Expanding Cardano's Reach in Africa: New Hubs Outreach & Onboarding

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

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

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

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

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

Scale existing outreach work by identifying strategic locations within Africa that Cardano has not yet been established. Utilizing a blend of events, promotions and workshops for 500+ engagements.

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

[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?

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

All code will be released on Github and the educational resources such as tutorials, documentation and training materials will be freely accessible

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Our proposed solution aims to grow the Cardano community by expanding its hub network across Africa and equipping them for ecosystem participation. The project reflects the goal of building upon the existing infrastructure and prior work of Wada and partners.

Wada has established a number of hubs in Africa through past funding with Catalyst. Planting Roots in Africa was the initial campaign to onboard the first batch of hubs, and Nurturing Roots in Africa was the follow up campaign to establish those hubs with long-term sustainability in mind.

This proposal serves as a continuation of our mission to democratize access to emergent technologies and educational resources in order to empower local communities and drive economic development.

Wada Outreach Strategy

Wada will strategically explore important locations and select areas that are central hubs of activity and innovation. These outreach locations will be be considered based on proximity to universities, technology centers and business districts to ensure accessibility and visibility within key economic and educational landscapes. The project aims to facilitate greater engagement with local communities, businesses and educational institutions. This approach will drive forward the adoption and integration of Cardano and Web3 solutions across Africa.

Shortlisted Countries

The shortlist of countries and regions to focus outreach & onboarding activities will be identified through two main avenues:

• Population centers and economic growth indices.
• Locations of strategic importance to the Cardano Summit 2025 campaign.

These countries include, but are not limited to:

• Rwanda
• Kenya
• Mozambique
• Botswana
• South Africa
• Nigeria

It's important to note that some regions may have existing hubs either in the process of formation or as part of separate initiatives to ones that Wada has been directly involved in. Our final shortlist will aim to reduce overlap wherever possible and collaborate with existing networks to bolster their regional visibility.

Leveraging Existing Hubs and Hub Leads

We will leverage our existing hub leads to expand our hubs across Africa by utilizing their established relationships and networks. Our existing hubs have cultivated strong ties with universities, businesses, and other non-Wada hubs in the region. We will capitalize on these relationships to further grow the hub network, utilizing the expertise and connections of our hub leads to foster collaboration and drive expansion within the broader Cardano ecosystem.

This unique approach to hub network expansion serves to benefit the Wada community as well as contribute to growth, diversity and adoption within the wider Cardano ecosystem.

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

Wada's strategic expansion into new regions hubs across Africa promises to be a transformative journey for both the continent and the broader Cardano ecosystem. The project aims to unlock opportunities and drive sustainable development, particularly by leveraging emergent technologies and fostering education. At the core of this expansion is the mission to increase Cardano's adoption throughout Africa. This can be achieved by establishing educational hubs to facilitate workshops, training programs and other community events that promote familiarity and trust in Cardano technology.

This expansion will bring a wave of new stakeholders into the Cardano ecosystem. As community hubs proliferate across Africa, they will create a vibrant ecosystem with a multitude of use cases and applications. Additionally, they will foster collaboration, innovation and long-term growth within the Cardano community. Furthermore, the project will not only catalyze innovation and collaboration within the ecosystem but also forge partnerships with local governments, educational institutions and technology companies. This will create innovative solutions that address real-world challenges and enhance the reputation and utility of the Cardano ecosystem.

Measuring Impact

Impact will be measured through the engagements and participation we achieve throughout the outreach campaign. We define this as measurable cases of attendance at events, workshops, meetings, or other gatherings that emerge as a result of this proposal's outreach work.

Progress and outcomes will be shared publicly through detailed milestone reporting, social media posting and marketing campaigns.

Summary Notes

A cornerstone of Wada's expansion project is its emphasis on education and skill development. These hubs will empower individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to participate in the Cardano ecosystem through comprehensive training programs. This fuels the growth of a talented workforce capable of driving innovation and adoption in the Cardano ecosystem.

Additionally, the expansive network of hubs will provide a gateway for Cardano to be used in real-world applications across various industries and expand its use cases, market reach and opportunities for growth and adoption.

In summary, Wada's strategic expansion into untapped markets holds immense promise for the broader Cardano ecosystem by driving adoption, growth and prosperity at the local level.

[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?

The team's capability to successfully deliver this project is rooted in our extensive experience and robust infrastructure on the African landscape. With 10+ regional hubs already established across the continent, our track record speaks to our deep understanding of the complexities involved in similar initiatives. Moreover, our ongoing efforts acquiring and licensingto formalize the licensing process with additional hubs signify our commitment to expansion and continuous improvement.

This wealth of experience positions Wada as a formidable partner for expanding the network of hubs in strategic locations like Rwanda, South Africa, Kenya and more. Our established presence across the Africa equips us with valuable insights into local dynamics and challenges. This enables us to navigate the terrain effectively. We are well-prepared to ensure the feasibility and success of this project through leveraging our existing infrastructure and expertise.

Furthermore, the proactive approach to enhancing our network and streamlining processes underscore our dedication to driving positive outcomes. By capitalizing on our strengths and leveraging our established relationships within the community, we are confident in our ability to deliver impactful results and foster innovation and growth in the Cardano ecosystem across Africa.

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

Milestone 1: Market Research and Hub Identification

• Timeline: 1.5 months

• Output: Comprehensive market research report identifying priority regions for establishing technology education hubs.

• Acceptance Criteria:
• Research covers key regions, pinpointing areas with high demand for technology education and existing infrastructure gaps.
• Data-driven analysis includes demographic insights, technological landscape, and educational needs specific to each country.
• Identified regions align with Wada's mission and objectives.

