Blockchain-Driven Community Tokens: Unlocking Local Potential in Burundi and beyond with Enabel

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Cole Bartlett

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

Entity (Incorporated)

[GENERAL] Co-proposers and additional applicants

Enabel

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

10

[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)

Smart Tokens allow developing communities to spend locally with control over where, when, and how funds are used, ensuring transparency for Humanitarian funders through pre-audits & post-payments. 

[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

Unbox has announced open-sourcing its Infinity Protocol, allowing the community to build upon our platform. This project will continue that tradition, ensuring that all protocol components of the Blockchain-Driven Community Tokens Program are fully open source, enabling further innovation and collaboration within the Cardano and global blockchain communities. 

[METADATA] Horizons

Connected Community

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Community currencies are often introduced to strengthen local economies by encouraging residents to spend money locally. They can provide a buffer against external economic shocks, such as recessions or financial crises, by fostering a more self-reliant local economy. Traditional financial systems often exclude marginalized groups, community currencies can help include those who are unbanked, providing them access to a local economic system.

Moreover, national currencies might not adequately address local needs while community currencies can be tailored to specific community priorities, such as supporting local farmers or promoting sustainable practices. Community currencies can incentivize environmentally friendly behaviors and support local businesses. They can promote social goals like reducing inequality, fostering community engagement, and supporting local social projects. 

The use of a local currency encourages interaction among community members, fostering stronger ties and a sense of belonging. Community currencies often promote mutual aid and cooperation, encouraging residents to support each other’s businesses and initiatives.

Furthermore, community currencies provide a platform for experimenting with alternative economic models and innovative financial systems. They can incorporate digital innovations, making transactions more efficient and accessible, especially in underserved areas. 

Digital Community currencies are modern iterations of community-based economic systems where transactions are facilitated using digital technology, often leveraging blockchain and other decentralized technologies. These currencies are designed to serve specific communities or purposes, offering a way to enhance local economies, support sustainable practices, and strengthen social bonds. 

Unbox proposes a Web3-based solution to empower local communities in Africa by using programmable Smart Tokens to benefit communities by promoting local consumption and steering positive behaviors. These tokens enable the digitization of assets, facilitation of transactions, and the redefinition of identity management through flexibility and control. 

Unbox is currently executing a project in Burundi in collaboration with Enabel, where local staff receive Smart Tokens from Unbox as part of a bonus program. These tokens are exclusively redeemable for eco-friendly products from local merchants, promoting both environmental sustainability and economic growth in the region.

Building on this success, Unbox and Enabel plan to expand the initiative to other African countries where Enabel operates, including Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya. By leveraging blockchain technology, they will ensure transparency, security, and decentralization throughout the program.

Additionally, the platform ensures that funders only pay for what has actually been spent. By tracking every transaction in real-time and showing clear, verifiable records, it prevents fund leakage or slippage. Unbox’ platform provides ultimate transparency augmented by advanced analytics tools; it provides deep, actionable and trusted insights into system preferences and user interactions. Funders gain full transparency and control, knowing that their contributions are used exactly as intended, making the process more efficient and accountable. 

 

Unbox Smart Token Integration:

• Community Currency Tokens: Programmable Smart Tokens on the Cardano blockchain, designed to be used within a closed-loop system for eco-friendly purchases. Ucoins incentivize sustainable behaviors and support local economies. 

 

• Unbox Wallet: A secure, decentralized digital wallet for both staff and merchants to manage their tokens and track transactions. 

 

• Merchant Onboarding Tools: Streamlined tools for easily integrating new merchants into the system, ensuring scalability as the project expands across Africa.

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

A project involving Unbox community tokens in Africa, in partnership with Enabel, would be highly beneficial for the Cardano community:

Showcasing Real-World Use Cases: Implementing Unbox’s community tokens on the Cardano blockchain would demonstrate a tangible, impactful use case of blockchain technology in developing economies, highlighting Cardano’s potential to drive financial inclusion and economic growth. 

