Btrust, the non-profit organization focused on decentralizing Bitcoin open-source development, has announced a significant governance transition with the appointment of a new Board of Directors. This change signifies the beginning of a new strategic chapter for the organization, following a thorough global selection process that aimed to uphold its foundational values of transparency, fairness, and mission alignment.
Janet Maingi, Bruno Garcia, and Laurence Aderemi have taken on full governance responsibilities, marking a pivotal moment since Btrust’s inception in 2021. The organization was originally established with a significant endowment of 500 BTC from Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey and rapper Jay-Z, valued at approximately $24.5 million at the time, to promote Bitcoin development in Africa and India. Dorsey and Jay-Z consciously stepped back from governance to empower an independent board with full decision-making authority.
The inaugural Board, consisting of Obi Nwosu, Ojoma Ochai, Carla Kirk-Cohen, and Abubakar Nur Khalil, focused on laying the operational and financial groundwork for Btrust before facilitating the transition. Over a multi-week handover period that concluded on April 30, 2026, the incoming and outgoing boards worked closely to ensure a seamless transfer of responsibilities, which included budget reviews and the initiation of an independent audit to strengthen accountability.
Abubakar Nur Khalil, who took over as CEO in late 2025, expressed optimism about the new board’s potential to enhance Btrust’s impact and uphold its mission. The newly appointed board members bring a wealth of experience that spans various fields, including Bitcoin infrastructure, energy systems, and open-source software development—a crucial asset as Btrust continues to expand its influence in the Global South.
In 2023, Btrust made strides by acquiring Qala, a training organization focused on Bitcoin and the Lightning Network, and rebranding it as the Btrust Builders Programme. This initiative aims to enhance the flow of open-source contributors from Africa. Additionally, Btrust is contemplating an expansion into Latin America, aligning with its broader global strategy of inclusivity in Bitcoin development.
With the governance transition concluded, Btrust is poised to proceed with enhanced clarity and focus. The organization remains committed to its core mission of fostering an open and resilient Bitcoin ecosystem and aims to diversify the groups involved in its development. The new board will play a crucial role in shaping grantmaking strategies, improving oversight of the Builders Programme, and strengthening connections with underrepresented developer communities worldwide.
