Africa Townhall: Empowering Blockchain Education and Growth Across Africa

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Catalyst Africa Townhall

[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)

We will expand Catalyst Africa Townhall's operations, providing educational content and hosting workshops to boost blockchain knowledge and governance participation across African countries.

[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

Yes, all outputs of our project, including documentation, and resources, will be fully open source. We believe in the principles of transparency, collaboration, and community-driven development, and making our project open source aligns with these values.

[METADATA] Horizons

Community Outreach

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Proposed Solution:

The Catalyst Africa Townhall aims to address the lack of consistent educational content, governance participation, and collaboration in Africa’s blockchain space. We have identified that while blockchain communities in Africa are growing, there remains a gap in governance participation and understanding of key blockchain concepts, particularly in the Cardano ecosystem. This gap limits the full potential of Africa's contribution to Cardano’s decentralized governance model.

Our solution is to expand the operations of the Catalyst Africa Townhall across more African countries, focusing on delivering educational content, workshops, and governance awareness programs. These initiatives will be structured to empower local blockchain communities and increase their participation in governance, decision-making, and active contributions to the Cardano ecosystem.

Why This Approach:

We believe in a community-driven approach. The townhall model has already proven to be successful in its current regions, providing educational content and platforms for discussion. Expanding this proven model will allow us to foster deeper blockchain adoption and governance engagement across Africa. Our approach focuses on empowering local leaders, decentralizing knowledge, and equipping individuals to participate meaningfully in Cardano’s governance system.

Target Engagement:

The project will engage:

• Blockchain developers, students, and enthusiasts: by offering workshops and educational content.
• Local blockchain communities: providing the tools and knowledge to engage in Cardano governance.
• African countries currently underrepresented in blockchain: by expanding our presence and influence.

Impact Demonstration:

We will measure impact through:

1. Growth in governance participation: Increase in African participation in Catalyst proposals and governance votes.
2. Educational outreach: Number of workshops and attendees, as well as feedback on educational content provided.
3. Regional expansion: Successful establishment of Catalyst Africa Townhall hubs in new African countries.

Uniqueness of the Solution:

Our solution leverages the existing Catalyst Africa Townhall framework, which has already made significant contributions in regions like Ghana, Kenya, and Nigeria. By scaling this model, we offer a replicable, sustainable way to grow blockchain adoption and governance participation across Africa. This expansion is crucial for Cardano’s growth as it taps into an underrepresented region with vast potential, aligning with Cardano’s mission of decentralization and inclusion.

The project will benefit the Cardano community by creating a more diverse and engaged governance system, allowing African voices to influence key decisions and projects within the ecosystem.

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

Impact on the Cardano Community:

The Catalyst Africa Townhall project will have a significant positive impact on the wider Cardano community by fostering greater participation from African nations in governance processes, thus increasing the diversity of perspectives in decision-making and funding allocations. By equipping individuals and communities with the necessary knowledge and tools to engage in Cardano’s governance, this project directly contributes to the decentralization of the Cardano ecosystem.

Value to the Cardano Community:

The success of this project will bring immense value by:

1. Enhancing Governance Participation: A greater number of African blockchain enthusiasts and developers will actively participate in Catalyst governance votes, proposal submissions, and decision-making processes.
2. Empowering Local Communities: Local blockchain communities across Africa will have access to educational content and workshops, allowing them to engage more effectively in governance and the wider ecosystem.
3. Increased Representation: This project will ensure that Africa is well-represented within the Cardano ecosystem, reflecting the continent’s growing blockchain potential and contributing to more diverse, decentralized governance.

Measuring Impact:

We will measure impact using both quantitative and qualitative metrics:

• Quantitative Metrics:
• Number of governance participants from Africa: By tracking the number of African voters and Catalyst proposal submissions, we can gauge growth in governance engagement.
• Workshops and Events: Measure the number of workshops held, number of attendees, and the countries covered in our expansion efforts.
• Participation in Educational Programs: Track participation rates in educational content and feedback from workshop attendees.
• Qualitative Metrics:
• Feedback and Surveys: Collecting feedback from participants will provide insights into the effectiveness of our educational programs and their readiness to engage in governance.
• Community Engagement: Monitor the depth of interaction, collaboration, and feedback during and after our workshops.

Sharing Outputs and Opportunities:

• Community Reports: We will produce regular reports on our workshops, governance participation data, and educational content impact. These will be shared with the Cardano community via Catalyst forums, the Catalyst Townhall sessions, and social media platforms.
• Townhall Events: The outputs and learnings from this project will also be shared through Catalyst Africa Townhall events, providing ongoing opportunities for discussion and refinement of the governance participation process.
• Collaboration and Partnerships: We will actively seek partnerships with other blockchain organizations and local institutions to further expand outreach and strengthen the engagement of African communities within the Cardano ecosystem.

