Btrust, a non-profit organization dedicated to decentralizing Bitcoin open-source development, announced the installation of a new Board of Directors, indicating the completion of a change in governance and the establishment of the next chapter of the organization’s strategy.
Following an international, open call and multi-stage selection process, Janet Maingi, Bruno Garcia, and Laurence Aderemi will take over the overall management role, the board said. Bitcoin Magazine.
The appointment was guided by Btrust’s Genesis Principles, which prioritize transparency, fairness, and mission alignment – principles that have underpinned the organization since its inception.
This update fulfills the requirements set in 2021, when Btrust was established with 500 BTC. gift from Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey and rapper Jay-Z — a donation worth about $24.5 million at the time of the announcement. The donation was made to support the development of Bitcoin throughout Africa and India, where Dorsey and Jay-Z deliberately stepped away from the authority to allow an independent decision-making body.
The opening panel – composed of Obi Nwosu, Ojoma Ochai, Carla Kirk-Cohen, and Abubakar Nur Khalil – was tasked with building the operational and financial infrastructure of the organization before handing over a successor team.
Btrust’s long-term bitcoin mining project
During a multi-week transition that ended on April 30, 2026, the incoming and outgoing boards worked closely together to ensure governance, financial oversight, and operations. The submission included a budget review, document consolidation, and the initiation of an independent audit designed to promote accountability.
“Today is a very important milestone for Btrust,” said CEO Abubakar Nur Khalil, who was appointed CEO at the end of 2025 after serving for a while. “We believe this new team will strengthen our strengths and protect our long-term mission.”
The new organization brings deep and complementary expertise in Bitcoin architecture, electronic systems, and open source software development. Their appointment comes at a very important time for the organization, which is constantly expanding in the Global South.
In 2023, Btrust found Qala, a training company for Bitcoin developers and Lightning Network, which has renamed it Btrust Builders Program to accelerate the process of open source providers from Africa. Recently, Btrust has shown growth in Latin America as part of its global strategy.
With the change of management complete, Btrust is moving forward with better organizational clarity. The main purpose of the organization – to ensure that the Bitcoin ecosystem is open, inclusive, and sustainable by distinguishing those who build it – has not changed. The new organization is expected to lead investment strategies, strengthen oversight of the Builders Program, and expand Btrust’s presence in underrepresented developing countries around the world.
