African Fashion NFT on Cardano

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Ebenezer Tackie Oblie Yamusah

[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)

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)

Build NFT Marketplace dApp to provide an alternative sales platform for the local economy and utilize the Cardano blockchain as a digital repository to protect Africa's fashion culture and heritage.

[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 Dependencie

[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

This project would be made open-source to encourage cooperation, transparency, and wider adoption of the NFT marketplace dApp and Cardano NFT utility. The following areas would be made open-source:

1. Smart Contract Code: To enable transparency, trust, and community-driven development, the smart contract code controlling the creation, transfer, and ownership of Fashion NFTs would be open-source.

1. NFT Marketplace Frontend: The NFT marketplace's frontend code, which includes user interface components, trading functionality, and wallet integration, would be open-sourced to encourage community contributions and modification.

1. Digital Vault Infrastructure: To improve security and enable for third-party audits, the underlying infrastructure for the digital vault, which is responsible for the secure storing and maintenance of Fashion NFTs, would be open-sourced.

1. Authenticating and Provenance Tracking: The methods and processes used to validate the validity and provenance of Fashion NFTs would be open-sourced to encourage openness and enable community-driven enhancement of the verification process.

1. Sustainable Practices Tracking Framework: To promote openness and collaboration on increasing sustainability standards, the framework for tracking and evaluating the sustainability practices connected with Fashion NFTs would be open-sourced.

1. Community Forum Platform: To support community involvement and user-driven platform development, the code for the community forum, including user interaction features, content management tools, and moderator tools, would be open-sourced.

[METADATA] SDG rating

SDG Goal

Goal 11-Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe and resilient and sustainable

Subgoal 11.4-Strenthen the efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage. 

Goal 17-Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development 

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution.

Africa’s history is one that is filled with great and beautiful ancient stories around various wars, royalty and festivals. War Dresses, royal dresses and festival dresses are a key part of the identity and personality of Africans. There is a fashion industry around these dresses but it has remained largely one built around cottage industries. The focus of the project would center around 3 major Heritage Dresses: Ancient War Dresses, Royal Dresses and Dresses worn for traditional festivals. We would buy a minimum of 50 of the different categories of dresses from artisans and pay them in USD. Once the dresses are purchased from the artisans, we would create digital addresses or tokens on each design related to each dress. dApp that would be built would serve as an NFT Exchange on the Cardona platform where the NFTs would be traded using ADA. 

Ghanaian Heritage fashion is an exciting and diverse expression of the country's rich cultural heritage. Each garment tells a story about the wearer's identity, status, and community, and is deeply rooted in tradition. Ghanaian fashion is also gaining international attention for its creativity, innovation, and use of environmentally friendly materials. The focus on our project would be on three fashion sense;

 

WAR DRESS: Warriors used to wear war dresses to protect themselves in battle and to intimidate their opponents. They were frequently made of thick leather or animal hide and embellished with beads, feathers, and other power and prestige symbols. Some Ghanaian warriors still wear war dresses today, but they are also becoming popular as a fashion statement.

 

ROYAL DRESS: Ghanaian kings, queens, and other members of royalty wear royal gowns. They are typically made of luxurious fabrics such as kente cloth and are embellished with intricate embroidery, beads, and gold ornaments. Royal gowns are a status and power symbol, and they are frequently worn during important ceremonies and celebrations.

 

FESTIVAL DRESS: Ghanaians wear festival dresses to festivals and other special occasions. They are usually made of brightly colored fabrics and embellished with beads, cowrie shells, and other good luck and prosperity symbols. Ghanaians wear festival dresses to express their joy and pride in their culture.

 

The Ghanaian fashion industry is still primarily cottage-based, but it is rapidly expanding. Ghanaian fashion is becoming increasingly popular both in Ghana and around the world. This is due in part to the growing popularity of African fashion, as well as Ghanaian designers' efforts to promote their work on a global scale. This has also breed in pirates who deal in providing similar Ghanaian heritage fashion that is just a copy-cat of the origin. To curb the act of pirates, our project intend to work on a concept that would use NFT to authenticate heritage fashion and ensure perfect information and quality fashion reach the buyers. 

