Promoting Cardano Through Engaging Events in Ethiopia

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Getachew Haileslassie Tafere

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

Individual

[GENERAL] Requested funds in ada

150000

[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)

We will host a series of events to educate stakeholders about Cardano, train developers in blockchain technology, and promote use cases relevant to Ethiopia's economy and society.

[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

All educational materials, event recordings, and resources developed during the project will be made publicly available to support future initiatives and community learning.

[METADATA] Horizons

Events

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

The goal of this project is to introduce the Cardano blockchain to Ethiopia, a country with immense potential for blockchain adoption, by organizing a series of educational events aimed at building awareness, providing hands-on blockchain training, and fostering community engagement. This will ultimately support the development of the local Cardano ecosystem and empower Ethiopian developers and entrepreneurs to leverage Cardano’s infrastructure for innovation.

1. Cardano Ethiopia Launch Event: Introduction to Blockchain & Cardano

Objective:

Kickstart awareness and understanding of blockchain technology and Cardano’s unique value proposition in Ethiopia.

Details:

Keynote Presentations: Invite prominent figures from the Cardano ecosystem (including IOHK representatives, Cardano ambassadors, and local blockchain influencers) to provide in-depth insights on Cardano’s mission, technology, and its potential to impact sectors like finance, governance, and education in Ethiopia.

Panel Discussions: Facilitate discussions on how blockchain can contribute to solving key Ethiopian challenges, such as financial inclusion, transparency in governance, and supply chain management.

Community Engagement: Organize networking opportunities to allow stakeholders from different sectors—tech, education, finance, and government—to collaborate and exchange ideas on blockchain technology and Cardano.

Interactive Q&A Sessions: Encourage participants to ask questions about Cardano’s technology, governance, and its potential use cases in Ethiopia.

Expected Outcome:

Increase awareness of Cardano as a platform for real-world solutions.

Establish Cardano’s relevance in Ethiopia’s economic and technological landscape.

2. Developer Bootcamp: Training Ethiopian Developers on Cardano

Objective:

Equip Ethiopian developers with the knowledge and skills to build decentralized applications (dApps) and smart contracts on the Cardano blockchain.

Details:

Workshops: Provide hands-on training on building on the Cardano blockchain, including understanding the Plutus programming language for smart contracts, as well as building decentralized applications (dApps) using Cardano’s native tokens (e.g., ADA) and the Cardano wallet.

Plutus Development: Partner with Cardano experts to run in-depth sessions on Plutus, the Cardano smart contract development platform, providing coding examples and best practices.

Hackathon: After the training, organize a hackathon where local developers can build innovative dApps and solutions for Ethiopian challenges, such as remittances, financial inclusion, and supply chain management, using Cardano’s blockchain.

Mentorship: Provide ongoing mentorship from experienced blockchain developers throughout the hackathon and after, to help participants fine-tune their projects and connect with potential investors or partners.

Expected Outcome:

Build technical skills among Ethiopian developers, enabling them to create projects on the Cardano blockchain.

Foster innovation in sectors such as fintech, education, and governance by encouraging blockchain-based solutions.

3. Financial Inclusion Conference: Cardano for Economic Development

Objective:

Showcase how Cardano can help improve financial inclusion in Ethiopia, focusing on mobile finance, remittances, and banking solutions.

Details:

Case Studies & Presentations: Highlight real-world examples where Cardano has been used to improve financial inclusion, particularly in other African nations.

Workshops on Mobile Finance Solutions: Educate local entrepreneurs, fintech companies, and financial institutions on how to leverage Cardano for creating decentralized finance (DeFi) solutions such as mobile wallets, peer-to-peer lending, and cross-border payments.

Collaboration with Regulatory Bodies: Engage with Ethiopian regulators and financial authorities to discuss the benefits of blockchain for regulatory compliance, transparency, and reducing fraud in the financial sector.

Panel Discussions: Feature discussions with government representatives, fintech experts, and economists about how blockchain and Cardano can support Ethiopia’s financial inclusion strategy.

Expected Outcome:

Position Cardano as a viable solution for financial inclusion, mobile banking, and remittances in Ethiopia.

Build partnerships between fintech companies, the government, and the blockchain community to develop real-world blockchain solutions for Ethiopia’s economy.

4. University Outreach Program: Building the Future Cardano Community

Objective:

Create long-term awareness and engagement among university students, the future generation of blockchain developers and entrepreneurs.

