Last updated 5 months ago
There is a growing interest in Cardano across Africa, especially in Ghana, but many community members lack structured education in Cardano fundamentals, governance and ecosystem tools and platforms.
We are launching dynamic hands-on Cardano Bootcamp, a 90-day mission to inspire and equip 100 Ghanaians with the knowledge, skills and vision to become empowered contributors in the Cardano ecosystem.
This is the total amount allocated to Cardano Ghana Bootcamp.
Please provide your proposal title
Cardano Ghana Bootcamp
Enter the amount of funding you are requesting in ADA
33000
Please specify how many months you expect your project to last
3
Please indicate if your proposal has been auto-translated
No
Original Language
en
What is the problem you want to solve?
There is a growing interest in Cardano across Africa, especially in Ghana, but many community members lack structured education in Cardano fundamentals, governance and ecosystem tools and platforms.
Supporting links
Does your project have any dependencies on other organizations, technical or otherwise?
No
Describe any dependencies or write 'No dependencies'
No dependencies
Will your project's outputs be fully open source?
Yes
License and Additional Information
Regular updates on project progress will be shared through the Cardano Forum and the Cardano Ghana X (Twitter) page.
Both pre- and post-workshop feedback data will be made publicly available on Cardano community social channels and the forum.
The project team is fully committed to adhering to the milestone-based reporting structure, ensuring transparency and accountability throughout the implementation process.
Please choose the most relevant theme and tag related to the outcomes of your proposal
Training
Who you’re targeting, how you’ll reach them, and why this matters for Cardano.
The bootcamp targets 500+ members of the Cardano Ghana community, active in roles from Project Catalyst to Intersect, with notable contributions to Voltaire. Outreach will be via email and community channels. The program will enhance members’ knowledge through CBCA certification, strengthen governance participation and build proficiency in Cardano tools to ensure they remain active, credible and impactful in ecosystem decision-making.
Provide a list of key activities of your project?
What are your success metrics?
Please describe your proposed solution and how it addresses the problem
The Cardano Ghana Bootcamp is our strategic initiative to unlock Ghana’s potential within the Cardano ecosystem. Spanning 90 days and featuring two intensive in-person workshops each month, the program will equip 100 participants with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in Cardano’s technical, governance and broader ecosystem domains. This is not a passive learning experience. It is a hands-on journey designed to cultivate Cardano pioneers through three foundational pillars:
We are introducing the Cardano Blockchain Certified Associate pathway to Ghana, a world-class educational track designed as a launchpad for blockchain mastery. Participants will gain in-depth knowledge of Cardano’s advanced architecture, the Ouroboros consensus protocol, smart contracts, and the foundational technologies that position Cardano as a leader in the blockchain space. This pillar aims to cultivate a new generation of certified Cardano professionals in Ghana, ready to build, innovate and lead.
Cardano’s governance model represents a new era of decentralized democracy. We are opening the doors for active participation. Through practical hands-on training, participants will explore the structures and processes of IntersectMBO, Project Catalyst, on-chain governance, proposal development, delegate representation and treasury management. This is not merely education; it is a pathway to empowerment, enabling participants to play an informed and impactful role in shaping the future of Cardano at both local and global levels.
Cardano offers a robust and rapidly growing ecosystem including wallets, decentralized applications (DApps), DeFi platforms, NFTs, identity frameworks and governance portals. This pillar will provides participants with immersive real-world engagement with these tools. By building practical skills and hands-on experience, they will become well-equipped Cardano ambassadors capable of fostering adoption, developing solutions and connecting communities across Ghana and beyond.
In Summary
The Cardano Ghana Bootcamp is more than a program; it is a catalyst for a Cardano-driven transformation in Africa. These 100 participants will become pioneers of adoption, innovation and leadership, advancing Cardano’s vision of a decentralized and inclusive global future. Together, we will be laying the foundation to build that future in Africa starting here in Ghana.
Please define the positive impact your project will have on the wider Cardano community
By offering the Cardano Blockchain Certified Associate, the project will produce a new wave of trained and certified individuals who understand the core principles, infrastructure and applications of Cardano. This will expand the pool of local professionals who can develop, support and evangelize Cardano-based solutions across various industries.