Adoption of Cardano in Africa: Africa is a key focus for Cardano, and partnering with Enabel, an international development agency, would deepen Cardano’s presence and adoption in the region. It could bring more users, organizations, and governments into the Cardano ecosystem, fostering long-term growth. 

Expanding Cardano’s Ecosystem: By facilitating a blockchain-based solution that addresses financial inclusion, inefficiencies, and local economic challenges, the project would create new use cases for Cardano smart contracts and tokens, expanding its utility and adoption. 

Positive Social Impact: The project aligns with Cardano’s mission of social good and could improve lives by providing unbanked communities access to financial services. The transparency and efficiency of blockchain-backed community tokens would also help improve funding flows and drive economic development. 

Boosting Local Economies: The project’s focus on empowering local entrepreneurs, SMEs, and women-led initiatives would boost local economies, creating a ripple effect of economic activity, driving token demand, and increasing transaction volumes on the Cardano network. 

In summary, this project would further Cardano’s goals of financial inclusion, help grow its presence in Africa, create social impact, and demonstrate the power of blockchain in real-world applications, benefiting the entire Cardano community. 

The impact of the Unbox community tokens project in Africa, in partnership with Enabel and powered by the Cardano blockchain, can be measured through several key metrics and indicators: 

Financial Inclusion: The project can track the number of previously unbanked individuals and communities who gain access to digital financial services through Unbox’s tokens. This includes monitoring new wallet registrations, transaction volumes, and usage frequency by unbanked populations. Measuring the growth in financial participation highlights the success of bringing underserved populations into the digital economy. 

Local Economic Growth: The platform’s reporting dashboard can showcase the number of transactions completed with Ucoins and the revenue generated by local merchants. These metrics directly indicate the economic traction created for small businesses, SMEs, and entrepreneurs. Increased sales, transaction volume, and merchant participation serve as indicators of economic uplift in the targeted communities. 

Environmental and Social Impact: The project can also measure environmental and social outcomes, such as how the program fosters sustainability initiatives, supports education, or empowers marginalized communities. Surveys, feedback loops, and data analytics could track social indicators such as improved quality of life, enhanced skills development, and community resilience. 

[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?

Unbox has extensive experience working with governmental partners, leveraging our platform to program funds for greater impact. By developing and deploying programmable Smart Tokens, we’ve helped governments ensure that their funds are spent efficiently and transparently, maximizing their intended outcomes. In past projects, we've worked with public-sector organizations to create controlled environments for spending, allowing funds to be used only with specific merchants, at designated locations, and for pre-approved goods or services.

Unbox has announced the open-sourcing of its technology that can imbue virtually anything with memory, conscience, and a forward-looking vision. This transformative capability encompasses a diverse range of assets, from financial resources to tangible products. Emphasizing privacy and security, Unbox technology enables parties to an exchange exercise control, distribution, and registration of any (un)fungible value.

Unbox's platform offers unparalleled versatility, whether it is used for traditional currency or local community currencies, high-value assets like diamonds or semiconductors, or low-value items like plastic bottles or toys using the Unbox Studio software suite.  

  

Use Cases: 

• Antwerpen Ucoin® - https://www.unboxuniverse.com/post/unbox-and-the-city-of-antwerp-launch-antwerpen-ucoin 
• Litter Pickup - https://www.unboxuniverse.com/post/data-insights-1-million-pieces-of-litter-collected-in-belgium 
• Combat Opioid Crisis - https://www.unboxuniverse.com/post/unbox-launches-web3-wallet-to-combat-opioid-crisis-in-gary-indiana 
• RWA Tokenization Diamonds - https://www.unboxuniverse.com/post/unbox-sustainable-diamonds 
• Humanitarian Aid - https://www.unboxuniverse.com/post/digital-inclusion-unbox-and-united-nations-unrwa-launch-unlitter-gaza 

The main goal of the project is to introduce the use of community tokens in a new African country, with the objective of boosting local consumption, driving financial inclusion, and empowering underserved communities. By deploying programmable tokens, we aim to create a secure and transparent ecosystem where unbanked individuals and small businesses can participate in the digital economy, encouraging spending within local markets and fostering economic growth. 

Feasibility:

 

• Pilot Testing: We will initiate a pilot program within selected regions to introduce the community tokens to target groups, including unbanked individuals, local merchants, and SMEs. This allows us to assess adoption rates, user engagement, and the overall usability of the system. 

 

• Partnership with Local Organizations: Working with implementation partners like Enabel, who possess deep knowledge of the local environment, will enable us to tailor the solution to meet the needs of the communities we’re targeting. Their on-the-ground presence will be critical in guiding the program’s roll-out and ensuring its relevance. 

 

• Transaction Data & Economic Impact: We will track the number of transactions, the volume of local spending, and the income generated by participating merchants to measure economic traction. This data will demonstrate whether the tokens are effectively stimulating local consumption and boosting business activity. 

 

• Community Feedback: Gathering feedback from users (both consumers and merchants) will help us refine and adjust the platform to better meet local needs. Surveys, interviews, and user experiences will be key indicators of the project’s viability and acceptance. 

 

• Fund Management Efficiency: We will monitor the transparency and efficiency of fund distribution, ensuring that programmable tokens direct spending precisely as intended. By tracking fund flow in real-time, we can confirm that the system is reliable, secure, and scalable. 

 

The success of these validation steps will confirm whether the project can scale beyond the pilot phase and expand across different regions, ensuring long-term sustainability and impact. 

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

Identify Country of Operation, Local Needs Assessment Analysis, and Merchants Selection:

Output:

• Target group(s) identified (beneficiaries of the Unbox token solution).
• Connecting with merchants to onboard to the platform (where Ucoins will be spent).

Acceptance criteria:  

• Completed market analysis report with identified target country.
• Comprehensive list of selected merchants.
• Conducted surveys with documented results and findings.

Tailor Unbox's XYZ and Studio Platform to Fit the Current Framework and Context:

Output:  

• Customized environment using Unbox Studio built, and mobile application ready for deployment.
• Tokens created and configured on the platform for onboarding all stakeholders.

 

Acceptance criteria:  

• Invoice or receipts for software development or technical customization costs.
• Detailed overview of token creation on the XYZ and Unbox Studio platform, including token specifications and functionalities.

Onboarding merchants and recipients onto the platform:

Output:  

• All stakeholders (merchants and recipients) have access to their wallets and Ucoins.

 

Acceptance criteria:  

• Proof of smartphone purchase and distribution, including documentation of recipient details.
• Written guides and training materials for onboarding stakeholders (available in both digital and physical formats).

On-Site Implementation:

Output:  

• Project implementation complete, with community currency running on Unbox's Protocol and being utilised.

 

Acceptance criteria:  

• Shared token activity logs showing engagement and transactions.
• Documented proof of successful project implementation, including testimonials or feedback from beneficiaries.

Risk Management and Impact Measurement:

Output:  

• Risk mitigation strategies implemented.
• Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) identified for measuring project impact.

 

Acceptance criteria:  

• Comprehensive KPI report detailing project scaling and measurable positive impact.
• Documented risk mitigation process, including identified risks and actions taken.

Post-Implementation Evaluation:

Output:  

• Evaluation of risk management strategies and impact measurement effectiveness.
• Final assessment of project outcomes and lessons learned.

 

Acceptance criteria:  

• Final KPI report summarizing project impact, challenges, and areas for improvement.
• Documentation of risk management outcomes and recommendations for future projects.

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

Unbox is bringing Enabel to Cardano and introducing programmable Smart Tokens in Burundi and beyond, encouraging local staff to use these tokens as part of a salary bonus for eco-friendly purchases from local merchants. This Web3 solution promotes sustainability and strengthens local economies. The project will expand to Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya, with Unbox’s platform offering transparency through real-time tracking and detailed reporting to ensure funds are used as intended.