Details:

University Roadshow: Conduct a series of talks and workshops at universities across Ethiopia, such as Addis Ababa University, Jimma University, and Mekelle University. These events will introduce students to the Cardano blockchain and its ecosystem.

Educational Materials: Provide students with educational kits, blockchain guides, and resources for further learning. This can include free access to online courses, blockchain webinars, and access to blockchain development platforms.

Student Ambassadors: Recruit passionate students as “Cardano Ambassadors” who will help organize local meetups, workshops, and hackathons in their respective universities.

Career Development: Promote Cardano-related job opportunities, internships, and scholarships for students interested in blockchain development.

Expected Outcome:

Cultivate a new generation of blockchain developers, entrepreneurs, and advocates who are well-versed in Cardano.

Strengthen the local Cardano community by engaging students early in their academic careers.

5. Ongoing Community Meetups and Developer Forums

Objective:

Foster a sustainable community of Cardano advocates and developers through ongoing engagement, collaboration, and knowledge sharing.

Details:

Monthly Meetups: Organize monthly in-person or virtual meetups where members of the Cardano community can share updates, discuss new developments, and collaborate on projects. These sessions will provide a platform for Cardano enthusiasts to stay connected.

Developer Forums: Create a dedicated space for local developers to collaborate on projects, share knowledge, and solve technical problems in building dApps and smart contracts on Cardano.

Community Challenges: Organize regular coding challenges or hackathons to keep the momentum going and encourage continuous learning and innovation among local developers.

Expected Outcome:

Develop a strong, active community of Cardano enthusiasts, developers, and entrepreneurs who are engaged in building the local blockchain ecosystem.

Encourage long-term collaboration and innovation within the Cardano ecosystem in Ethiopia.

Core Components of the Solution:A

1. Awareness and Education: Through large-scale events like the launch event, university outreach, and financial inclusion conferences, we will raise awareness about Cardano and its potential use cas

2. Developer Empowerment: By providing hands-on training, workshops, and hackathons, Ethiopian developers will gain the skills necessary to contribute to the Cardano ecosystem, resulting in a growing number of Cardano dApps and projects coming out of Ethiopi

3. Financial Inclusion and Real-World Use Cases: Focusing on practical use cases such as mobile finance, cross-border payments, and remittances, the project will highlight how Cardano can enhance financial inclusion and solve existing economic challenges in Ethiopia

4. Sustainable Community Building: By establishing a continuous series of meetups and forums, we will ensure that Cardano’s presence in Ethiopia is not a one-time event but a long-term and sustainable community-driven growt

Conclusion:

This project aims to strategically promote Cardano in Ethiopia by addressing both awareness and technical capacity-building. By leveraging the country's growing interest in technology and innovation, we will create a strong foundation for Cardano’s adoption in key sectors such as fintech, governance, and education. The success of this initiative will create a ripple effect, where developers and entrepreneurs are empowered to create new solutions on Cardano, further driving the blockchain's growth in Ethiopia and across Africa.

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

The proposed project to promote Cardano in Ethiopia through a series of targeted educational events and community-building initiatives will have significant and far-reaching positive impacts on the wider Cardano ecosystem. These impacts can be grouped into key areas: Community Growth, Developer Ecosystem Expansion, Financial Inclusion, and Global Adoption.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the positive impact:

1. Community Growth and Engagement

Impact on Local and Global Cardano Communities:

Creating a New Local Hub for Cardano: The events will lay the foundation for a vibrant Cardano community in Ethiopia, which will act as a nucleus for further growth in East Africa. This new hub will provide a network of Cardano advocates, developers, and enthusiasts who can continuously contribute to the global Cardano ecosystem by building and maintaining local projects.

Long-Term Community Sustainability: The ongoing meetups, student ambassador programs, and developer forums will keep the momentum going, ensuring that the Ethiopian community remains active and engaged. By embedding Cardano into the local culture and community, it creates an organic growth model where the community continues to evolve and contribute to Cardano’s global mission.

Connecting Local Talent to Global Ecosystem: By organizing meetups and workshops, we provide a platform for Ethiopian developers and innovators to connect with the broader global Cardano ecosystem. This opens up opportunities for collaboration with developers, businesses, and innovators across the world, facilitating the cross-pollination of ideas and innovations.

Global Impact:

The expansion of the Ethiopian community to the Cardano ecosystem will directly contribute to the growth of Cardano’s global community, diversifying its geographic reach and user base. It will showcase Cardano’s ability to adapt and grow within different economic and technological contexts, strengthening its international presence.

