Establishing and Empowering Independent Cardano Hubs in 5 French-Speaking Countries in Africa

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Laurentine Djatsa

[GENERAL] Are you delivering this project as an individual or as an entity (whether formally incorporated or not)

Entity (Incorporated)

[GENERAL] Please specify how many months you expect your project to last (from 2-12 months)

6

[GENERAL] Please indicate if your proposal has been auto-translated into English from another language

No

[GENERAL] Summarize your solution to the problem (200-character limit including spaces)

We will establish a network of online and in-person events, training, and community hubs in 5 French-speaking African countries to provide support for building strong independent Cardano communities.

[GENERAL] Does your project have any dependencies on other organizations, technical or otherwise?

Yes

[GENERAL] If YES, please describe what the dependency is and why you believe it is essential for your project’s delivery. If NO, please write “No dependencies.”

The project will depend on partnerships with local organisations, community leaders, and Cardano-focused platforms to facilitate in-person events, as well as technical support from Cardano's ecosystem for training and resources.

[GENERAL] Will your project’s output/s be fully open source?

Yes

[GENERAL] Please provide here more information on the open source status of your project outputs

The project's educational materials, training resources, and community-building strategies will be fully open source. This will allow anyone to access, modify, and adapt the content to further strengthen Cardano communities in French-speaking Africa and beyond.

[METADATA] Horizons

Education

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

The problem we aim to solve is the lack of access to localized resources, support, and infrastructure in French-speaking African countries for building strong, independent Cardano communities. Despite growing interest in blockchain technology across Africa, language barriers and the absence of localized content have hindered the development and adoption of Cardano within these regions. We see this as an opportunity to empower communities through education, collaboration, and localized outreach.

Our approach focuses on creating both online and in-person engagement in five key French African countries. By offering structured educational programs, community hubs, an regular events, we aim to make Cardano knowledge accessible, contextual, and applicable to local needs. This holistic strategy combines digital platforms with physical meetups, enabling participants to learn, collaborate, and build within the Cardano ecosystem.

Ou project will engage:

• Aspiring developers, entrepreneurs, and community leaders in the blockchain space.
• Universities, tech hubs, and local organisations interested in advancing Cardano's potential in their regions.
• Existing French-speaking Cardano enthusiasts who can act as local champion's.

To measure our impact, we will track key metrics such as the number of events held, participants engaged, the number of new Cardano wallets created, and active project development in the regions. We will also gather feedback from the communities to refine our approach continuously.

What makes our solution unique is the localized, language-specific focus, blending online and offline activities. By tailoring content to the cultural and economic realities of French-speaking African countries, we're ensure deeper engagement and sustained community growth.

This project is important to Cardano because it expands the network into untapped regions, promoting global decentralization and fostering the next generation of developers, entrepreneurs, and users within the ecosystem. By empowering these communities, we not only build stronger local Cardano communities but also enhance the overall strength and reach of the Cardano network globally.

[IMPACT] Please define the positive impact your project will have on the wider Cardano community

The positive impact of our project on the wider Cardano community will be significant, particularly in terms of community growth, education, and ecosystem development in French-speaking Africa. By establishing strong, localized Cardano communities in these regions, we will:

• Increase Cardano adoption by providing accessible education and practical tools.
• Encourage innovation as new developers and entrepreneurs emerge with region-specific use cases for Cardano.
• Strengthen decentralization by diversifying the geographical and linguistic makeup of the Cardano network
• Foster Collaboration between French-speaking African countries and the global Cardano community.

We will measure both Quantitative and qualitative aspects of our impact:

1 Quantitative Metrics:

• Number of online and in-person events conducted.
• Number of participants attending these events
• New Cardano wallets created and the growth of active users from targeted regions.
• Number of community hubs established.
• projects or initiatives launched within the ecosystem by local developers and entrepreneurs.

2 Qualitative Metrics:

• Feedback from participants and community leaders on the usefulness of the training and support.
• The strength of local Cardano networks, as observed through ongoing engagement, discussions, and collaborations.
• Case studies of successful projects or solutions that emerge from these communities.