Through governance-focused training on IntersectMBO, Delegated Representative (DRep) and Catalyst, participants will be equipped to engage in Cardano’s decision-making processes. This will result in a broader, more informed and more diverse voter base in Cardano and Catalyst, enriching the quality of community proposals, discussions and treasury management.
The project directly strengthens Cardano’s footprint in Ghana by introducing the ecosystem to professionals, developers, entrepreneurs and community leaders. As participants become advocates and builders, the local presence will create new Cardano-aligned communities, projects and collaborations across the nation.
With targeted education around proposal creation, governance structures and project follow-through, the initiative will improve the quality of proposals submitted by Ghanaian participants. Better proposals mean better-funded projects, ultimately translating into higher-value delivery for the ecosystem.
By integrating ecosystem tools and hands-on sessions into the training, the program nurtures a new generation of developers who will become familiar with Cardano's frameworks, such as Haskel, Plutus, Marlowe, Atala PRISM and more. This pipeline is crucial for scaling DApp development and expanding the network utility.
Equipped with blockchain knowledge and governance insight, participants will be inspired to create localized solutions that address real-world challenges using Cardano. This will catalyze a new wave of homegrown innovations that demonstrate the real-world utility and scalability of the Cardano blockchain in Ghanaian contexts.
In smmary, this project will significantly advance Cardano’s mission of decentralization, education and innovation. By empowering individuals in Ghana with the knowledge and tools to engage fully in the blockchain space, it strengthens Cardano’s global reach while adding depth and diversity to its community. The long-term value lies not just in immediate outcomes, but in the enduring network of informed, active participants who will continue to grow the ecosystem.
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?
Team Capability:
Cardano Ghana Bootcamp will be managed by Seidu Ziblim, Mohammed Mustapha and the core Cardano Ghana team, who bring deep experience, commitment and a proven track record within the Cardano ecosystem. Seidu Ziblim, currently serves as the Governance Lead for the Cardano Ghana Community and a registered DRep, while Mohammed Mustapha is Cardano Ambassador, both were delegate to the Cardano Constitutional Convention and are active members of IntersectMBO, the member-based organization responsible for stewarding Cardano’s open-source development and governance.
The Cardano Ghana team is not new to the ecosystem; we have been actively involved since 2021, accumulating deep knowledge of Cardano tools, platforms and governance processes. We have successfully completed five Catalyst-funded projects, covering areas such as education, onboarding, outreach and media. These experiences have refined our operational processes, enhanced our community engagement and strengthened our accountability practices. Evidence on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@CardanoGhana
Project Feasibility:
Our team has already taken the initiative to begin onboarding participants into the Cardano Blockchain Certified Associate course. Several members have successfully completed the course, and we have supported learners using our own resources, including providing internet data to ensure consistent access and motivation. This early effort demonstrates both our commitment and capacity to deliver educational support in a low-resource environment. Evidence here: https://youtu.be/-x43-sLBc1A
Our community is strong and growing. We have an active base of developers, students, entrepreneurs and blockchain enthusiasts who regularly engage in community calls, workshops and governance events. This provides a reliable pool of motivated learners and future contributors to the Cardano ecosystem.
Given our hands-on experience, established networks and ongoing educational efforts, we are confident in our ability to deliver this project effectively and within the proposed timeline and budget. The foundation has already been laid. Now with Catalyst support, we aim to scale our efforts to reach more participants and sustain our impacts.
Milestone Title
CBCA Education and Certification
Milestone Outputs
This milestone focuses on delivering foundational blockchain education through the Cardano Blockchain Certified Associate course. Participants will be introduced to Cardano’s architecture, consensus mechanisms and the key principles that power the blockchain. The goal is to build technical confidence and prepare forty (40) participants to become certified blockchain associates.