[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?

Capability & Feasibility:

The Catalyst Africa Townhall team is well-equipped to deliver this project with high levels of trust and accountability, leveraging our extensive experience in the blockchain space and community-driven initiatives. Our established presence across multiple African countries and our strong partnerships with local hubs demonstrate our capacity to manage, execute, and expand operations efficiently.

Existing Capabilities:

1. Experienced Team: Our team is composed of blockchain advocates, educators, and community managers who have successfully led previous Catalyst Africa Townhall projects, organized numerous blockchain workshops, and engaged with diverse communities across Africa.
2. Strong Network: We are backed by an established network of African blockchain hubs, such as the Accra Resource Centre, which serves as a focal point for blockchain education and governance. This allows us to tap into local expertise and reach a wider audience effectively.
3. Proven Track Record: We have successfully hosted Catalyst Africa Townhall sessions that brought together community members, educated them on Cardano governance, and encouraged participation in the ecosystem. Our work has been recognized by both local and global Cardano communities.

Validating Feasibility:

1. Scalable Approach: Our phased approach to workshops in various African countries demonstrates scalability. Starting with countries like Ghana and Nigeria, where we already have established operations, allows us to expand gradually and ensure success before moving into newer territories.
2. Pilot Programs: We will conduct pilot workshops in key locations to test our content delivery and engagement model. Feedback from these pilots will be incorporated to fine-tune future sessions.
3. Local Partnerships: By collaborating with local hubs like the Accra Resource Centre, we ensure that our operations are grounded in local contexts, making them more relevant and impactful. This collaboration also ensures that our content is adapted to suit the specific governance education needs of each country.

Fund Management & Accountability:

1. Detailed Budget Management: We have a transparent budgeting process, with each expense clearly allocated for specific project activities. We will use a milestone-based fund disbursement system, ensuring that funds are only released upon meeting pre-set goals.
2. Regular Reporting: We commit to providing monthly financial and progress reports to Project Catalyst, outlining both the use of funds and the impact of our activities. This ensures transparency and allows stakeholders to monitor project performance.
3. Community Involvement: Regular updates and reports will be shared with the Cardano community through Catalyst Townhall sessions, forums, and social media channels. This not only ensures transparency but also invites feedback from the community to improve operations.

By combining an experienced team, a robust operational framework, and strong accountability practices, we can ensure the successful delivery of this project and efficient management of resources.

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

Milestone 1: Initial Setup and Resource Mobilization

• Activities:
• Establish project management team.
• Secure partnerships with local hubs (e.g., Accra Resource Centre).
• Finalize workshop content and educational materials.
• Acceptance Criteria:
• Team and resources in place.
• Workshop content reviewed and approved.
• Partnerships with at least two local hubs confirmed.
• Timeline: Month 1

Milestone 2: Pilot Workshop in Ghana

• Activities:
• Conduct the first governance workshop in Ghana.
• Engage local blockchain communities and deliver educational content on Cardano governance.
• Collect feedback from participants for improvement.
• Acceptance Criteria:
• Minimum 50 participants attend the workshop.
• Post-event survey completed by at least 70% of attendees.
• Positive feedback on content and delivery from 80% of participants.
• Timeline: Month 2

Milestone 3

Expand Catalyst Africa Townhall Operations:

• Milestone: Establish townhall branches in new African countries (e.g., Kenya, Zambia) to facilitate governance participation.
• Acceptance Criteria: Successful setup of operations in 2 new countries, with an active local community engaging in governance.

Timeline: Month 3

Milestone 4:

Virtual Blockchain Governance Conference:

• Milestone: Host a virtual blockchain conference focusing on governance education, bringing together stakeholders from across Africa.
• Acceptance Criteria: 200+ participants, with significant engagement from developers, community members, and African blockchain advocates.

Milestone 5: Evaluation and Final Report

• Activities:
• Analyze data from all workshops to measure impact.
• Compile a detailed project report, including participant engagement statistics, feedback, and lessons learned.
• Present results to the Cardano community.
• Acceptance Criteria:
• Detailed report shared with Project Catalyst and the wider Cardano community.
• At least 300 participants engaged across all workshops.
• Clear recommendations for future governance participation initiatives.
• Timeline: Month 5

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

Team Overview and Roles

Afia Owusu

Role: Coordinator / Diversity and Inclusion Lead

Afia brings her extensive experience as the Hub Lead for the Accra Resource Centre and Coordinator of the Catalyst Africa Town Hall (CATH) and Catalyst Africa School. She has been an active member of the Cardano and Catalyst community since Fund 6, serving as both a Community Advisor (CA) and Veteran Community Advisor (vCA). Afia holds an MSc in Management Information Systems from the University of Lancaster, UK, and a BSc in Natural Resources Management from the University of Science and Technology, Ghana. Her dedication to blockchain education and sustainable development makes her an excellent coordinator for this project, ensuring smooth operations and community outreach.