 

PROJECT SOLUTION IN DETAILS

The proposed dapp would be a decentralized application (dapp) built on the Cardno blockchain. It would serve as an online marketplace where artisans could sell NFTs of their Ghanaian Heritage Fashion creations. Buyers would be able to purchase NFTs representing these fashion items, thereby acquiring ownership of the digital assets. The dapp would also incorporate mechanisms to authenticate the originality of the heritage fashion items being sold.

 

Technical Nuances

NFT Creation: Artisans would be able to create NFTs for their Ghanaian Heritage Fashion items using a user-friendly interface within the dapp. The dapp would store the metadata associated with each NFT, including details about the fashion item, the artisan, and the authenticity verification process. 

Authenticity Verification: The dapp would implement a multi-layered authenticity verification process to ensure the legitimacy of the fashion items being sold as NFTs. This process could involve: 

Physical Verification and Smart contract: Artisans would be required to provide physical evidence of their ownership and authenticity of the fashion items, which could be verified through smart contract. The interactions between artisans, buyers, and the dapp would be governed by smart contracts. These contracts would ensure transparency and security by automating the NFT creation, minting, transfer, and authentication processes.

 

 

Provenance Tracking: The dapp would keep a transparent record of each fashion item's provenance, including ownership history and any relevant certifications or appraisals.

 

Community Validation: The dapp could include a community-based validation mechanism that would allow members of the Ghanaian Heritage Fashion community to review and attest to the authenticity of the fashion items.

 

NFT Marketplace: The dapp would offer a user-friendly marketplace for buyers to browse, filter, and buy NFTs representing Ghanaian Heritage Fashion items. Secure transactions using Ethereum-based cryptocurrency would be supported by the marketplace.

 

IP Protection: The dapp would include mechanisms to protect artisans' intellectual property rights, ensuring fair compensation for their creations and preventing unauthorized reproductions.

 

The proposed dapp has the potential to revolutionize the way Ghanaian Heritage Fashion is created, authenticated, and sold by leveraging the power of Cardano blockchain technology, empowering artisans, benefiting buyers, and preserving a rich cultural heritage.

 

 

 

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

Building a decentralized application (DApp) on the Cardano ecosystem to serve as an NFT marketplace for Ghanaian Heritage Fashion would have a significant positive impact on the Cardano community. Here are some of the main advantages:

Artisans Empowerment and Cultural Heritage Preservation: The DApp would provide Ghanaian Heritage Fashion artisans with a global platform to showcase and monetize their unique creations. This would aid in the preservation and promotion of Ghanaian cultural heritage, ensuring that these valuable traditions thrive in the digital age. The DApp would eliminate intermediaries by providing a direct link between artisans and buyers, ensuring that artisans receive a fair share of the profits from their work.

Innovation and Use Case Development: The DApp would introduce a novel use case for NFTs within the Cardano ecosystem, demonstrating blockchain technology's versatility and applicability in the realms of art, culture, and fashion. This could bring in new users and developers to the Cardano ecosystem, increasing its reach and impact. The DApp would also demonstrate the capabilities of Cardano's smart contracts in enabling innovative applications.

Community Engagement and Cultural Exchange: The DApp would foster a vibrant online community of Ghanaian Heritage Fashion enthusiasts, collectors, and supporters. This would promote global cultural exchange, education, and appreciation of Ghanaian heritage. The DApp would also serve as a platform for community members to connect, share knowledge, and collaborate around a common interest for Ghanaian Heritage Fashion

[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?

Capacity: Our team has experience in heritage fashion, we has a royal as part of our team and would not be difficult to trace authentic heritage fashion and their stories behind them. We have experience developers with experience on the Cardano blockchain.

We are ready to commit to community reporting and provide transparent project for openness. Our project would be open source and will have a website launch to provide update of the project.

Project Timeline

The timeline for the project is as follows;

1 - 4 Weeks

• Concept Development: Complete the project concept by outlining the project's scope, features, and benefits.
• Design the overall technical architecture of the dapp, which includes the blockchain network, smart contracts, and user interface.
• Form a team of experienced blockchain developers, UX/UI designers, and Ghanaian Heritage Fashion specialists.

5 - 8 Weeks 

• Smart Contract Development: Begin building smart contracts to manage the NFT creation, minting, transfer, and authentication processes.
• Backend Development: Create the dapp's backend infrastructure, such as user authentication, NFT storage, and marketplace functionality.
• Design a user-friendly and intuitive interface for the dapp that incorporates Ghanaian Heritage Fashion aesthetics.

9 - 12 Weeks

• Smart Contract Testing: Put smart contracts through rigorous testing to ensure their security, functionality, and compliance with industry standards.
• Backend Integration: Connect the smart contracts and user interface to the backend infrastructure.
• Frontend Development: Create the dapp's frontend components, such as NFT creation, marketplace browsing, and purchase functionality.

13 - 16 Weeks

• Development of an Authenticity Verification Mechanism: Implement a multi-layered authenticity verification process that includes physical verification, provenance tracking, and community validation.
• NFT Marketplace Testing: Test the NFT marketplace functionality thoroughly to ensure smooth transactions and secure token management.
• User Acceptance Testing: Enlist the help of a group of Ghanaian Heritage Fashion artisans and potential buyers to test the app's usability and identify any areas for improvement.

17 - 20 Weeks 

• Dapp Deployment: Upload the dapp to the Ethereum blockchain, making sure it is compatible with various Ethereum wallets and browsers.
• Engage with the Ghanaian Heritage Fashion community to spread the word about the dapp and its benefits.
• Marketing and Outreach: Create and execute a marketing strategy to promote the dapp to a larger audience of artisans, buyers, and cryptocurrency enthusiasts.

21 - 24 Weeks

• Post-Launch Monitoring: Continuously monitor the dapp's performance, addressing any technical issues and user feedback as soon as possible.
• Establish a community governance model to involve the Ghanaian Heritage Fashion community in decision-making processes related to the development and future enhancements of the dapp.
• Explore opportunities to expand the functionality of the dapp, such as incorporating augmented reality experiences or integrating with other blockchain-based platforms.

15. [Project Milestones] What are the key milestones you need to achieve in order to complete your project successfully? (At least 5 milestones)

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

 Milestone 1: Project Definition and Gathering of Requirements

Goal: Define the project scope, objectives, and target audience clearly.

Outputs

• Conduct in-depth interviews with Ghanaian Heritage Fashion artisans and potential buyers to learn about their needs and expectations.
• Analyze the current NFT marketplace landscape for gaps and opportunities.
• Create a detailed project requirements document outlining the dapp's functional and non-functional requirements.

Milestone 2: Design of Technical Architecture and Smart Contracts

Goal: Design the dapp's overall technical architecture and create the core smart contracts for NFT creation, minting, transfer, and authentication.

Outputs

• Decide on a blockchain network and programming language for developing smart contracts.
• Create the smart contracts architecture while keeping modularity, security, and scalability in mind.
• Create and test smart contracts for NFT creation, minting, transferring, and authentication.

Milestone 3: Backend development and user interface prototyping

Goal: Create prototypes of the user interface and the backend infrastructure for the dapp.

Outputs

• Develop the backend infrastructure that will manage user authentication, NFT storage, and marketplace functionality.
• Create high-fidelity user interface prototypes that incorporate Ghanaian Heritage Fashion aesthetics and user-centered design principles.
• To improve the user interface and ensure intuitive navigation, conduct user testing with Ghanaian Heritage Fashion artisans and potential buyers.

Milestone 4: Implementation of the Authenticity Verification Mechanism 

Goal: Implementation of a multi-layered authenticity verification process for Ghanaian Heritage Fashion items is the goal.

Outputs

• Establish partnerships with reputable third-party vendors for physical verification of fashion items.
• Create a provenance tracking system to record the ownership history and certifications of clothing.
• Utilize the expertise of the Ghanaian Heritage Fashion community by implementing a community-based validation mechanism.

Milestone 5: Working Concept Demonstration and Gathering User Feedback

Goal: Showcase a working dapp concept and solicit feedback from Ghanaian Heritage Fashion artisans and potential buyers.

Output

• Develop a working demo of the dapp that demonstrates the NFT creation, minting, transfer, and authentication processes.
• Organize workshops and focus groups with Ghanaian Heritage Fashion artisans and potential buyers to get feedback on the functionality, usability, and overall experience of the dapp.
• Before finalizing the app for deployment, analyze feedback and identify potential areas for improvement.

