Enhancing Governance Participation through Blockchain Workshops in Africa

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Catalyat 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)

8

[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)

Organize workshops across Africa to raise awareness, educate communities on Cardano Governance, and provide the tools needed to actively participate, bridging the gap in governance participation.

[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 project outputs, including materials, resources, and documentation, will be fully open source.

[METADATA] Horizons

Governance

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Problem Perception

The core issue we aim to address is the low level of governance participation in the Cardano ecosystem from Africa, despite a growing interest in blockchain technologies. Many African communities lack the necessary awareness and knowledge of Cardano’s governance mechanisms, which results in limited engagement. This gap prevents Africa from fully contributing to and benefiting from the decentralized decision-making processes that are essential to Cardano’s vision.

Approach

Our solution is to organize a series of interactive, hands-on workshops across various African countries. These workshops will focus on educating community members about Cardano's governance structure, the significance of decentralized participation, and the opportunities available for contributing to governance decisions. We will use a community-driven approach that empowers local leaders to sustain these initiatives beyond the initial workshop series.

Engagement

Our project will engage local blockchain communities, educators, and tech enthusiasts who are already familiar with Cardano but have not yet actively participated in its governance. We will collaborate with regional hubs, universities, and technology centers to ensure broad outreach.

Impact and Uniqueness

We will measure our impact through quantitative metrics such as workshop attendance, participant feedback, and increases in governance participation metrics from African regions. By equipping African blockchain enthusiasts with the skills and knowledge to engage with Cardano’s governance framework, we will help democratize governance participation, making it more representative of Cardano’s global user base. This initiative is important for Cardano as it will bring diverse voices into decision-making processes, enhancing the ecosystem’s inclusivity and strength.

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

Positive Impact on the Cardano Community

Our project will directly contribute to increasing governance participation from Africa, which is currently underrepresented in Cardano’s decision-making processes. By organizing workshops that educate and empower participants, we aim to foster a new generation of engaged African Cardano community members who can actively contribute to governance, bring diverse perspectives, and ensure that Cardano’s development reflects the needs and ideas of users from different regions.

As more African blockchain enthusiasts get involved in Cardano’s governance, they will help create a more inclusive and decentralized ecosystem, enriching the overall governance process with their unique insights and experiences.

Measuring Impact

We will measure the impact of this project through both quantitative and qualitative means:

Quantitative:

• Number of participants attending the workshops.
• Increase in governance participation from African countries (e.g., proposals submitted, votes cast).
• Number of governance roles taken up by African community members (e.g., proposal reviewers, active contributors).

Qualitative:

• Post-workshop surveys to assess participant understanding of Cardano governance.
• Feedback from participants on how the workshops influenced their involvement.
• Success stories and testimonials from participants who became active in Cardano’s governance.

Sharing Outputs and Opportunities

We will share the outputs and opportunities from this project with the broader Cardano community through multiple channels:

• Reports and Updates: Regular progress reports will be shared on Project Catalyst forums, Cardano community hubs, and social media platforms.
• Video Content: Workshop recordings and summaries will be uploaded to community platforms like YouTube and disseminated through Catalyst Africa Townhall, ensuring accessible knowledge-sharing.
• Partnerships: We will collaborate with African blockchain communities to continuously engage participants, ensuring a lasting impact beyond the initial project phase. This engagement will include follow-up activities and invitations to join ongoing governance initiatives.

By increasing African governance participation, this project will create a more balanced and globally inclusive Cardano ecosystem, with diverse viewpoints contributing to key decisions, ultimately strengthening Cardano’s governance framework.

[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 to Deliver with Trust and Accountability

Our team at Catalyst Africa Townhall has extensive experience in organizing community-driven initiatives and blockchain educational programs across Africa. Since Fund 6, we have been actively involved in the Cardano ecosystem, successfully delivering workshops, educational content, and community engagement initiatives. We have coordinated regional and global events that connect Cardano with diverse communities, giving us a deep understanding of local dynamics and governance challenges in Africa.

Our existing partnerships with key organizations such as Accra Resource Centre, Remostarts, Goma Stake Pool, Women in Motion Solution, Cardano Ghana Community and cradano Ambassadors further bolster our capability to deliver this project. Accra Resource Centre offers state-of-the-art facilities and logistical support, while Remostarts provides advanced blockchain learning environments, ensuring participants are exposed to practical, hands-on experiences.

Feasibility Validation

To validate our approach, we will:

1. Pilot Workshops: Start with pilot workshops in key African cities to test curriculum effectiveness, participant engagement, and logistical considerations.
2. Data Collection: Monitor attendance, participation, and feedback to adjust content and improve future workshops.
3. Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with local blockchain communities and governance experts to refine our approach and ensure it meets the needs of participants.
4. Financial Oversight: A transparent budget will be outlined for each phase of the project, with funds tracked using appropriate financial tools to ensure full accountability.

Existing Capabilities

Our team consists of experienced blockchain educators, community managers, and event coordinators who have worked on various Cardano projects:

• Afia Owusu: Coordinator with expertise in managing Cardano and Catalyst programs since Fund 6, including leading the Catalyst Africa Townhall.
• Daniel: Community Manager with extensive experience organizing regional blockchain events and spearheading educational initiatives, such as the Catalyst Africa School.
• Ubio Obu: A blockchain researcher and project manager with a track record of successfully delivering blockchain initiatives, including a Fund 9 awarded proposal.
• Boaz: Elected to Represent the Community in Buenos Aires (December 2024): Recently, hosted a workshop on the Cardano Constitution and was honored to be elected to represent the community in Buenos Aires later this year.

Trustworthy Fund Management

Our team has successfully managed funds from previous Cardano Catalyst proposals and delivered results within the expected timelines. We follow a transparent financial process:

1. Budget Transparency: Every expense will be recorded and reported to the community.
2. Regular Audits: We will undergo periodic internal audits to ensure the proper allocation of funds.
3. Community Updates: Regular updates will be shared with the Cardano community, providing full transparency on how funds are spent and the progress of our project.

This structured approach ensures that we deliver the project with high levels of trust, accountability, and feasibility, backed by a track record of success.

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

Initial Milestone: Project Launch & Planning (Month 0 - Month 1)

• Objective: Kickstart the project by finalizing logistics, securing partnerships, and preparing educational materials for the governance workshops.
• Acceptance Criteria:
• Secure venues and partnerships for the first two workshops (Nigeria and Ghana).
• Develop governance education materials tailored for African audiences.
• Confirm key speakers and facilitators for the workshops.
• Announce project on social media platforms and community channels to create awareness.
• Outputs: Project timeline, confirmed workshop schedules, initial marketing campaign, and finalized workshop materials.

Milestone 2: Governance Workshop in Nigeria (Month 1 - Month 2)

• Objective: Conduct a comprehensive governance workshop in Nigeria to raise awareness and encourage participation in the Cardano ecosystem.
• Acceptance Criteria: Successful hosting of a workshop with at least 50 participants from Nigeria, collection of feedback on governance challenges, and increased sign-ups for Cardano governance participation.
• Outputs: Post-event report, feedback analysis, participant sign-up data for Cardano governance platforms.

Milestone 3: Governance Workshop in Ghana & Togo (Month 3 - 4)

• Objective: Organize a governance-focused workshop in Ghana to foster a deeper understanding of Cardano’s governance model and promote active participation.
• Acceptance Criteria: 50+ attendees from the local blockchain community, completion of governance exercises, and at least 25% of attendees indicating intent to engage in governance roles.
• Outputs: Workshop materials, participant feedback, and governance action plans developed during the session.

Milestone 4: Governance Workshop in the Democratic Republic of Congo & South Africa (Month 5 - 6)

• Objective: Host a governance workshop in DR Congo to expand the Cardano community’s understanding of governance and participation.
• Acceptance Criteria: Engage at least 60 attendees, provide governance materials in French, and establish a local governance working group.
• Outputs: Establishment of a Congo governance working group, post-workshop analysis, and participant feedback.

Final Milestone: Project Review & Impact Reporting (Month 7 - 8)

• Objective: Conclude the series of governance workshops by conducting a comprehensive project review and measuring the overall impact on governance participation in Africa.
• Acceptance Criteria:
• Compile and analyze participant feedback and governance participation data from all five workshops.
• Measure increased governance activity in the Cardano ecosystem from African participants.
• Share findings and insights with the Cardano community through a detailed impact report.
• Propose next steps for sustaining governance education and participation in Africa.
• Outputs: Final project report, governance participation metrics, impact analysis, and recommendations for future initiatives.