Telegram: @AfiaAOwusu

Daniel

Role: Event Director

As the former President of the FinTech and Blockchain Society at the University of Aberdeen and a Cardano Ambassador, Daniel has been pivotal in driving blockchain adoption through the Catalyst Africa Town Hall as its Programs Manager. He has hosted prominent events like the Cardano Summit 2022 and was as a speaker for the Intersect Africa Regional Hub launch both Ghana and Kenya. Daniel’s experience in organizing and integrating communities across Africa positions him well to manage and expand community engagement for this project.

Telegram: @ddlezu

Twitter: @ddlezu

Ubio Obu

Role: Partnerships and Sponsorship Lead

Ubio is an accomplished AI researcher, blockchain expert, and CEO of RemoStart. His background in developing machine learning models and managing tech products in various industries gives him a unique perspective on technology's role in blockchain. As the coordinator for Nigeria, he will focus on engaging local communities and leading faculty and mentor coordination for the project. Ubio’s experience in event organization, including the CIP-1694 Lagos event, will ensure a strong Nigerian presence at the event.

Discord: Ubiodee#9502

LinkedIn: Ubio Obu

Boaz

Role: Blockchain Education Lead

My passion for environmental and sustainability issues naturally led me to explore blockchain technology, and Cardano’s commitment to a greener future truly resonated with me. I’ve been actively involved in Cardano’s journey through various roles:

Co-Proposing Funds 8 and 9: I played a key role in proposing and shaping these funding initiatives, which helped advance Cardano’s projects and foster community-driven innovations. Coordinating an NFT Project in Fund 9: I coordinated this project, managing its development and execution, which allowed me to engage creatively with Cardano’s ecosystem.

Serving as a Community Reviewer in Funds 10 and 11: My role involved evaluating project proposals and providing insights to ensure they met Cardano’s standards and objectives.

Verifying Proof of Life and Moderating Fund 11: I verified the legitimacy of project participants and moderated discussions, contributing to the integrity and success of Fund 11 initiatives.

Beyond these specific roles, I’ve focused on expanding Cardano’s reach in Africa:

Authored a Research Paper (March 2023): I analyzed African Stake Pools, which contributed to a better understanding of Cardano’s potential in the region.

Facilitated a Virtual CIP-1694 Workshop (June 2023): I led this workshop to engage the community and discuss Cardano’s governance improvements. Contributed to an In-Person CIP-1694 Workshop in Accra, Ghana (June 2023): My participation in this workshop helped strengthen Cardano’s presence and governance discussions in Africa.

Hosted the “Catalyst Africa Town Hall: Bridging the Gap for Continental Expansion” Workshop (December 2023): This event focused on expanding Cardano’s influence across the continent and bridging gaps within the community.

Co-Organized Workshops on Governance and Community Engagement in Goma (2021 & 2022 Summits): I helped organize these workshops, emphasizing the importance of governance and local engagement. Goma Stake Pool Manager: Managing the Goma Stake Pool reflects my commitment to supporting and growing Cardano’s presence in the region. In addition to my work with Cardano, I’ve also been actively involved with Intersect:

Member and Proposal Reviewer: I’ve participated as a member and reviewer, contributing to the assessment and guidance of proposals within Intersect.

Hosted Workshops: I have hosted several Intersect workshops, including the DReps Pioneer Program (Co-host), Intersect Meet-ups (Co-host), and the Launch of the Central Africa Regional Hub.

Elected to Represent the Community in Buenos Aires (December 2024): Recently, I hosted a workshop on the Cardano Constitution and was honored to be elected to represent the community in Buenos Aires later this year.

My involvement with both Cardano and Intersect reflects my dedication to blockchain technology, governance, and community development, with a particular focus on sustainability and regional expansion

Twitter: @BoazB5475

Discord: Bboaz#5475

Richmond Oppong

Role: Media and Public Relations Manager

Richmond is a graphic designer with over a decade of experience and has been deeply involved in the Cardano project through his work as a Community Advisor and Veteran Community Advisor across multiple Catalyst funds. His expertise in branding, design, and marketing will be key in creating the visual identity and promotional materials for this event, ensuring global attention and participation.