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

1. Ebenezer Tackie Oblie Yamusah - Project Director:

Oversees the entire project lifecycle, ensuring that it remains on track and on budget.

Manages the team and ensures that everyone is working well together.

Maintains communication with stakeholders and keeps them up to date on project progress.

LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ebenezer-tackie-oblie-yamusah-acim-866b4764/?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=an

2. Kwadwo Kyeremeh - Smart Contract Creator

Creates the smart contracts that will power the DApp.

Ensures that smart contracts are safe, efficient, and free of bugs.

Tests smart contracts thoroughly before deploying them to the Cardano blockchain.

LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kwadwo-kyeremeh/

3. Ernest A Kporvuvu - Front/Backend Programmer.

Creates the DApp's backend infrastructure, including the database, APIs, and servers.

Ensures that the backend infrastructure is scalable and capable of handling the anticipated volume of traffic.

The backend infrastructure is integrated with the smart contracts and frontend.

LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ernestkporvuvu/

4. Kingsley Mensah - User Experience/UX Designer

Creates the DApp's user interface (UI), ensuring that it is user-friendly and visually appealing.

Creates UI mockups and prototypes to solicit feedback from stakeholders.

Implements the UI code and ensures compatibility with various browsers and devices.

LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kingsley-mensah/

5. Kweku Darko Ankrah - Ghanaian Heritage Fashion Consultant

Expert knowledge of Ghanaian Heritage Fashion is provided to the team.

Provides advice on the fashion items to be featured on the DApp.

It aids in the authentication of fashion items.https://www.linkedin.com/in/kweku-darko-ankrah-b68a3795/

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

Budget for the Project

Project Gathering - 15,000 ADA

• Project Manager: 5,000 ADA
• Ghanaian Heritage Fashion Expert: 5,000 ADA
• Legal and Compliance Advisor: 5,000 ADA

Technology and Development - 41,000 ADA

• Smart Contract Development: 10,000 ADA
• Backend Development: 3,000 ADA
• User Interface Development: 2,000 ADA 
• Blockchain Developer: 15,000 ADA
• UX/UI Designer: 5,000 ADA
• NFT Storage: 6,000 ADA

Marketing and Outreach - 10,000 ADA

• Website Development and Maintenance: 2,000
• Social Media Marketing: 1,500
• Community Engagement Events: 1,500
• Total Marketing and Outreach Costs: 5,000 

Contingency - 4,000 ADA

• Unforeseen Expenses: 4,000 ADA

Total Project Budget: 70,000 ADA

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

The proposed dapp to serve as an NFT marketplace for Ghanaian Heritage Fashion would add significant value to the Cardano ecosystem:

1. Artisan Empowerment and Cultural Heritage Preservation:

The dapp would directly empower Ghanaian Heritage Fashion artisans by providing a global platform for them to showcase and monetize their one-of-a-kind creations. This would aid in the preservation and promotion of Ghanaian cultural heritage, ensuring that these valuable traditions thrive in the digital age and provide utility for Cardano NFT space.

2. Economic Renewal and Job Creation:

The dapp would boost economic activity in the Ghanaian Heritage Fashion sector, opening up new doors for artisans, businesses, and individuals involved in the production, marketing, and sale of these fashion items. This could result in more job opportunities and economic growth in Ghana.

3. Development of Use Cases and Innovation:

The dapp would demonstrate the versatility and applicability of blockchain technology in the realms of art, culture, and fashion by introducing a novel use case for NFTs within the Cardano ecosystem. This could bring in new users and developers to the Cardano ecosystem, increasing its reach and impact.

4. Participation in the Community and Cultural Exchange:

The dapp would foster a thriving online community of Ghanaian Heritage Fashion fans, collectors, and supporters. This would promote global cultural exchange, education, and appreciation of Ghanaian heritage.

5. Environmental Responsibility and Sustainability:

The dapp could reduce the environmental impact of the Ghanaian Heritage Fashion industry by allowing artisans to sell their creations digitally, reducing the need for physical transportation and packaging.

[IMPORTANT NOTE] The Applicant agrees to Fund Rules and also that data in the submission form and other data provided by the project team during the course of the project will be publicly available.

I Accept