2. Expansion of the Developer Ecosystem

Impact on Local Developers and Innovation:

Upskilling Local Developers: Through the developer bootcamps and hackathons, Ethiopian developers will gain hands-on experience with Cardano’s unique technologies, such as Plutus and smart contracts. This new skillset will enable them to build decentralized applications (dApps) that can be used locally and globally.

Increased Contribution to Open-Source Projects: As local developers become proficient in building on Cardano, they will be empowered to contribute to open-source projects within the ecosystem. This will not only increase the number of dApps and smart contracts on Cardano but also create solutions that are tailored to the specific needs of emerging markets in Africa and beyond.

Hackathon-Driven Innovation: The hackathon will encourage developers to build solutions that address real-world challenges such as financial inclusion, remittances, and supply chain efficiency. These innovations could potentially lead to the creation of scalable solutions that can be used in other African countries and globally, increasing the value proposition of Cardano’s blockchain technology.

Global Impact:

By developing new use cases and applications on Cardano, Ethiopian developers will contribute to the global blockchain ecosystem. These innovations will enhance Cardano’s ability to address real-world problems in regions that face challenges similar to those of Ethiopia, such as financial exclusion, poor access to education, and inefficient supply chains. As a result, Cardano’s reach and relevance will increase, benefiting the wider community of developers, entrepreneurs, and users across the globe.

3. Promoting Financial Inclusion and Economic Growth

Impact on Ethiopia’s Financial System and Society:

Building Financial Tools on Cardano: The Financial Inclusion Conference will highlight how Cardano’s blockchain can provide mobile wallets, decentralized lending, and remittance solutions for the unbanked and underbanked populations in Ethiopia. By introducing Cardano to fintech entrepreneurs, we’ll enable them to develop digital financial tools that are more accessible, efficient, and transparent than traditional systems.

Cross-Border Remittances: Ethiopia has a large diaspora community, and remittances are a crucial source of income. By promoting Cardano-based solutions for cross-border payments, the project will help lower the cost of remittances, making it easier for Ethiopians to send and receive money, thus contributing to financial stability for families and communities.

Increased Access to Financial Services: Cardano’s ability to offer low-cost, secure financial services will be especially impactful in rural areas of Ethiopia, where access to traditional banking services is limited. By creating decentralized finance (DeFi) applications and digital payment systems, the project will provide opportunities for millions of Ethiopians to access credit, savings, and other financial services.

Global Impact:

The focus on financial inclusion and remittances will position Cardano as a key player in addressing economic challenges in other developing regions around the world. Solutions developed in Ethiopia could be scaled to other parts of Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America, helping to solve some of the most pressing issues related to financial exclusion. As these solutions spread, they will add immense value to the Cardano ecosystem globally, enhancing its impact and relevance.

4. Increased Global Adoption of Cardano

Impact on Cardano’s Global Ecosystem:

Showcasing Cardano’s Suitability for Emerging Markets: By focusing on Ethiopia, a country with unique economic challenges, the project will highlight Cardano’s capacity to support innovation in emerging markets. As other countries in Africa and other developing regions face similar issues, this project will serve as a case study for Cardano’s ability to provide scalable solutions that foster economic and social development.

Positioning Cardano as a Sustainable Blockchain for Africa and Beyond: The project will demonstrate Cardano’s commitment to solving real-world problems through its focus on sustainability, low-cost transactions, and scalability. The successful implementation of these projects in Ethiopia will encourage other countries to explore Cardano as a platform for innovation, leading to increased adoption.

Cross-Cultural Awareness and Adoption: By engaging with stakeholders in Ethiopia, the project will increase awareness of Cardano in regions that have previously been underrepresented in the blockchain space. The introduction of Cardano to new cultures will diversify the ecosystem, making it more inclusive and globally recognized.

Global Impact:

Ethiopia’s involvement in Cardano’s ecosystem will inspire other countries with similar socioeconomic conditions to adopt blockchain solutions. The project will act as a bridge to increase Cardano’s adoption across Africa, and potentially other developing markets, expanding its user base and relevance on a global scale. Furthermore, by positioning Cardano as a blockchain that can solve real-world problems like financial exclusion and supply chain inefficiencies, the project will solidify Cardano’s status as a leading blockchain solution.

Conclusion:

The proposed project to promote Cardano in Ethiopia will generate tangible, positive impacts not just within Ethiopia but on the global Cardano community. By driving community engagement, expanding the developer ecosystem, addressing financial inclusion, and fostering global adoption, the project will create a multiplier effect that accelerates Cardano’s growth in Africa and strengthens its position as a leading blockchain platform. The lessons learned and innovations created through this initiative will benefit Cardano’s ecosystem worldwide, driving further innovation, collaboration, and real-world application of blockchain technology.