Twitter: @cardanoholious

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

Budget & Costs Breakdown for Catalyst Africa Townhall Operations

Total Requested Funding: 100,000 ADA

Workshops in African Regions

• Cost per Workshop: 10,000 ADA (x 5 workshops)
• Venue hire: 2,000 ADA
• Travel and accommodation for facilitators: 3,000 ADA
• Marketing and outreach (print/digital ads, posters, flyers): 2,000 ADA
• Equipment (projectors, sound system, etc.): 1,500 ADA
• Food and refreshments: 1,500 ADA
• Total for 5 Workshops: 50,000 ADA

Virtual Blockchain Governance Conference

• Cost: 20,000 ADA
• Virtual event platform subscription: 5,000 ADA
• Speaker honorariums: 8,000 ADA
• Marketing and outreach: 4,000 ADA
• Technical support: 3,000 ADA

Expansion of Catalyst Africa Townhall Operations

• Cost: 10,000 ADA
• Legal registration and administrative setup in 2 new countries: 4,000 ADA
• Onboarding new team members (regional coordinators): 3,000 ADA
• Marketing and community engagement: 3,000 ADA

Project Management and Reporting

• Cost: 10,000 ADA
• Project manager and administrative team (6 months): 6,000 ADA
• Reporting and documentation (impact report, sustainability plan): 2,000 ADA
• Accounting and financial management services: 2,000 ADA

Community Engagement and Marketing

• Cost: 10,000 ADA
• Social media campaigns, newsletters, and community outreach: 6,000 ADA
• Design and production of educational materials (guides, videos, infographics): 4,000 ADA

Description of Third-Party Services

• Event Platforms: We will use virtual event platforms like Hopin or Zoom Pro for the blockchain conference to ensure high-quality streaming, participant engagement, and accessibility.
• Professional Services: Legal and accounting services will be engaged to manage financial transparency, registration in new countries, and ensure compliance.
• Marketing and Outreach: We will hire local marketing agencies and utilize social media tools for efficient regional and online outreach.

Additional Funding Sources

• In-kind Contributions: The Catalyst Africa Townhall community will provide some voluntary support, including mentorship and coordination.
• Potential Partnerships: We will explore partnerships with local blockchain hubs and sponsors for supplementary funding to cover additional costs.

This budget is designed to maximize impact across Africa, efficiently utilizing resources to achieve key milestones and engage communities in governance.

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

Value for Money

The costs of this project are designed to provide significant value to the Cardano ecosystem by enhancing governance participation across Africa and expanding Catalyst Africa Townhall operations.

1. Workshops in African Regions: Each workshop cost has been carefully estimated based on local pricing for venues, transportation, and marketing. Venue costs, facilitator travel, and event materials reflect the typical costs of hosting similar professional workshops in regions such as Nigeria, Ghana, Togo, Congo, and South Africa. These workshops will significantly enhance community engagement and educate local blockchain enthusiasts on governance participation, directly supporting the Cardano ecosystem’s decentralization goals.
2. Virtual Blockchain Governance Conference: The cost of hosting a virtual conference is set to ensure high-quality interaction with speakers and attendees. This event will attract a global audience, and the investment in the platform, speaker honorariums, and outreach ensures widespread participation. Virtual platforms and speaker costs are in line with industry standards, ensuring a seamless, professional experience for attendees.
3. Expansion of Operations: The costs associated with expanding operations to new countries, onboarding team members, and conducting legal registrations have been minimized by utilizing local expertise and leveraging existing community networks. This ensures efficient use of funds, as we scale our operations to better serve the African blockchain community.
4. Project Management and Community Engagement: The cost of project management ensures the smooth execution of workshops, reporting, and financial oversight. Investing in community engagement is critical for long-term sustainability, as it enables us to create content and materials that continue to educate and grow the Cardano community.

Proportionality and Justification

• Workshop Costs: The costs are proportional to the average wage in the respective African countries, ensuring the project is affordable yet impactful. For example, venue and equipment costs reflect local market conditions, and we prioritize cost-efficient solutions such as utilizing local partnerships and resources.
• Freelance Rates: Professional services, including event management and marketing, have been benchmarked against industry rates to ensure fair compensation while maintaining value for money.
• Long-Term Impact: The investment in governance workshops and community education has a multiplier effect, as increased governance participation in Africa will strengthen the Cardano ecosystem globally. This project is designed to foster local leadership, build awareness, and create sustainable governance practices that will benefit Cardano for years to come.

By carefully controlling costs and focusing on sustainable, impactful initiatives, this project represents excellent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem.