context. The exchanges highlighted significant advantages, such as speed, fluidity, and particularly reduced transaction costs.

Already initiated during the meetup last March, the integration of Bitcoin into certain internal activities of the University, particularly at the university agro-pastoral farm, reflects a gradual and concrete adoption of these innovations.

Beyond training, these initiatives reflect a clear intention from UNIGOM to move from awareness to experimentation, providing its community with the necessary tools to adapt to ongoing economic and technological transformations.

Through these actions, the University of Goma confirms its role as a laboratory of innovation, committed to training citizens capable of understanding, using, and shaping the financial tools of tomorrow.