Btrust

On November 29 and 30, we hosted our annual #BtrustGathering at the Labourdonnais Waterfront Hotel in Port Louis, Mauritius 🇲🇺. This year’s theme, mapping the future ofnopen‑source collaboration across the Global South, set the tone for two days of deep learning, open conversation, and collective action. We welcomed around 75 participants from across our community, including the Btrust team, grantees, and members from @Btrust Builders, @npub1m495...u22l, @npub13vk4...m2ah and @npub13s0k...5g70. Together, we explored the evolving landscape of open‑source Bitcoin development and how collaboration can accelerate progress across the Global South. Two days of exchanges, workshops, and genuine connection reminded us of the power of community and what’s possible when developers across the Global South co‑create the future of open‑source Bitcoin development. We’re deeply grateful to everyone who joined us, and we’re looking forward to the work ahead of us.

"This is my first time outside India 🇮🇳 to an international bitcoin conference or gathering. The bar has been set really high for me now." Paperpsych from @npub1m495...u22l. Day two of the 2025 #BtrustGathering built beautifully on the momentum from day one, diving deeper into collective learning and collaboration.

Day two of the #BtrustGathering began with an opening plenary, where participants shared takeaways and reflections from day one and discussed what to look forward to. The morning continued with a session on rethinking developer funding and support, facilitated by Kelvin Isievwore. This session explored how developers across the Global South are supported, financially and beyond, through existing funding mechanisms, mentorship, travel opportunities, and access to tools. We brainstormed practical ways to build fairer, more sustainable models that empower developers long‑term. Next came an insightful session on finding your lane and building credibility in open-source, by Edil Medeiros. This conversation encouraged developers to navigate their open‑source development journeys with authenticity, confidence, and resilience. We then had a thought‑provoking panel on AI, facilitated by Kelvin Isievwore and featuring Abubakar Nur Khalil, Raj, Bruno Ely Reis Garcia, Federico Zupicich, and Leonardo L. The panel unpacked how AI is reshaping open‑source contributions, from enhancing reviews and documentation to transforming developer workflows, and discussed both the opportunities and trade‑offs it brings to Bitcoin development. After a productive morning of discussions and learning, we took a break to take group photos and lunch. In the afternoon we moved into the mapping Global South FOSS priorities workshop, facilitated by Abubakar Nur Khalil. Participants worked collaboratively to define shared priorities, align regional outcomes, and begin drafting a collective 2026 roadmap for open‑source growth across the region. We closed the day, and the gathering, with a heart‑to‑heart fireside chat on lessons from the field. This conversation, featuring Kelvin Isievwore, Nymius, Abubakar Sadiq Ismail, Stratosphere and Marcello Pinsdorf, highlighted real‑world experiences, challenges, and lessons from the community, with candid reflections on sustaining motivation, balancing life and contribution, and navigating burnout. With the Gathering coming to a close, participants left inspired and energized, ready to carry the spirit of collaboration, learning, and open‑source excellence into the year ahead.