[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?

1. Experience and Expertise in Event Organization

Our team brings extensive experience in organizing large-scale events across various sectors, with a strong track record in managing high-impact workshops, conferences, and community-building activities. This experience will be instrumental in delivering this project effectively.

2. Proven Track Record of Financial Stewardship

Our team has a demonstrated history of responsible financial management across previous projects. We ensure transparency and accountability through the following mechanisms:

Detailed Budget Planning and Transparency: Each phase of the project will be backed by a detailed budget plan. We will ensure that all expenses are thoroughly itemized and aligned with project objectives, allowing for clear tracking of fund allocation.

Third-Party Audits: To further ensure transparency, we will engage an independent auditor or financial consultant to review financial statements periodically. This external oversight will guarantee that all funds are managed according to the highest standards of financial integrity.

Regular Financial Updates: Our team will provide monthly updates to the Cardano community and Project Catalyst, detailing our progress and how funds are being utilized. This transparency is key to maintaining trust with both the community and stakeholders.

3. Proven Capability to Engage and Mobilize Teams

Our team includes experts with proven success in organizing large-scale events and developing blockchain solutions. This includes:

Blockchain Developers and Trainers: We have experienced blockchain developers and trainers who will lead the technical aspects of the project, including developer bootcamps, training workshops, and hackathons. These individuals have a deep understanding of Cardano’s technology stack, including Plutus, smart contracts, and native tokens.

Event Organizers and Logistics Experts: Our team includes professionals who have previously organized successful tech conferences and workshops. They are skilled in managing the logistics of large events, from speaker coordination to audience engagement and post-event evaluation.

Community Organizers and Outreach Specialists: We have individuals on our team who are experts in grassroots community building and engagement, ensuring that we can effectively mobilize local communities and foster long-term support for Cardano in Ethiopia.

By leveraging this highly skilled and experienced team, we are confident in our ability to execute this project with precision and accountability.

4. Mechanisms to Validate Feasibilit

To validate that our approach is feasible and that we are on track to meet our objectives, we will employ the following methods:

Pre-Event Surveys and Feedback Loops: Before each event, we will conduct surveys to assess participants' current understanding of blockchain and their expectations. Post-event surveys will help us measure the effectiveness of the events and gather valuable feedback for continuous improvement.

KPIs and Milestone Tracking: Clear Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) will be established to track the success of the project. These KPIs will measure participation rates, the number of developers trained, the number of new dApps created, and the number of fintech solutions developed on Cardano. These will be shared with the community to demonstrate the impact of the project.

Continuous Monitoring and Reporting: We will regularly monitor the progress of the project and provide quarterly progress reports. These reports will include detailed updates on milestones achieved, challenges encountered, and financial transparency, ensuring that all activities align with the project’s objectives.

Independent Audit: As mentioned earlier, we will engage an independent auditor to review the financial management of the project, ensuring that all funds are used as intended and that the project remains accountable to the Cardano community.

5. Steps and Processes to Ensure Trust with Funds

To ensure that funds are managed responsibly and in the best interests of the Cardano ecosystem, we will implement the following steps:

Detailed Project Plan and Budget Approval: Before any funds are disbursed, we will submit a comprehensive project plan and a detailed budget to Project Catalyst for approval. This will ensure that all costs are accounted for and that the allocation of funds is well justified.

Financial Reporting and Transparency: Throughout the project, we will provide monthly financial reports to ensure transparency. These reports will include itemized expenses, the remaining budget, and a breakdown of how funds are being utilized for each activity. Any deviations from the original budget will be clearly explained and justified.

External Financial Oversight: In addition to internal monitoring, we will work with a third-party financial consultant or auditor to provide additional oversight. The auditor will review our financial records and ensure compliance with best practices in financial management.

Open Access to Financial Records: We will make our financial records and audit reports available to the public, ensuring that stakeholders and the broader Cardano community have full visibility into the project’s financial health and transparency.

6. Clear Accountability Framewor

Our project will be guided by a clear accountability framework, ensuring that each phase and activity is overseen by designated project leads responsible for specific tasks:

Project Management: A dedicated project manager will oversee the entire project, ensuring that timelines, budgets, and objectives are met.

Financial Oversight: A financial coordinator will be responsible for tracking all financial transactions and ensuring that funds are spent according to the approved budget.

