Cardano Summit 2025: Strategic Partnerships and X-Chain Drive

[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)

Boosting Cardano's exposure and visibility to 3000+ attendees at the leading crypto events in Africa, through active promotions, strategic partnerships and cross-chain collaborations.

[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 publicly-released documentation and promotional materials will be available for redistribution under the standard CC BY-ND Creative Commons license.

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Our solution seeks to establish Cardano's presence at the largest blockchain events across Africa, showcasing a strong commitment to supporting the continent's blockchain ecosystem.

This initiative is designed to communicate Cardano's dedication to expanding and onboarding millions of users in Africa, highlighting the blockchain's potential to drive significant technological and economic advancements. 

By directly engaging with the blockchain community at these key events, we aim to deepen understanding of Cardano's capabilities and strategic objectives for promoting adoption in Africa.

Cardano Foundation Engagement

This proposal enables us to maintain momentum on our current engagement with the Cardano Foundation to bring the Cardano Summit 2025 to Africa, a campaign that has been enthusiastically embraced by the community.

Over the next several months, we will be involved in behind-the-scenes work led by the Cardano Foundation for this year's Cardano Summit 2024. This involvement will strengthen the collaborative efforts between Wada and the Cardano Foundation. Additionally, this opportunity will assist us in arranging sponsorship deals and acquiring partnerships. We will also focus on sourcing 'made in Africa' solutions built on Cardano, to be showcased during the Cardano Summit 2025.

Project Brief

The Wada team will lead this campaign by actively participating in key blockchain events across the continent. Our strategic approach encompasses:

1. Event Attendance: Wada will ensure a strong Cardano presence at selected events by securing booths where possible, live demos, and one-on-one discussions. This setup will serve as a hub for engagement and information dissemination.
2. Promotional Materials: The team will distribute well-designed promotional materials that effectively communicate the benefits and opportunities within the Cardano ecosystem. These will include brochures, flyers, and branded merchandise that will draw in attendees and increase Cardano's visibility.
3. Post-Event Meetups: After each event, Wada will organize exclusive meetups for attendees, potential investors, and entrepreneurs. These sessions are designed to foster deeper discussions, gather feedback, and explore potential partnerships and investment opportunities. 
4. Project Scope: Throughout the campaign, we will assess and adapt our approach based on real-time feedback and the evolving scope of each event. This approach ensures that we maximize our impact and effectively tailor our message to suit different audiences and events.

The Inkuba Wada Hub hosting an event in Burkina Faso.

Target Audience

1. General Attendees
2. We will engage general attendees through interactive booths and live demonstrations, offering firsthand experiences of Cardano’s technology. Information sessions and Q&A segments will be designed to educate them on Cardano’s features and benefits, aiming to convert curiosity into active participation within the ecosystem.
3. Event Organizers
4. By collaborating closely with event organizers, we will seek prominent visibility for Cardano and the attending representatives. This will ensure Cardano's vision and ongoing projects gain spotlight, being included in event themes and discussions, and fostering a deeper partnership with influential entities in the African blockchain space.
5. Strategic Partners
6. Targeted networking sessions will be explored to connect with potential strategic partners. These will focus on synergies and initiating collaborative projects that leverage Cardano’s blockchain technology for mutual benefits, enhancing the ecosystem's robustness and reach.
7. Cross-Chain Leaders
8. Engaging leaders from other blockchain platforms, discussing cross-chain interoperability and potential collaborative ventures. This approach aims to position Cardano as a leader in multi-chain ecosystems, enhancing technological exchange and innovation.
9. Developers and Builders
10. Attract developers by showcasing the technical capabilities and developer support ecosystem of Cardano, encouraging them to build on the platform.
11. Investors and Entrepreneurs
12. Encouraging investor and entrepreneur meetups to attract investors and new ventures looking to build on Cardano. These post-event meetups will emphasize Cardano’s scalability, security features, and the economic opportunities within the Cardano ecosystem.

