From Abstract to Action: Showcasing Local-Fit dApps to Grow Cardano Community in Cameroon

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Disruptive IT

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

Entity (Not Incorporated)

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

9

[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)

Expand our educational initiative in Cameroon to involve more of the local community by exploring practical prototype dApps, nurturing a Cardano community, and addressing misconceptions about Cardano.

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

No

[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.”

No dependencies.

[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

Apache 2.0 License

[METADATA] Horizons

Connected Community

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Overview 

While Cardano aims to empower Africa through technology, many Catalyst-funded projects struggle with practical implementation, often appearing abstract and disconnected from the pressing challenges faced by local communities. There is an urgent need for these projects to shift their focus from theoretical concepts to tangible solutions that address everyday issues. Unfortunately, very few African-oriented initiatives successfully deliver realistic outcomes; they typically adopt a narrow approach to problem-solving, whether overly tech-centric or business-oriented. This reinforces the prevalent sentiment among local populations: "How can blockchain concretely help me?"

Why this matters

A few years ago, a group of friends from Cameroon, studying computer science in Europe, envisioned DiaspoGift—a platform to address challenges with high fees, lack of transparency, and limitations in money transfer services like MoneyGram and Western Union. The platform aimed to provide direct support to families in agriculture, education, and health by connecting users with local service providers and using a community-governed fee structure. 

In 2016, they returned to Cameroon to implement their idea but faced significant obstacles, including a lack of skilled labor, unfeasible financial models due to high banking fees, and industries focused on survival over quality. Realizing the need for a foundational approach, they turned to Cardano and distributed ledger technologies, recognizing the potential to solve financial barriers.

To address gaps in local expertise, they established Disruptive IT Cameroon (DIT) and CosTel Farm as practical hubs for training and proof of concept projects. Inspired by Mondragon’s cooperative model, they focused on building a sustainable community framework, integrating local projects and stakeholders. Since joining the Cardano community in 2021, their rebranded initiative, DIA Web of Coops, has evolved into a hands-on, project-based approach aimed at empowering local developers, entrepreneurs, and policymakers to drive lasting change in Cameroon.

DIA Cooperative Network Overview

DIA is a cooperative network rooted in African traditions, currently consisting of three co-ops: DIT (Disruptive IT Cameroon), CosTel Farm, and Ngangu. Together, they operate across various sectors to bring innovative solutions to Africa, in partnership with Wada.

DITC (Disruptive IT Cameroon) based in Douala, provides education, training, and consulting in technologies like DLTs, AI, and functional programming (e.g., Haskell). A key partner of Wada, DIT aims to equip local developers and entrepreneurs with Web3 skills.

Costel Farm, located in Bertoua, Cameroon, is a regenerative farm that challenges conventional farming norms by integrating technology with sustainable practices. Projects like Treedano: Regenerative NFtrees exemplify the farm’s collaborative efforts with DIT to bridge IT and agriculture.

Ngangu, with locations in Bertoua and Dschang, promotes cultural identity through education, grounded in ancient African traditions. It serves as a validator of initiatives within the DIA network.

Wada is a resource sharing network operating in Africa, promoting Web3 technologies. With hubs in Cameroon, Ghana, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and more. Wada's core mission is to empower African developers with Web3 tools. DIT Cameroon works closely with Wada, implementing a shared mission through education. Both organizations share a strategic approach based on three core pillars.

• Infrastructure & logistics set up
• Education & Training initiatives
• dApp design & Implementation

Current Landscape

Cardano's Presence in Africa

According to Emurgo, Cardano currently operates in only 7 out of 54 African countries, covering roughly 13% of the continent. These figures highlight a largely untapped market, with significant opportunities to expand Cardano’s reach across the remaining 47 countries, and more importantly still, enhance the experiences within the currently active countries.