Event and Outreach Leads: Specific leads will manage the logistics and content of events, ensuring that each activity is executed efficiently and contributes to the overall goals of the project.

Regular Reporting: All leads will submit regular reports to the project manager, who will consolidate them into comprehensive updates for the Cardano community and Project Catalyst.

Conclusion

Our team has the experience, expertise, and resources needed to deliver this project with the highest levels of trust and accountability. Through transparent budgeting, third-party audits, regular reporting, and a clear accountability framework, we will ensure that funds are properly managed and that the project achieves its objectives. Our existing relationships with key stakeholders in Ethiopia and our proven ability to engage local communities will ensure that we can effectively promote Cardano, build a sustainable ecosystem, and contribute to the long-term growth of the Cardano network.

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

Initial Planning and Community Engagement (Month 1-2)

Objective: Secure partnerships with local stakeholders and establish the foundational elements of the project.

Deliverables:

Finalize agreements with university partners, tech hubs, and government agencies.

Develop a detailed event schedule, including themes and topics for workshops, meetups, and training sessions.

Conduct an initial community survey to gauge interest and identify target groups (students, developers, fintech companies).

Launch an awareness campaign across social media, universities, and tech hubs to start building interest and participation.

Outcome: A confirmed set of event partners and an engaged community showing strong interest in participating in upcoming activities.

Budget: 20k ADA (for logistical planning, marketing, and stakeholder engagement).

First Event - Blockchain Awareness Workshop (Month 3-4)

Objective: Host the first in a series of educational workshops aimed at increasing awareness of blockchain and Cardano’s unique features.

Deliverables:

Organize and execute the first large-scale workshop or meetup (200-300 attendees) focusing on blockchain fundamentals and Cardano.

Invite local blockchain experts and Cardano advocates to speak at the event.

Collect feedback from participants via surveys to evaluate content and effectiveness.

Record and stream the event for wider reach beyond attendees.

Outcome: Successful delivery of an educational event with positive community feedback and measurable learning outcomes.

Budget: 30k ADA (for venue, speakers, promotional materials, refreshments, and event documentation).

Developer Bootcamp and Hackathon (Month 5-7)

Objective: Train local developers on Cardano’s development tools (Plutus, smart contracts) and host a Cardano-themed hackathon to foster innovation.

Deliverables:

Host a 2-3 day bootcamp focused on Cardano development (Plutus, smart contracts, and dApps).

Provide hands-on training and mentorship from Cardano experts.

Organize a hackathon for participants to develop new solutions or dApps on the Cardano blockchain.

Promote the event through local tech hubs and developer communities.

Award winning projects and provide post-event mentorship to help further their development.

Outcome: A pool of trained local developers with skills in Cardano’s ecosystem and new Cardano projects being developed.

Budget: 50k ADA (for event facilitation, developer tools, prizes, and mentor compensation).

Final Showcase, Project Close-out Report, and Video (Month 8-9)

Objective: Conclude the project with a showcase of the most successful outcomes, prepare a detailed project report, and create a video summarizing the project’s impact.

Deliverables:

Organize a final showcase event to present the results of the hackathon, developer bootcamp, and overall project impact (featuring successful projects and collaborations).

Prepare a comprehensive Project Close-out Report documenting all activities, financials, milestones, and key lessons learned.

Produce a Project Summary Video highlighting the project’s impact on the Cardano ecosystem in Ethiopia, including testimonials from participants, community feedback, and future opportunities.

Submit the project report and video to Project Catalyst and Cardano community channels for transparency.

Outcome: A formal close-out of the project with measurable results, community engagement, and a clear path for ongoing development and future Cardano adoption.

Budget: 50k ADA (for the final showcase, report preparation, video production, and promotional efforts).

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

Project Team and Roles

We have assembled a diverse team of experienced professionals with complementary skills that will ensure the successful delivery of the project. Below are the key team members, their roles, and relevant expertise. Additionally, we will highlight any potential recruitment needs for the project.

1. Getachew Haileslassie – Project Manager

LinkedIn Profile:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/getachew-haileslassie-b19028332?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app

Email:

Getachew571216@gmail.com

Telegram:t.me/gethal

gethhal8

Role and Responsibilities:

As Project Manager, Getachew will oversee the overall execution of the project, ensuring that all milestones are met on time, within budget, and according to the scope. He will coordinate between team members, stakeholders, and the Cardano community to ensure effective communication and that all deliverables meet the required standards. John will also be responsible for managing risks and ensuring that any challenges encountered are addressed promptly.