[RESOURCES] Who is in the project team and what are their 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 Breakdown (100,000 ADA)

1. Workshop Logistics (5 Workshops)

• Venue Rental & Setup (Nigeria, Ghana, Togo, Congo, South Africa):
• Cost per workshop: 3,000 ADA
• Total for 5 workshops: 15,000 ADA

• Equipment Rental (Projectors, Sound Systems, etc.):
• Cost per workshop: 900 ADA
• Total for 5 workshops: 4,500 ADA

• Refreshments & Meals for Participants:
• Cost per workshop: 3000 ADA
• Total for 5 workshops: 15,000 ADA

2. Travel & Accommodation

• For Workshop Coordinators, Trainers, and Speakers:
• Travel per workshop (flights, transportation, etc.): 1,500 ADA
• Accommodation per workshop: 1,000 ADA
• Total for 5 workshops: 12,500 ADA

3. Marketing & Publicity

• Online Campaigns, Flyers, and Social Media Promotion:
• Cost for entire project: 5,000 ADA

• Community Engagement Events (pre-workshop engagement with blockchain communities):
• Cost per country: 1,000 ADA
• Total for 5 countries: 5,000 ADA

4. Educational Materials Development & Translation

• Workshop Curriculum Development: 3,500 ADA
• Translation Services (French, Swahili, other local languages): 2,000 ADA
• Total: 6,000 ADA

5. Facilitation Fees & Project Management

• Workshop Facilitators (Trainers, Speakers, etc.):
• Fee per workshop: 2,000 ADA
• Total for 5 workshops: 10,000 ADA

• Project Manager & Coordinator Fees (Overall project oversight):
• Cost for entire project: 8,000 ADA

6. Reporting & Documentation

• Final Report Compilation & Impact Analysis: 3,000 ADA
• Workshop Documentation (video recording, editing, and publication): 1,500 ADA
• Total: 4,500 ADA

7. Miscellaneous & Contingency

• Contingency Fund (unexpected costs): 10,000 ADA
• Miscellaneous (small unplanned expenses): 5,000 ADA
• Total: 15,000 ADA

Grand Total: 100,000 ADA

Third-Party Products and Services

• Software Licenses: None required.
• Hardware: Equipment rented on a per-event basis (projectors, sound systems, etc.).
• Professional Services: Facilitators, Translators, Marketing services.

Alternative Funding

• If the budget exceeds the funding request, we will explore partnerships with blockchain companies, NGOs, and African tech hubs. Crowdfunding and voluntary community contributions are also being considered.

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

The proposed budget of 100,000 ADA for this project represents excellent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem, as it directly addresses the issue of low governance participation in Africa—a critical region for Cardano's growth and decentralization goals.

1. Workshops for Large Impact:
2. Each workshop is strategically planned to reach blockchain communities in five key African countries: Nigeria, Ghana, Togo, Congo, and South Africa. These workshops are not just one-time events but are designed to cultivate long-term governance participation in Cardano, equipping attendees with the knowledge and tools to engage in decision-making processes. The cost of 2,000 ADA per workshop for logistics and facilitation is reasonable when considering venue rental, professional trainers, and high-quality delivery.
3. Local Cost Considerations:
4. The costs are aligned with local economic conditions. For example, travel and accommodation expenses are moderate, considering African domestic and regional travel rates. Facilitators and project managers are compensated at rates that are competitive within the region but reflect the value they bring through their expertise.
5. Leverage of Existing Infrastructure:
6. By utilizing the Accra Resource Center’s existing infrastructure and networks, the project reduces potential costs related to setting up new training centers, making the project more financially efficient.
7. Proportional to Industry Standards:
8. The rates for facilitators and project managers are in line with the average freelance rates for blockchain trainers and project coordinators in Sub-Saharan Africa, ensuring that we are compensating experts fairly while still optimizing costs. For example, facilitator fees of 2,000 ADA per workshop are typical for skilled professionals in this region.
9. Long-Term ROI for the Cardano Ecosystem:
10. By increasing governance participation, the project brings long-term value. A more inclusive governance system ensures that Cardano's decisions and direction reflect global perspectives, especially from underrepresented regions. This fosters decentralization, strengthens community engagement, and enhances the credibility of Cardano as a blockchain for all.

Conclusion

The cost of the project is justified as it targets a pressing issue in an economically efficient way, ensuring the Cardano ecosystem benefits from greater global governance participation. Additionally, through responsible financial planning and leveraging local resources, this project maximizes impact while keeping costs reasonable.