Behavioral and Technological Context

Africa is experiencing rapid technology adoption, with internet penetration projected at 47.1% in 2023, reaching 70.6% in Southern Africa. Mobile technology is widespread, with a 97% penetration rate, nearly one phone per person. Mobile services significantly impact the economy, contributing 7.1% to sub-Saharan Africa's GDP, compared to 3.4% in Europe. Mobile money services have added over $150 billion (3.7%) to the region’s GDP from 2013 to 2022, with mobile internet coverage exceeding 80% in major cities.

Economic and Financial Context

Despite gains in mobile money, Sub-Saharan Africa still faces financial inclusion challenges, particularly due to high transaction fees. In Cameroon, for instance, withdrawing funds from mobile money accounts incurs fees of around 2%, creating a financial burden. The region’s reliance on cash also poses problems, as shortages of small denomination notes complicate daily transactions.

These challenges underscore the need for innovative financial solutions, presenting an opportunity for Cardano to drive financial inclusion through decentralized applications like the Small Change Wallet, which could help alleviate cash management issues.

Our Solution

Key insights to build upon with this iteration

• Holistic Approach Needed: Feedback from the Spread Plutus Project in Africa showed that focusing only on developers was insufficient. A broader approach engaging all stakeholders is crucial to meet community needs.
• Prototypes as Demonstrations: We found that tangible prototypes help people understand the real-world applications of Cardano. Our previous projects have produced functional prototypes we’ll use to showcase blockchain's value to the community.
• Regulatory Gaps: The absence of a regulatory framework for Web3 and digital currencies is a challenge. In this iteration, we aim to collaborate more closely with policymakers to advance the implementation of projects like Small Change.

Methodology and Roadmap

• Consolidate the Cameroon Cardano Community
• Unite communities in Douala and Buea with other Wada hubs, and the greater Cardano community using local social spaces, and leveraging Wada’s weekly Forum space
• Recruit new members from technical institutes and organize introductory workshops covering blockchain, Cardano, Plutus, and use cases.
• Collaborate with partners like PROMOTE (regional trade show) and IUC Douala (private university) to host conferences and events.
• Extend DIT Cameroon Hub Infrastructure
• Upgrade hub resources, including GPS devices, document cameras, and improve internet connectivity.
• Expand library collections and increase equipment to accommodate more members.
• Refine and Launch the DIT Education Program
• Build on previous projects to create a comprehensive training program tailored for developers, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and tech institutions.
• Include workshops, live training, and hands-on sessions to cater to diverse audiences. Some planned introductory workshop topics include:
• Blockchain in Finance and Economy: Examine blockchain's potential to transform financial systems and economic practices.
• Opportunities within Cardano and Project Catalyst: Highlight prospects for entrepreneurs and developers in the Cardano ecosystem.
• Smart Contracts and Distributed Ledger Technologies (DLTs): Engage developers, tech institutes, and policymakers in understanding Plutus and DLT applications.
• Decentralized Identity, Governance, and Crypto: Explore the role of digital identities, governance, and cryptocurrencies, with a focus on policy implications.
• Real-World Applications: Demonstrate practical blockchain solutions through our dApp prototypes:
• NFTree dApp: Tokenizing trees for environmental impact.
• Mentalyse: Learn through fun
• Lost & Found: Decentralized item recovery system.
• Small Change Wallet: Addressing cash shortages with a digital token.
• Djangui: Digital platform for local savings and financial inclusion.
• This particular dApp is especially important to our community as it it really embodies the African approach to decentralized finance (DeFi) and social inclusion. Central to Djangui is the tontine model, where members contribute to a pooled fund collected at regular intervals, allowing one member to benefit each time until all have had their turn, thus eliminating interest from loans. In many communities, these groups often form around shared ethnic backgrounds or interests, with a reputation system that fosters trust among members. Current financial activities include tontines, savings, insurance, and back-to-school funds, resulting in significant transaction volumes. However, mobile money platforms dominate these transactions, which can be costly and lack proper security. To promote Djangui and encourage the adoption of Cardano’s alternatives, we will conduct awareness campaigns within these associations.
• Run Hands-On Workshops with dApp Prototypes
• Introduce the community to functional dApp prototypes that address local issues.
• Encourage participants to create wallets, adopt trees using the NFTree dApp, and explore the utility of blockchain.
• Promote the Djangui dApp for local savings management, highlighting Cardano's potential to enhance existing practices like tontines.
• Conclude with a hackathon focused on theory, practice, and challenges, rewarding participation and teamwork equitably.