Beneficiaries

1. General Attendees
2. Attendees will benefit from direct access to educational resources and firsthand insights into the Cardano ecosystem. They will gain knowledge about blockchain applications, opportunities within the Cardano platform, and how to engage with the Cardano community for personal or professional growth.
3. Event Organizers
4. Organizers will benefit from Cardano's participation by enhancing the event's appeal and credibility. Featuring Cardano, known for its robust technological foundation and innovative projects, will attract a higher caliber of participants and potentially increase sponsorship opportunities.
5. Cardano Community
6. The Cardano community will see benefits through increased visibility and the onboarding of new users, developers, and enthusiasts into the ecosystem. These events serve as a platform for community expansion and engagement, crucial for the decentralized growth of the network.
7. Project Catalyst Community
8. Catalyst will benefit from the enhanced engagement and project submissions that these events could stimulate. New ideas, feedback, and collaborations fostered through these interactions could lead to more innovative and community-driven projects being developed and funded.
9. Strategic Partners and Sponsors
10. Potential strategic partners and sponsors will discover opportunities to collaborate on projects that are mutually beneficial. These partnerships could lead to advancements in technology, shared initiatives, and co-marketing efforts that extend beyond the African continent.
11. Broader Blockchain Ecosystem
12. By facilitating cross-chain discussions and partnerships, the broader blockchain ecosystem benefits from shared knowledge, increased interoperability, and collaborative projects that could set new standards for blockchain applications.

Shortlisted Events

• Cryptopia, CryptoFest (South Africa, October 2024)
• A unique, fun and engaging festival hosted in South Africa since 2019. The event brings together game changers, thought leaders, innovators, technologists, entrepreneurs, traders, enthusiasts, private and institutional investors, payment providers, cryptocurrency exchanges and companies and individuals looking at how they can integrate cryptocurrencies into their businesses.
• 4600+ Attendees, 5 Years, 160+ Speakers, 120+ Countries.
• NexFi Expo (Ghana, October 2024)
• NexFi Expo 2024 is a forward-looking event designed to bring together innovators, enthusiasts, and professionals from the Decentralized Finance (DeFi), and Web3 Ecosystem.
• 200+ Builders, 1000+ Attendees, 20+ Workshops, 30+ Speakers
• Blockchain Africa Conference (South Africa, November 2024)
• Since its inaugural edition in 2015, the Blockchain Africa Conference has attracted over 9,500 attendees from 160 countries, establishing itself as a premier platform showcasing the latest innovations and disruptions in blockchain and cryptocurrency.
• Africa Tech Summit (Kenya, February 2025)
• The Africa Tech Summit Nairobi is an event that connects technological leaders in the African ecosystem and international players under one roof. Technology companies, mobile operators, fintechs, DeFi and crypto companies, investors, leading startups, regulators and more.
• West Africa DeFi Summit (Ghana, 2025)
• DeFi Summit West Africa connects industry leaders from the African fintech and crypto industries with international players. Network and do business with leading companies in fintech, payments, decentralized finance (DeFi), ReFi, crypto, Web3, digital lending, FX and more.

The events shortlisted are expected to host thousands of attendees and participants, including the largest players in the blockchain industry. 

Summary Notes

This campaign boosts Cardano’s visibility by participating in major blockchain events in Africa. This is part of the strategic initiative to make Cardano a key player in Africa’s technology scene, setting the stage for sustainable growth.

Additionally, this initiative is part of a broader strategy to bring the Cardano Summit 2025 to Africa. By building connections and demonstrating Cardano’s capabilities now, we’re laying the groundwork for a successful summit that will draw global attention to Cardano’s potential as the leading blockchain in Africa.

In summary, this campaign serves a dual purpose: growing Cardano’s community and laying the foundation for a future summit in Africa. It showcases Cardano’s commitment to Africa and its role in enhancing the continent’s digital infrastructure. It also serves as a critical driving force behind creating connections and fostering partnerships on behalf of Cardano.

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

Onboarding and Community Growth: Increasing the Cardano user base in Africa by onboarding new members directly and indirectly at major blockchain events. By interacting with developers, entrepreneurs, and blockchain enthusiasts, we not only grow our community but also engage them in a way that promotes long-term participation. This will be measured

Awareness and Educational Outreach: The initiative will elevate awareness about the benefits and opportunities within the Cardano ecosystem through targeted networking sessions and meetups. 

Establishing a Leading Presence: By securing a strong presence at key blockchain events across Africa, Cardano will assert its role as a leading blockchain solution on the continent. This presence is crucial not just for immediate engagement but also sets the stage for the upcoming Cardano Summit 2025 in Africa. The campaign will lay the foundational work for this event, ensuring that Cardano's commitment to Africa is both seen and felt across the global community, thereby strengthening its position as a leader in the space.

Measuring Impact

We will assess the impact of our campaign using both quantitative and qualitative methods. Quantitative metrics will include engagement figures such as attendee counts and promotional materials distributed. Qualitative feedback will be gathered through stakeholder interviews and observational data from our team, offering insights into the perception and effectiveness of our activities.

Outputs from the campaign will be communicated through milestone reports and social media posts. Milestone reports will provide updates on progress and outcomes, ensuring transparency and stakeholder engagement throughout the project. The final summary report will encapsulate all activities, impacts, and learnings, and will be available for public review.

[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?

Wada has a strong track record of successfully leading and participating in global events, both in Cardano and the wider blockchain ecosystem. Our team has organized and managed numerous events, demonstrating a strong ability to handle logistics, coordination, and execution with precision and professionalism. This extensive experience equips us to manage the complexities of a multi-event campaign across Africa.

Mercy with Intersect in Japan, promoting Wada and Cardano.

Samuel with Kriss Baird in Barcelona, promoting the CS2025 Africa campaign.

Our deep understanding of the African blockchain landscape, combined with a committed team familiar with Cardano’s technology and community, positions us uniquely to deliver this project with high levels of trust and accountability. 

To ensure the feasibility of our campaign, the team will include a planning phase to set clear objectives and measurable goals, followed by a risk assessment to identify and mitigate potential challenges. Additionally, the viability of this approach is supported by similar successful campaigns within the Cardano ecosystem, which have demonstrated community support and positive outcomes from comparable initiatives.

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

Output: Comprehensive event strategy, finalized events list, and available promotional materials.

Acceptance Criteria: Shortlisted events are confirmed, promotional materials are created and approved, and initial outreach to event organizers is complete. Team roles are clearly defined and logistics are arranged.

Output: Active engagement and promotion at events in Ghana and South Africa, if available, booth displays, and distribution of materials.

Acceptance Criteria: Successfully attend events, conduct at least one post-event meetup per event, and distribute promotional materials. Document interactions and potential leads gathered during the events.

Output: Continued active engagement at a blockchain event in the third location (Kenya, South Africa or otherwise) and potential additional events, similar to previous engagements.

Acceptance Criteria: Successfully replicate the setup and engagement activities of previous milestones in the third location, with adaptations based on prior feedback.

Output: A comprehensive report detailing the outcomes, feedback from participants, and data-driven insights on the campaign's effectiveness.

Acceptance Criteria: Complete a detailed report that includes metrics on engagement, feedback scores, and a review of the campaign’s success against initial KPIs. Provide recommendations for future initiatives based on the collected data and team assessments.

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

Wada has been an integral part of the Cardano ecosystem since 2020 and has actively supported and contributed to Project Catalyst from its inception in Fund 0. As an organization deeply embedded within the Cardano community, Wada has played a pivotal role in shaping initiatives and fostering growth within the ecosystem.

The Wada Network in Accra, Ghana for the CIP-1694 workshops.

Each member of the Wada team brings extensive experience in event creation, strategic partnerships, cross-chain collaboration, marketing, and developing access to African markets for international organizations. This diverse skill set ensures that the team can effectively execute the campaign and meet its objectives, enhancing Cardano's impact and presence across Africa.

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

• Milestone 1: Event Planning, Preparations, Documentation and Materials - 6000
• Milestone 2: Event Attendance (1&2), Promotions, Booths and Other Engagements (1&2), Post-Event Meetup (1&2) - 50000
• Milestone 3: Event Attendance (3), Promotions, Booths and Other Engagements (3), Post-Event Meetup (3) - 25000
• Final Milestone: Review, Reporting, Feedback and Future Developments - 9000 

Total Budget: 90000

Detailed budget spreadsheet

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

This proposal offers substantial value to the Cardano ecosystem by ensuring that funds are used to maximize visibility and increase Cardano adoption across Africa. The budget is allocated for a team’s attendance at events, marketing efforts, and promotion of Cardano, which are essential for directly connecting Cardano solutions with key audiences. We have compared our budget to similar projects that have been successfully funded in previous rounds within the ecosystem, ensuring that our financial planning aligns with established benchmarks and expectations for such activities.

The budget covers reasonable costs associated with a team of 3-4 persons attending events and organizing post-event meetups. These expenses include travel, lodging, and event setups necessary for effective participation and outreach at these significant events. This focused expenditure ensures that each part of the campaign is designed to enhance Cardano's presence and influence, making every dollar spent count toward our overarching goals.

Additionally, we have extended our budget to include post-event meetups, requiring resources for planning, promotion, and hosting. These activities are vital for deepening engagement and fostering relationships with attendees, enhancing the impact of our presence at events.