Skills:

Extensive experience in managing large-scale technology and community-driven projects.

Strong organizational skills and a proven ability to manage multiple stakeholders.

Experience in coordinating events and ensuring that logistics run smoothly.

2. Awet abreha - Event Coordinator

Email:awetabreha@gmail.com

Telegram:t.me/awetft

Role and Responsibilities:

Awet will lead the event planning and logistics for all workshops, hackathons, and community meetups. She will be responsible for organizing the venues, coordinating speakers, managing event registrations, and ensuring smooth operations on event days. Sarah has previously organized blockchain and technology-related events and will leverage her network of local venues and vendors.

Skills:

Proven experience in organizing large-scale technology events.

Strong relationships with local venues, speakers, and vendors.

Skilled in event promotion and audience engagement strategies.

3. Goshu Desta – Blockchain Educator and Trainer

Email: brhtigoshu5@gmail.com

Telegram:t.me/Fkri6

Role and Responsibilities:

Goshu will lead the educational aspects of the project, including the blockchain awareness workshops and developer bootcamp. He will be responsible for creating training materials, mentoring participants, and delivering presentations on Cardano’s technology stack, including Plutus, smart contracts, and decentralized applications (dApps).

Skills:

Experience as a technical educator, having led numerous training sessions and bootcamps for blockchain technology.

Deep understanding of Cardano’s infrastructure and development tools.

Additional Team members to be Recruited

To ensure the success of this project, we anticipate the need to recruit a few additional team members. Below are the specific roles we plan to fill:

1. Blockchain Developer (To Be Recruited)

Skills Needed:

Expertise in Cardano development (Plutus, smart contracts, and dApps).

Experience building and deploying decentralized applications on blockchain platforms.

Strong coding skills, with proficiency in Haskell or similar programming languages used in Cardano’s ecosystem.

Role:

This developer will assist in the technical aspects of the hackathon and bootcamp, supporting participants with the development of their projects, and providing mentorship for coding and development challenges during the hackathon.

2. Video Production Specialist (To Be Recruited)

Skills Needed:

Experience in video production, including filming, editing, and post-production.

Proficiency with video editing software such as Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or similar.

Ability to capture high-quality footage of events and create engaging promotional videos.

Role:

This specialist will be responsible for producing the Project Summary Video, capturing key moments from the workshops, bootcamps, and final showcase event. The video will be used for project reporting and outreach within the Cardano ecosystem.

3. Financial Coordinator (To Be Recruited)

Skills Needed:

Strong background in financial management and budgeting.

Experience in overseeing financial reports and ensuring compliance with project financial guidelines.

Detail-oriented and organized with experience handling project budgets and financial transactions.

Role:

The Financial Coordinator will be responsible for tracking all financial activities, ensuring transparency in fund usage, and providing monthly financial reports to the project manager and the Cardano community.

Conclusion

Our core team consists of individuals with deep expertise in event management, blockchain education, community engagement, and marketing. With the additional recruitment of a blockchain developer, video production specialist, and financial coordinator, we will ensure the project is delivered to the highest standards, with clear accountability, transparency, and measurable success. We believe this balanced team structure will guarantee the successful promotion and adoption of Cardano in Ethiopia.

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

Cost Breakdown of Proposed Work and Resources

Below is a detailed cost breakdown of the resources required to execute the project, including specific expenses for each milestone. We will cover all necessary resources, such as venues, personnel, marketing, third-party services, and materials. The proposed work is broken down according to the project milestones and the timeline.

Milestone 1: Initial Planning and Community Engagement (Month 1-2)

Total: 20k ADA

Resources & Costs:

1. Partnership and Stakeholder Engagement

Activity: Meetings with universities, tech hubs, government agencies to secure partnerships.

Cost: 5k ADA for travel expenses and stipends for stakeholders.

2. Community Survey & Promotion

Activity: Design and distribute community surveys.

Cost: 3k ADA for survey platform subscription (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Google Forms), and 1k ADA for paid advertisements and outreach via social media and local platforms.

3. Event Planning and Marketing

Activity: Creation of marketing materials (flyers, posters, social media content), and distribution through local channels.

Cost: 4k ADA for design, printing, and promotional materials.

4. Event Coordination

Activity: Team coordination for logistics (venue selection, team briefings).

Cost: 7k ADA for internal team expenses, software tools for project management (e.g., Asana, Trello), and communication tools.

Milestone 2: First Event - Blockchain Awareness Workshop (Month 3-4)

Total: 30k ADA

Resources & Costs:

1. Eenue and Event Setup

Activity: Rent venue for the workshop, including seating, AV equipment, and WiFi.

Cost: 10k ADA for venue booking, AV setup, and refreshments.

2. Speaker Fees

Activity: Invite 3-4 blockchain experts or local Cardano advocates to speak at the workshop.

Cost: 5k ADA for speaker honorariums and travel reimbursement.

3. Event Logistics

Activity: Registration setup, on-site support, and volunteer coordination.

Cost: 5k ADA for logistics, badges, and materials for participants.

4. Event Marketing and Promotion

Activity: Digital promotion (social media ads, email newsletters) and printed materials.

Cost: 3k ADA for social media marketing, including paid ads and boosted posts.

5. Post-event Survey and Feedback Collection

Activity: Collect feedback from attendees through surveys and evaluate the effectiveness of the event.

Cost: 2k ADA for survey platform subscription and analysis.

6. Recording and Content Distribution

Activity: Recording the event (audio, video) and distributing online.

Cost: 5k ADA for recording equipment and post-production editing.

Milestone 3: Developer Bootcamp and Hackathon (Month 5-7)

Total: 50k ADA

Resources & Costs:

1. Venue and Event Setup

Activity: Rent venue for 2-3 days for bootcamp and hackathon, with high-speed internet, power, and technical equipment (computers, projectors).

Cost: 15k ADA for venue rental, technical setup, and food/drinks for participants.

2. Bootcamp Trainers and Mentors

Activity: Pay for 3-4 expert blockchain developers to provide training.

Cost: 12k ADA for trainer honorariums, travel costs, and accommodation.

3. Hackathon Prizes and Incentives

Activity: Prize money for top teams and incentives for all participants.

Cost: 10k ADA for hackathon prizes, including cash rewards and tech equipment (e.g., laptops, blockchain tools).

4. Marketing and Promotion

Activity: Promoting the bootcamp and hackathon through various channels.

Cost: 5k ADA for social media ads, influencer partnerships, and event flyers.

5. Event Logistics and Supplies

Activity: On-site logistics such as registration, badges, printed materials, and supplies.

Cost: 4k ADA for event coordination tools and participant supplies.

Post-event Documentation

Activity: Collect feedback from participants and compile a post-event report.

Cost: 4k ADA for survey platform and data analysis.

Milestone 4: Final Showcase, Project Close-out Report, and Video (Month 8-9)

Total: 50k ADA

Resources & Costs:

1. Final Showcase Event

Activity: Rent venue for final showcase, setup for presentations, and networking sessions.

Cost: 15k ADA for venue rental, AV setup, refreshments, and event materials.

2. Project Close-out Report and Video Production

Activity: Create the final project report, documentation of activities, and a promotional video summarizing the entire project.

Cost: 10k ADA for video production, including professional editing, filming, and post-production.

3. Hackathon and Bootcamp Presentations

Activity: Invite speakers to present the results of the bootcamp and hackathon, including technical project outcomes.

Cost: 5k ADA for honorariums and travel reimbursements for guest speakers.

4. Final Marketing and Outreach

Activity: Final promotional push for the showcase event through social media, email newsletters, and university networks.

Cost: 3k ADA for advertising and promotion across all channels.

5. Final Report and Financial Transparency

Activity: Preparing and submitting a detailed project report, including financial statements, outcomes, and lessons learned.

Cost: 3k ADA for documentation and administrative costs.

6. Monitoring and Evaluation

Activity: Conduct impact evaluation and post-project feedback survey for future improvement.

Cost: 4k ADA for survey platforms and impact assessment tools.

Third-party Products and Services.

1. Servey Platforms (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Google Forms, or similar):

Cost: 2k ADA

Used for collecting community feedback, event surveys, and impact evaluation.

2. Marketing Tools and Platforms (e.g., Facebook Ads, Google Ads, Canva, Eventbrite):

Cost: 5k ADA

Used for digital marketing, event promotion, social media ad campaigns, and design.

3. Video Production Tools (e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or equivalent software):

Cost: 3k ADA

Used for editing and producing the final project summary video.

4. Venue Rental and AV Equipment:

Cost: 30k ADA (total across all milestones)

Includes venue booking, equipment rentals (AV, internet, projectors), and setup.

5. Printing and Event Supplies (e.g., banners, badges, brochures):

Cost: 7k ADA

Includes all event materials needed for workshops, hackathons, and the final showcase.

Total Estimated Budget: 150k ADA

This detailed budget ensures that all resources and third-party services are accounted for, with a clear outline of how each phase of the project will be funded. We have broken down costs according to each milestone, ensuring a transparent and accountable use of funds, with clear justifications for every expense.

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

The proposed project is designed to deliver significant value to the Cardano ecosystem by fostering blockchain awareness, education, and developer engagement in Ethiopia. While the overall budget is significant, every element is meticulously planned to ensure it achieves the project’s core objectives while representing value for money. Here's how;

1. Building Long-term Awareness and Adoption in Ethiopia

The costs incurred for this project, including event logistics, venue rentals, and speaker fees, are necessary investments in creating a lasting impact in Ethiopia, a region with growing interest in blockchain technology but limited exposure to Cardano. By facilitating workshops, hackathons, and developer bootcamps, we are laying the groundwork for future adoption. These efforts will:

Attract new developers: Providing hands-on learning experiences in Cardano-specific technology like Plutus and smart contracts will contribute to a local talent pool that can build Cardano-based applications, helping the ecosystem scale.

Expand Cardano's visibility: Through targeted marketing and grassroots community engagement, we will introduce Cardano to a large audience, potentially converting attendees into active stakeholders.

These activities require significant upfront investment, but they represent a high return in terms of:

Local community building and developer training.

Cardano ecosystem expansion in a new, high-potential market.

2. Strategic Use of Third-party Products and Services

Many of the costs listed—such as venue rentals, speaker fees, and video production—are essential to ensure that events are professionally executed, widely promoted, and well-documented. These expenses are justified by the need to:

Engage world-class speakers to build credibility and attract a larger audience.

Produce high-quality videos and documentation that can be used to promote the Cardano ecosystem globally and showcase the success of this project. These materials will be valuable for future Cardano-related events and educational initiatives across Africa and beyond.

By investing in high-quality production and promotion, the Cardano ecosystem can expect long-lasting impact with global reach, significantly increasing its visibility in the African blockchain market.

3. Detailed and Transparent Budgeting

We've carefully considered the costs and sought the best possible value from third-party vendors, services, and event suppliers. For example:

The cost for venue rental and AV equipment was determined based on a balance between affordability and the need for professional quality in event delivery.

Speaker fees were evaluated by considering both local and international experts, ensuring their expertise aligns with the project goals while keeping costs reasonable.

We’ve kept overheads as low as possible without compromising the quality of the events, making this investment efficient and scalable.

4. Creating a Sustainable Community and Ecosystem

A large part of this project’s goal is to build a sustainable Cardano community in Ethiopia. The value here is immense, as:

Local developers trained in Cardano’s technologies will not only contribute to the growth of the Cardano ecosystem but can also create opportunities for local businesses and startups to leverage blockchain for financial inclusion, remittances, and decentralized finance (DeFi).

Community engagement activities will ensure that the Cardano ecosystem is viewed as a valuable resource and ally by local organizations, tech hubs, and government agencies.

This will likely result in increased adoption and ecosystem expansion, offering significant long-term value that justifies the investment.

5. Return on Investment in Terms of Developer Talent and Future Opportunities

The developer bootcamps and hackathons in particular are high-value activities that will yield measurable results:

Training 100+ developers will result in a tangible, skilled workforce that is ready to contribute to the Cardano blockchain. This creates not only developers for the Cardano ecosystem but also ambassadors who can spread knowledge and adoption in their communities.

Hackathon prizes and incentives ensure participation, helping to spark interest in Cardano's capabilities and encouraging new project development.

This investment in human capital is expected to pay dividends well beyond the project's completion, as skilled developers go on to build new decentralized applications (dApps) and contribute to Cardano’s technical advancements.

6. Transparency and Accountability

To ensure full accountability, all expenses are documented, and we will provide detailed financial reports at each milestone. Additionally, all project activities will be transparent to the Cardano community, including regular updates via social media and project reports, so that stakeholders can monitor the project's progress.

This level of transparency ensures that the funds are being used responsibly and optimally to achieve the greatest impact for the Cardano ecosystem.

Conclusion

The proposed costs are carefully structured to ensure that the Cardano ecosystem will receive significant value from the project. By prioritizing community engagement, education, developer talent creation, and local visibility, we are investing in the long-term growth of the ecosystem in Ethiopia—a key market that is currently underrepresented in blockchain adoption.

In conclusion, the return on investment in terms of increased ecosystem growth, developer adoption, and global outreach is significant and will extend far beyond the initial outlay. This project represents exceptional value for money for the Cardano ecosystem and will create a lasting legacy of Cardano’s presence in Africa.