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

Our proposed solution will have a significant positive impact on the wider Cardano community by driving adoption and expanding the ecosystem in a region with immense untapped potential. By focusing on Cameroon as a launchpad, we aim to increase Cardano's presence and influence in Africa, where blockchain solutions can address longstanding challenges in finance, governance, and economic development. The initiative's holistic approach—targeting developers, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and community members—ensures that all key stakeholders are engaged, which will help establish a sustainable and resilient blockchain ecosystem. This expanded network will enrich Cardano’s global reach, making the platform more diverse and inclusive.

Furthermore, by showcasing real-world dApp prototypes like NFTree, Small Change Wallet, and Djangui, we will demonstrate Cardano's practical applications in solving local problems. This approach shifts the perception of blockchain from being merely speculative to a technology with tangible benefits. As these solutions gain traction, they will serve as case studies for other communities and projects within Cardano, offering a blueprint for how to effectively leverage blockchain technology to address real-world needs. This kind of practical impact can inspire more developers and innovators to build on Cardano, driving ecosystem growth and the creation of new use cases.

Finally, the project will help bridge the gap between the Cardano community and regulatory stakeholders by engaging with policymakers on the development of frameworks that support decentralized finance and digital identity. Establishing a dialogue with regulators will pave the way for more widespread adoption of blockchain technology, not just in Cameroon but potentially across other African countries. This can set a precedent for how Cardano can be integrated into existing legal and economic structures, thus accelerating mainstream acceptance of the platform. In turn, the Cardano community will benefit from increased legitimacy and recognition as a leader in the adoption of blockchain for social good.

[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?

Traceable record of past delivered projects

In Africa, we say, "A tree is recognized by its fruit," meaning past actions are the best judge. DIT Cameroon has secured funding for multiple Catalyst projects in previous funds and delivered on all promises. 

Their strategy involved training local developers and leveraging them for pre-prototype implementation of their multiple dApp prototypes. This approach has paved the way for a future Cardano community in Cameroon, including not only developers, but entrepreneurs, policymakers, and other local community groups.

List of accomplishments:

CosTel Farm (Cosmos Tellurique)

• Acquired 99+ acres for regenerative farming, with 16 acres dedicated to a proof of concept through the NFTree project.
• Established a tree nursery with a 160,000+ tree capacity and implemented a syntropic farming system, planting thousands of rare and endangered species (e.g., Moabi, Eben, Iboga).
• Launched a compost facility after completing Soil Food Web certification.
• Held vacation camps to teach regenerative farming to children and initiated product commercialization.
• Utilized a drone to document the project.

DIT Cameroon (Disruptive IT Cameroon)

• Set up an IT hub in Douala, including a library with 300+ books on IT, regenerative farming, culture, and the physics of qualities.
• Equipped the facility with logistics, furniture, computers, and projectors.
• Launched a Plutus Education program, now in its third cohort.
• Hosted multiple events and workshops, including three hackathons (Haskell basics, fundamentals, DID, DLTs, and cryptography) and community events like the 2022 Cardano Summit.

Project Deliveries

• Completed eight funded projects, with five dApp prototypes: NFTree, Mentalyse, Lost & Found, Small Change Wallet, and Djangui (local savings management).