Milestone 2: Outreach and Engagement Program Development

• Timeline: 1 month

• Output: Fully developed outreach and engagement program framework, focusing on leveraging existing infrastructure or partnerships for hub establishment.

• Acceptance Criteria:
• Program outlines goals, target audience, and key messaging tailored to each country.
• Detailed plan for engaging with potential partners or existing infrastructure providers.
• Engagement strategy incorporates feedback mechanisms for continuous improvement.

Milestone 3: Partnership Development and Agreement

• Timeline: 2 months

• Output: Established partnerships with local governments, educational institutions, and technology companies in strategic locations to facilitate hub establishment.

• Acceptance Criteria:
• Signed partnership agreements with at least one key stakeholder in each country.
• Agreed-upon terms include resource sharing, support for hub development, and mutual promotion.
• Partnerships contribute to the scalability and sustainability of the hub network.

Final Milestone: Hub Setup and Launch

• Timeline: 1.5 months

• Output: Operational hubs launched in strategic locations through leveraging existing infrastructure or partnerships.

• Acceptance Criteria:
• Utilization of existing infrastructure or partnerships to set up hubs efficiently.
• Recruitment and training of hub leaders and staff completed in each country.
• Launch events successfully attended by local stakeholders and community members.

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

Samuel - Project Manager

Has 10+ years hands-on experience in IT Business Management and Administration. Possesses a wealth of expertise to his role as the Hubs Coordination and Licensing Lead at Wada Global Ltd. Currently pursuing an MBA with a specialization in IT Management in Berlin, Germany. Samuel is committed to staying at the forefront of industry trends while leveraging his practical knowledge to drive impactful initiatives within the organization.

Roles

a)  Responsible for overall project planning, coordination and execution.

b)  Conducting comprehensive market research to identify regions with high demand for technology education and lack of existing infrastructure. Analyzing demographic data, technological landscapes and educational needs to inform decision-making.

c)  Designs the outreach and engagement program to attract potential partners and community members. This role involves creating webinars, workshops, and promotional materials as well as developing strategies to engage with the target audience effectively.

d)  Responsible for developing partnerships with local governments, educational institutions, and technology companies. It involves negotiating partnership agreements, coordinating meetings and ensuring that partnerships align with the project's goals and objectives.

Josh - Project Financial Manager

Has a combined 10+ years’ experience in fintech and startups, focused on banking, payments and lending across Europe, APAC and African continents. He brings his years of project management and team leadership experience, running teams for Start Up Bootcamp and as an organizer for a Danish enterprise accelerator.

Roles

a)  Managing the project budget, tracks expenses and ensures that financial resources are allocated effectively. He will also prepare financial reports and forecasts to monitor the project's financial performance.

b)  Monitoring project progress, evaluating outcomes, and identifying areas for improvement. He will develop metrics to measure the project's success and effectiveness and use data-driven insights to make informed decisions.

Hub Leads - Community Engagement Coordinators:

Wada has an existing network of highly experienced and qualified hub leads across Africa. These individuals bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table, particularly regarding the intricacies of outreach and onboarding work. With a deep understanding of local contexts and community dynamics, they are adept at tailoring initiatives to effectively engage and empower diverse populations. 

Roles

a) Facilitating community engagement efforts to involve local stakeholders in the project. This role involves organizing community events, managing communication channels and gathering feedback from community members.

b) Oversees the setup of physical infrastructure for the technology education hubs. This includes securing office space, setting up internet connectivity, and acquiring necessary equipment and furniture.

c) Coordinating the recruitment and training of hub staff. Ensure that staff members are properly trained to fulfill their roles and responsibilities within the hubs.

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

Market Research and Hub Identification

• Cost: 14,500 ADA

• Details:
• Data collection and analysis tools: 3,000 ADA
• Travel expenses for field research (3 - 4 countries): 11,500 ADA

Outreach and Engagement Program Development

• Cost: 12,000 ADA

• Details:
• Webinar and workshop platform subscription: 2,000 ADA
• Marketing materials and promotion (3 - 4 countries): 10,000 ADA

Partnership Development and Agreement

• Cost: 25,000 ADA

• Details:
• Travel expenses for partnership meetings (3 - 4 countries): 10,000 ADA
• Marketing collateral for partnership promotion (3 - 4 countries): 15,000

Hub Setup and Launch

• Cost: 38,000 ADA

• Details:
• Office space rental or lease (four hubs): 10,000 ADA (2,500 ADA per hub)
• Infrastructure setup (internet, furniture, equipment) (3- 4 hubs): 14,000 ADA
• Staff recruitment and training (3 - 4 hubs): 7,000 ADA
• Launch event expenses (3 - 4 hubs): 7,000 ADA

Contingency Fund

• Cost: 5,500 ADA

Total Budget: 95,000 ADA

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

This proposal promises transformative development by introducing Cardano technology through an expanded regional hub network, delivering high value to Cardano stakeholders for the ADA invested.

These hubs will serve as vital centers for workshops, training programs and community events to promote familiarity and trust in Cardano technology. The proposal aims to enhance adoption and drive sustainable growth within the Cardano ecosystem by strategically targeting these key economies.

The diversification of the Cardano ecosystem in these significant African economies will bring new stakeholders into the fold, fostering collaboration, innovation and resilience. Moreover, partnerships with local governments and technology companies will be catalyzed to address real-world challenges to leverage Cardano's capabilities for impactful solutions.

Furthermore, Wada's focus on education and skill development will empower individuals across new regions to actively participate in the Cardano ecosystem to drive innovation and adoption forward. Wada aims to facilitate real-world applications of Cardano technology across industries and consequently expand its reach and opportunities for growth in these dynamic markets.

In summary, this project offers exceptional value for money within the Cardano ecosystem by driving adoption, fostering innovation and paving the way for a brighter future in several new countries.