Sharing Output and Opportunities:

We will openly share the educational materials, event recordings, and insights through various channels, including:

• Cardano Community forums(Catalyst, Discord, Telegram)
• Social media(Twitter, LinkedIn, and our project's dedicated channels)
• Inkuba Hub's platform, where resources will be made accessible and regularly updated.
• Collaborations with Cardano-based platforms to amplify our resources.

Additionally, we will create opportunities for cross-collaboration between French-Speaking communities and the wider Cardano network, facilitating knowledge transfer and growth. As communities grow and develop, we will spotlight emerging leaders and projects, showcasing the ecosystem's impact on the global scale.

In summary, the success of this project will bring immense value to the wider Cardano community by increasing diversity, participation, and innovation within the network, helping to cement Cardano's role as a truly global blockchain platform.

[CAPABILITY & FEASIBILITY] What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability? How do you intend to validate if your approach is feasible?

Our capability to deliver this project with high levels of Trust and accountability stems from our experience, strong partnerships, and a well-defined operational framework. the Inkuba Academy has already established a track record of success in providing English-language training and community development across multiple regions in Africa. We are now extending our expertise into the blockchain space, leveraging our deep knowledge of local contexts and our network of educators, community leaders, and partners.

Our Hub has hosted numerous Cardano workshop in Bobo Dioulasso, Ouagadougou and Dakar.

Existing Capabilities:

1. Experience with Community Engagement:

As a well established-established academy, we have successfully built educational communities in various regions, including Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso. We have led numerous educational initiatives and events that required managing resources, tracking progress, and ensuring stakeholder satisfaction.

2. Strong Network in French-Speaking Africa:

Our existing relationships with educational institutions, local organizations, and community leaders position us to efficiently execute this project across six countries. These partnerships will facilitate the organization of in-person events an promote community-driven efforts.

3. Understanding of the Cardano Ecosystem:

We are actively involved in the Cardano ecosystem through our participation in Project Catalyst and community-driven initiatives. This gives us a clear understanding of how to align our effort with Cardano’s long-term goal and value.

Steps to Ensure Feasibility:

Pilot Program

We will begin by launching a pilot initiative in one country, testing our approach to community engagement, education, and infrastructure setup. This will allow us to gather data, learn from any challenges, and refine our model before scaling to other regions.

Collaboration with Local Partners:

We will work closely with trusted local partners to ensure that our strategies are tailored to each country’s specific needs. This approach will reduce the risk of implementation issues and increase local buy-in.

Detailed Budget and Accountability Framework:

• A comprehensive, transparent budget will be put in place, outlining all costs associated with the project. We will use established financial management tools to track spending, ensuring that funds are used efficiently and only for their intended purpose.
• Regular financial and progress reports will be shared with the Cardano community to demonstrate accountability.

Impact Tracking and Reporting:

We will track our progress through quantitative metrics(e.g. number of events, participants, new wallets) and qualitative feedback. These will be documented and shared with the community through Catalyst, social media, and other platforms. A project review will be conducted at each stage to ensure alignment with goals.

Transparent Fund Management:

• We will ensure strict financial controls, including a multi-signature wallet for fund management, allowing for shared decision-making and preventing misuse. Funds will be disbursed based on the successful completion of pre-defined milestones.

Regular Community Updates:

We will maintain open lines of communication with the Cardano community, regularly updating on the project’s progress and any adjustments needed. This ensures full transparency and allows for feedback and course correction if required.

In conclusion, our experience, clear processes for accountability, and commitment to transparency will ensure the successful and responsible execution of the project. By focusing on building trust both local communities and the global Cardano network, we aim to deliver a high-impact sustainable solution.

[PROJECT MILESTONES] What are the key milestones you need to achieve in order to complete your project successfully?

Pilot Program Launch(Ivory Coast)

• Organise an initial community event(online and in-person in Ivory Coast)
• Launch the first educational program on Cardano basics
• Establish a community hub in Ivory Coast

Acceptance Criteria:

• Successful completion of the event with at least 100 participants.
• Enrollment of at least 25 individuals in the educational program.
• A fully community hub with local leadership.

Evidence of Milestone Completion:

• Event attendance records and participant feedback
• Enrollment data for the educational program
• Photos and reports from the established community hub
• Community feedback on the pilot program's success

Expansion to Two Additional Countries: Togo and Benin

• Organise community events in two more French-speaking African countries(Togo and Benin)
• Expand the educational program to both countries
• Establish community hubs in both countries

Acceptance Criteria:

• Completion of events in both countries with at least 100 participants in each.
• Enrollment of at least 30 individuals in educational programs in each country.
• Fully operational community hubs in both locations.

Evidence of Milestone Completion:

• Event and participant records, including testimonials and feedback.
• Enrollment numbers for educational programs in both countries.
• Photos and reports from both new community hubs.

Full Rollout Across All Five Countries

Milestone Outputs:

• Organize community events in the remaining two countries: Burkina Faso(Ouagadougou) and Senegal(Dakar)
• Implement educational programs and establish community hubs in all six countries.
• Begin tracking and reporting on wallet creation and developer activities

Acceptance Criteria:

• Completion of events in all five countries with a minimum of 500 combined participants
• enrollment of at least 150 individuals across all 5 countries.
• Functional community hubs in all targeted countries.

Evidence of Milestone Completion:

• Reports on event attendance, educational program participation, and community engagement.
• Wallet creation statistics and developer engagement
• Regular reports from local community hubs, with photos, videos and testimonials.

Impact Assessment and Final Report

Milestone Outputs:

• Comprehensive assessment of the impact on the Cardano community in French-speaking Africa.
• Collect qualitative feedback from participants, partners, and stakeholders.
• submit a detailed project close-out report and video.

Acceptance Criteria:

• Completion of an impact assessment report, including all metrics, participant growth, and community engagement data.
• Submission of a project close-out video that documents the journey, key achievements, and lessons learned.

Evidence of Milestone Completion:

• Impact assessment report shared with the Cardano community
• Final close-out report and video, highlighting project results, success stories, and next steps

This milestone structure ensures that each phase of the project is thoroughly planned and tracked, ensuring accountability, transparency, and continuous feedback from the community.

[RESOURCES] Who is in the project team and what are their roles?

Laurentine: Project Coordinator and Benin Facilitator

CEO of Inkuba Academy, Cardano Hub Lead In Burkina Faso. Fund 8 proposer(fully completed), host of the Cardano Summit 2022 in Ouagadougou, host of the Cardano constitutional workshop in Bobo Dioulasso and elected as a voting delegate, co-organiser of the CIP-1694 in Accra Ghana with the role of French Translator. Collaborated with Wada Global for the translation of the Cardano Interim Constitution, hosted over 15 Cardano workshops in French-speaking communities including Burkina Faso and Senegal.

Aime Niko Kam: Burkina Faso Facilitator

Administrative Assistant of the Inkuba Academy and Inkuba Hub. Co-organiser of the Cardano summit in Ouagadougou 2022, Co-host of over 10 Cardano workshops, co-organiser of the Cardano Constitutional Workshop in Bobo Dioulasso and elected as travelling alternate.

LinkedIn: Aimé Sié Humpa Nico KAM

Binta Gom: Senegal Facilitator

Entrepreneur and Senegal facilitator. Co-organiser of a Cardano workshop in Senegal, Crypto enthousiast and an active member of the Bitcoin community in Dakar

Elom Aketse Kokovi: Togo facilitator

Crypto enthousiast an investor, active member of Inkuba Hub

Christian Yao: Ivory Coast Facilitator

professional community manager and active member of the Inkuba Hub

Richmond Darkwa: Active member of Inkuba Hub, Teacher and Cardano Constitutional Alternate for Burkina Faso. English Tutor and member of academic planning at Inkuba Academy.

LinkedIn: Richmond Darkwa

[BUDGET & COSTS] Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources

Pilot Program Launch(Cote d Ivoire)

Resources and Costs:

• Venue for in-person event(1-day rental for community event): 2000 ADA
• Online platform subscription for virtual events: 1400 ADA
• Educational materials development(content creation, translation into French): 2000 ADA
• Marketing and promotion:(social media ads, local outreach, printed materials) 1600 ADA
• Local facilitator fees(for event organizing and management): 2000 ADA
• Community hub set up(basic infrastructure): 2000 ADA
• Travel and accommodation for facilitators: 3000 ADA
• Project management and reporting: 2000 ADA
• miscellaneous: 1000 ADA

Total for Pilot Phase: 17000 ADA

2. Expansion to Togo and Benin

• Venue for in-person event(1-day rental for community event): 4000 ADA
• Online platform subscription for virtual events: 2800 ADA
• Educational materials development(content creation, translation into French): 4000 ADA
• Marketing and promotion:(social media ads, local outreach, printed materials) 3200 ADA
• Local facilitator fees(for event organizing and management): 4000 ADA
• Community hub set up(basic infrastructure): 4000 ADA
• Travel and accommodation for facilitators: 6000 ADA
• Project management and reporting: 4000 ADA
• miscellaneous: 2000 ADA

Total : 34000 ADA

2. Expansion to Dakar and Ouagadougou

• Venue for in-person event(1-day rental for community event): 4000 ADA
• Online platform subscription for virtual events: 2800 ADA
• Educational materials development(content creation, translation into French): 4000 ADA
• Marketing and promotion:(social media ads, local outreach, printed materials) 3200 ADA
• Local facilitator fees(for event organizing and management): 4000 ADA
• Community hub set up(basic infrastructure): 4000 ADA
• Travel and accommodation for facilitators: 6000 ADA
• Project management and reporting: 4000 ADA
• miscellaneous: 2000 ADA

Total : 34000 ADA

Grand Total: 85000 ADA

[VALUE FOR MONEY] How does the cost of the project represent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem?

The 85000 ADA budget for this project represents a strong value for the Cardano ecosystem for several key reasons:

Strategic Expansion in Key Regions: The project aims to expand Cardano's reach into five French-speaking African countries. These regions are currently underrepresented in blockchain technology but possess strong growth potential. By fostering independent Cardano communities, we can accelerate adoption, education, and innovation within Cardano, making this investment both impactful and timely.

Efficient Use of Resources: The costs have been carefully calculated to reflect the typical expenses in these countries:

• Venue and Community Hub Setup: Renting venues and setting up local hubs are crucial to ensuring a professional and accessible environment for the community. the prices listed are standard for local event spaces and community setups, offering flexibility to organise both in-person and hybrid events.

• Educational material and translation: Developing educational content in French is critical to the projects success. The rates for translation, content creation, and promotion are aligned with standard freelance and agency costs in the region.

• Local Facilitator fees: We prioritize working with local talent. Facilitators fees reflect average wages for qualified professionals in the target countries. This also supports local economies while ensuring sustainability for the communities being built.

• Marketing and promotions: We use cost-effective marketing strategies, like social media campaigns and partnerships with local influencers, to ensure maximum outreach at minimal cost. The proposed budget is lean compared to global marketing campaigns but is optimized for regional effectiveness.

Proportional to the Potential Impact: With an initial investment in these five countries, the project will build self-sustaining, independent Cardano communities, leading to long-term value for the ecosystem:

• New developer, entrepreneurs, and blockchain enthusiasts will emerge from these communities, contributing to dAPP development, ADA adoption, and ecosystem growth.

• By spreading knowledge and creating accessible hubs, the project helps Cardano gain a competitive edge in Africa, a continent with immense growth potential in fintech and blockchain sectors.

Local and sustainable Impact: The project is designed to use local resources and talent, ensuring that the funds remain within the community. This approach fosters sustainability and provided long-term benefits to both Cardano and the target regions, as opposed to short-term or on-off initiatives.

Rigorous Budget Planning: Each milestone has been planned with specific costs tied to clear outputs, ensuring transparency and accountability. Every resource listed directly contributes to either community engagement, education, or Cardanos visibility.

Additionally, the impact assessment phase is designed to demonstrate the effectiveness and long-term value of this investment, ensuring that the Cardano community sees measurable returns on this funding.

By aligning the costs with the standard wages and expenses in the region, and by maximizing local talent and resources, this project ensures value for money while contributing significantly to the growth of the Cardano ecosystem in Africa.