Enabel:

Enabel is Belgium’s development agency, working to reduce poverty and promote sustainable development, especially in Africa. Their projects focus on sectors like education, health, and environmental sustainability, empowering communities and fostering economic growth through innovative solutions.

• https://www.enabel.be/

Unbox the Universe Team: 

The Unbox team is spread across 17 countries and consists of almost 45 professionals including seasoned developers, finance experts, and strategists. We have expertise in several programming languages and frameworks, blockchain technologies, and creating solutions that redefine funding distribution. 

• www.unboxuniverse.com 

 

CEO - Erik Saelens 

Erik Saelens is the CEO and founder of Unbox. He brings three decades of experience in strategy, branding, sales, marketing, and technology. Saelens prioritises driving growth and profitability and is a renowned author and expert on brand-driven M&A and IPO strategies. 

Before founding Unbox, he was the founder and CEO of Brandhome, a strategic agency specialising in rebranding and renaming operations. Saelens led over 350 brand-change operations for blue-chip companies, governments and politicians across Europe, America, the Middle East, and Africa. 

• LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/eriksaelens/] 

 

CTO - Joeri Torfs 

Condemned to be free, I attempt to balance existence, roles and nothingness on my journey to be authentic. I'm passionate about Self Sovereign identity, privacy, transparency and more broadly the disruption blockchain tech is about to bring to institutions. 

Versatile manager with more than 15 years of experience supporting multidisciplinary teams of different sizes. Technophile, agile coach, trainer and change agent facilitating organisational agility and engaging workplaces. 

• LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeritorfs/] 

 

Head of Development - Benjamin Houdebert

Software architect, Senior developer, I have a strong background in java, spring, ci, docker (...) but also in architecture and (my favorite) in api design. 

Working with the latest version of java, Quarkus, vert.x and vavr is now a real pleasure. 

Fond of functional programming FP, I do love Haskell and Purescript. 

Even if Rust is not a functional language, imperative, it brings several concept of Haskell making it something very interesting! Honestly this is at the moment my go to language. 

• LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-houdebert/ 

 

CPO - James Angle

Pioneering Web3 products that rearchitect financial value chains. Responsible for the design and implementation of multi award winning products that bring value to users and clients in the real world. Working with Government, Brands, NGOs to build and rebuild better societies for the communities we live and work in from the Middle East, Europe and the US. 

• LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesangle0/] 

 

Product Manager – Cole Bartlett

Helping build innovative Web3 products and communities that redefine value creation through blockchain technology. Co-Author of “Recalibrating Value, Identity & Impact Through the Blockchain," expertise in designing impactful, user-focused solutions that bridge sustainability, social entrepreneurship, and blockchain. A strong foundation in economics and sustainability, collaborated with a variety of projects in the sustainability, blockchain, and AI space helping implement forward-thinking strategies that foster lasting, positive change. 

• Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/cole-bartlett/] 

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

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

The cost of the project represents value for money for the Cardano ecosystem through the following key factors: 

• Innovation and Ecosystem Growth: The project introduces new, community-driven solutions, such as the Unbox token and platform, which foster greater engagement within the Cardano ecosystem. By supporting decentralized finance (DeFi) initiatives and community-focused development, it stimulates innovation, attracting more users and developers to the network. 

• Scalability and Long-Term Impact: The project is designed to be scalable, ensuring that the initial investment can lead to broader, long-term benefits. By creating a foundation for community smart tokens and DeFi tools, it has the potential to be replicated or expanded, leading to exponential growth in both user adoption and value creation across the ecosystem. 

• Inclusion and Accessibility: The project provides access to financial tools for underbanked and marginalized communities. By driving inclusivity, it expands the ecosystem's reach, increasing the number of transactions and overall utility of the blockchain.