Full list of completed projects:

*DIT Cameroon Projects:

Spread Plutus in Africa

• Close-out report for Spread Plutus in Africa: here
• Close-out video here

Clubs + Hackathon

• Close out report for Clubs + Hackathon: here
• Close-out video here

Dev. Journey into DID Paradigm:

• Close-out report for Dev. Journey into DID Paradigm: here
• Close-out video here

Small Change Wallet: (dApp)

• Close-out report for Small Change Wallet: here
• Close-out video here
• dApp prototype here

Djangui: local savings accounts mgmt (dApp)

• Close-out report for Djangui: local savings accounts mgmt: here
• Close-out video here
• dApp prototype here

Treedano: Regenerative NFTrees (dApp)

• Close-out report for Treedano: Regenerative NFTrees: here
• General report for Treedano: Regenerative NFTrees: here
• Close-out video here
• dApp prototype demo here
• dApp prototype link here

Mentalyse : Learn through fun

• Close-out report for Mentalyse: : Learn through fun: here
• General report for Mentalyse: Learn through fun: here
• Close-out video here
• dApp prototype demo here
• dApp prototype here

Lost |&| Found:

• Close-out report for Lost |&| Found: here
• General report for: Lost |&| Found: here
• Close-out video here
• dApp prototype here

*Co proposed projects:

Planting Roots in Africa

• Close-out report for Planting Roots in Africa: here
• Close-out video here

Nurturing Roots Part 1

• Close-out report for Nurturing Roots Part 1: here
• Close-out video here

Wada documentary:

• Close out report for Wada documentary: here
• Documentary trailer here

Diverse and Capable Team on the ground

DIT is a multilingual team that has actively produced Web3 training content and prototype dApps in both French and English over the past three years. Our diverse, determined team is committed to their mission of integrating Web3 in Africa, with a focus on local community paradigms.

Hess: brings over four years of experience in the Cardano ecosystem, leading initiatives for organizations such as Wada, Disruptive IT Cameroon (DIT), and Photrek. As a project manager, she currently oversees key projects focused on dRep development and AI-powered tools for enhancing governance. Megan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Physics from the University of Denver and has a background in teaching math and physics. Her management approach emphasizes sociocratic principles, effective communication, and team facilitation. She is also bilingual, fluent in both French and English.

Manfo: Co-Founder and CEO at DIA, Cameroon Hub Co-Lead, Senior software architect & developer, 16+ years of experience programming, 6+ years in functional programming paradigm (F#, Haskell, Elm, Purescript), Multilingual (French, English, Italian, Ngiembo), Regenerative Farmer

 

Nkalla: Co-Founder and CTO at DIA, Senior software architect & developer, 16+ years of experience programming, 4+ years in functional programming paradigm (Haskell), Mathematics teacher (Education Systems Engineering), Multilingual (French, Italian, English, Mbo), Farmer

Mermoz: Cultural liaison at DIA, Researcher in African Crypto communication, writer, farmer, poet and engineer. 

Maureen: Community builder, event & communication coordinator. 

Ntet: Junior software architect and developer, 4+ years of programming experience, 1+ year in functional programming paradigm (Haskell), Smart contract development (Plutus) multilingual (French, English, Bassa).

Neudjieu: Junior Software Engineer with 2 years of experience, multilingual (French, English, Medumba), 2D/3D Computer Graphic Designer experience. Entrepreneur oriented and self-taught who loves new challenges.

Tiotsop: One year of experience in applying machine learning and data science to financial markets. His work has been on extracting insights from financial data, enhancing decision-making processes, and addressing challenges specific to this domain, multilingual (French, English, Italian, Ngiembo).

Maffouo: Maffouo holds a Bachelor degree in Physics, he is a Physics teacher and Farm supervisor. He is passionate about applying physics to his farming endeavor. Bilingual (French, Ngiembo).

Community held events / Hackathons

• January 2022 Hackathon: Introduction to Haskell
• Recorded Session
• Lectures & challenge material
• 1K USD in prizes awarded to participants

• June 2022 Hackathon: The fundamentals
• Recorded Session
• Lectures & challenge material
• 1K ADA in prizes awarded to participants

• November 2023 Hackathon: DID, SSI, DLTs
• Recorded Session
• French Lecture
• English Lecture
• Lectures & challenge material
• 1,2K ADA in prizes awarded to participants

Summary of Funding and Achievements Over the Last 2-3 Years ($160K)

• Infrastructure Development: Established IT hubs, library, and regenerative farm facilities.
• Educational Initiatives: Trained multiple cohorts in blockchain development and conducted hackathons.
• Community Engagement: Hosted events, workshops, and a Cardano Summit.
• Innovative Projects: Delivered funded projects, including five dApp prototypes, and launched regenerative farming proof-of-concept initiatives.

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

Marketing & Cardano Cameroon Community Gathering and Setup (2 months)

A: Milestone Outputs

1. Targeted advertisements to reach developers, entrepreneurs, policymakers, tech institutes, and local merchants.
2. Organized and launched introductory workshops covering topics like Money and Economy, Project Catalyst, Cardano, Plutus and DLTs, DID, Governance and Crypto, and local applications (NFTrees, Mentalyse, Lost & Found).
3. Conduct a hackathon to engage and involve the community.

B: Acceptance Criteria

1. At least 100 participants reached through advertisements and registered for workshops.
2. A minimum of 3 workshops successfully conducted, each with 24+ attendees from the target groups.
3. Hackathon participation from at least 30 community members, with submissions for both individual and group challenges.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

1. Advertisement metrics (reach, engagement) and registration lists for workshops.
2. Attendance records, workshop materials (slides, recordings), and participant feedback.
3. Hackathon documentation, including challenge descriptions, participant lists, submitted projects, and prize distribution records.

DIT Infrastructure & Logistics Extension (1 month)

A: Milestone Outputs

1. Acquisition of training materials, including GPS devices for NFTrees projects and online training tools (Zoom, Replit, USB document camera, screens overlay software, event management tools, Google Forms, etc.).
2. Expansion of hub space in Cameroon, including the addition of two internet lines, two computers, ten chairs, and two tables.
3. Enhancement of the library with new books and resources.
4. Continuation of conferences covering topics such as Money and Economy, Project Catalyst, Plutus and DLTs, DID, Governance and Crypto, and local applications (NFTrees, Mentalyse, Lost & Found).
5. Adjusted curriculum based on participant feedback from previous training and workshops.

B: Acceptance Criteria

1. All necessary training materials and tools acquired and operational for upcoming sessions.
2. Hub space upgraded with the specified internet, furniture, and computer resources.
3. Library expanded with at least 50 new books relevant to IT, blockchain, and local applications.
4. A minimum of three conferences held with at least 30 participants each.
5. Updated curriculum documents reflecting feedback and new training materials.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

1. Inventory of training materials and tools, along with training session schedules.
2. Photographic evidence of hub upgrades, including new equipment and setup.
3. Updated library catalog and records of newly acquired books.
4. Attendance records and materials from conferences, along with participant feedback forms.
5. Revised curriculum documents highlighting changes made based on feedback.

DIT Education Program Launch (4 months)

A: Milestone Outputs

1. Development of tailored training programs for developers, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and tech institutes, utilizing content created in previous initiatives.
2. Organization and hosting of a second hackathon to engage community participants.
3. Effective launch of education programs, including Plutus training for developers and general knowledge courses for all participants.

B: Acceptance Criteria

1. Training programs developed and documented for each target audience (developers, entrepreneurs, policymakers, tech institutes).
2. Successful completion of the second hackathon with at least 30 participants.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

1. Training program outlines, course materials, and participant enrollment records.
2. Attendance records, photographs, and outcomes of the second hackathon, including participant projects.
3. Collected feedback forms from participants of the education programs, highlighting satisfaction levels and areas for improvement.

Hands-On Practice with Real-Life dApps on Cardano (2 months)

A: Milestone Outputs

1. Community engagement sessions utilizing prototype dApps that address local challenges, specifically:

• NFTrees
• Mentalyse
• Lost & Found
• Djangui
• Small Change Wallet

B: Acceptance Criteria

1. Conduct at least 3 engagement sessions involving community members, with a minimum participation of 15 individuals per session.
2. Participants demonstrate understanding and practical application of each prototype dApp through hands-on activities.
3. Collect feedback from at least 72% of participants indicating their confidence in using the dApps post-engagement.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

1. Attendance records and session schedules documenting participation in each engagement session.
2. Records of participant activities and their interactions with the dApps, including any completed tasks or challenges.
3. Feedback forms completed by participants evaluating their experience and confidence levels with the dApps.

Close-Out Report and Final Community Meetup

A: Milestone Outputs

1. Comprehensive close-out report detailing project outcomes, lessons learned, and overall impact
2. Final community meetup to present findings and gather feedback.

B: Acceptance Criteria

1. Close out report follows Catalyst guidelines

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

1. Copy of the close-out report, along with video made public
2. Attendance records from the final meetup

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

Content Creator, Instructor, Lecturer

• Nkalla  
• Manfo
• Mermoz

Workshop Lead / Hackathon Monitor / Evaluator

• Nkalla 
• Manfo
• Dzubang

Event Organizer, Community Manager, Secretary

• Megan  
• Maureen

Administration & Coordination

• Megan

On ground NFtrees Operations Lead, 

• Maffouo
• Nkalla

Farm Manager, Farm related Workshop Lead

• Maffouo

Software Analyst / Tester

• Ntet
• Neudjieu
• Maureen
• Mermoz
• All community members

On ground IT related workshop support, Instructor assistant

• Ntet 
• Neudjieu

AI Expert

• Tiotsop

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

Project Budget Breakdown: 100K ADA Total

• DIT Cameroon hub Internet: 882 ADA
• 2 extra lines / subscription of Internet: 441 ADA x 2
• DIT Cameroon logistics: 4,000 ADA
• 2 tables plus chairs
• 2 computers
• Core Team motivations (1477 ADA ea per month x 4 x 9 months): 53,177 ADA
• 1477 ADA each per month
• Support Team motivations (500 ADA ea per month x 4 x 9 months): 21,189 ADA
• 500 ADA each per month
• Hackathon prizes & logistic: (4330 ADA per hackathon * 2) 8,824 ADA
• 4330 ADA each Hackathon
• Promote 2026 event / virtual or physical workshops pre-subscription: 2,353 ADA
• 882 ADA Pre-subscription fee to event
• 882 ADA Pre-marketing materials (flyers, radio announcement, etc.)
• 600 ADA Travel and Accommodation
• Video Filming devices and software: 2,940 ADA
• Video editing software
• USB Document Camera 
• Zoom
• Replit 
• Screens overlay software
• Google Extended Form
• Etc. 
• Marketing & Branding & Advertising: 2,940 ADA
• 1470 ADA Cardano branding in hub + gadgets
• 1470 ADA Cardano advertisement in radios
• In person Events logistics: (735 ADA * 4) 2,940 ADA
• Drinks
• Snacks
• Clean up service

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

The project's cost represents significant value for money within the Cardano ecosystem, as it delivers measurable outcomes that drive growth and adoption. By implementing targeted workshops and training sessions, we aim to develop skilled local developers, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and community groups, addressing their specific needs and fostering innovation. These initiatives are designed to lead to the creation of new decentralized applications, enriching the ecosystem with fresh ideas and solutions.

As more local developers engage with the Cardano community, we anticipate increased involvement that contributes diverse perspectives, ultimately maximizing resource utilization and enhancing impact. Our focus on local engagement not only meets immediate community needs but also ensures sustainable development, expanding Cardano’s presence in underrepresented regions that have previously lacked access to blockchain education and resources. This strategic approach cultivates a robust, diverse community of developers and users, reinforcing the foundation for Cardano's long-term success and promoting a vibrant ecosystem where innovation thrives and participation is encouraged.