Acceptance Criteria
**Bullted below: **
Evidence of Completion
• Workshops recordings and attendance sheets
• Digital badges/Certificate from the Cardano Academy
• Course completion data and attendance list
• Survey summaries showing knowledge progression
Delivery Month
1
Cost
9900
Progress
40 %
Milestone Title
Governance Learning and Participation
Milestone Outputs
This milestone introduces participants to Cardano’s governance model, including IntersectMBO, Project Catalyst and the DRep system. Practical sessions will focus on how to engage in decision-making processes, proposals creating and reviews, voting and treasury governance. The aim is to prepare thirty (30) participants for active roles in Cardano’s evolving on-chain governance.
Acceptance Criteria
• Two Physical governance workshops delivered
• At least 30 Participants join IntersectMBO
• At least 20 participants sign up on governance platforms like
GovTools or Tempo and Catalyst App
• At least 20 Participants prepared to submit proposals or vote in the next catalyst round.
• At least 25 Participants delegates their wallets to their prefer DReps
Evidence of Completion
• Workshops recordings and attendance sheets
• List of DReps participants delegates to
• List of participants who joined IntersecMBO
• Platforms engagement reports
Delivery Month
2
Cost
9900
Progress
70 %
Milestone Title
Exploration of Ecosystem Tools and Platforms
Milestone Outputs
Climaxing the project, participants will explore various tools and platforms developed within the Cardano ecosystem, such as wallets, dApps, DeFi & NFTs platforms, governance portals and community resources. The sessions will be interactive, giving thirty (30) participants the opportunity to apply what they’ve learned and possibly initiate Cardano-based projects.
Acceptance Criteria
• Two Physical workshops delivered
• At least 30 Participants explore and report on the use of Cardano tools and platforms
• At least 25 newbies Participants create Cardano wallets
• Pre- and post-workshops surveys conducted
• Project Closeout report and Video
Evidence of Completion
• Workshops recordings and attendance sheets
• Screenshots, testimonials and tool usage reports
• List of wallets address created
• Link to Project Closeout report and video
Delivery Month
3
Cost
13200
Progress
100 %
Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources
Facilitators & Trainers – 3 per session × 6 sessions: 5,940.00 ADA
Workshop Coordination & Moderation – General workshops facilitation and flow: 2,310.00 ADA
Internet Data Bundles – 100 participants: 990.00 ADA
Learning Incentives / Rewards – Branded merch, small ADA prizes, etc.: 2,310.00 ADA
CBCA & Governance Certification Support – Exam prep, governance tools & verification: 1,650.00 ADA
Participation Kits – Notebooks, pens, brochure: 1,650.00 ADA
Snacks & Lunch – Participants and Team: 1,898.00 ADA
Venue Rental – 6 venues: 2,574.00 ADA
Audio-Visual & Transport – Setup, projector, mic, local team transportation: 1,518.00 ADA
Branding & Materials Design – Slides, banners, T-shirts, mugs, backdrops: 1,650.00 ADA
Video Recording / Editing – Short reels, highlights, raw footage archive: 1,980.00 ADA
Media & Promotion – Social media, flyers, online engagement: 792.00 ADA
Surveys, Feedback & Tracking Tools – Feedback forms, DRep/CBCA/Gov. participation tracking: 528.00 ADA
Documentation & Reporting – Infographic, report, photos, write-ups: 990.00 ADA
Team Stipends & Coordination – 7 team members (event support, logistics, planning): 3,432.00 ADA
Electricity / Generator Support – For projector/audio during outage-prone times: 478.00 ADA
Security – Workshops security/local volunteer support: 660.00 ADA
Miscellaneous & Contingency (5%) – Buffer for surprises or price changes: 1,650.00 ADA
TOTAL: 33,000.00 ADA
How does the cost of the project represent value for the Cardano ecosystem?
This Bootcamp represents a high-impact, cost-effective investment that delivers tangible outcomes to the Cardano ecosystem. With a modest budget of 33,000 ADA, the program activates grassroots participation, grows technical capacity and stimulates local innovation. All of which support Cardano’s long-term sustainability.
Cost-Efficient Capacity Building
By training 100 participants through a structured and hands-on program, the project provides blockchain and governance education at an average of 330 ADA per participant. Compared to traditional professional development programs or international certifications, this is highly cost-effective. The long-term return on this investment lies in the emergence of a skilled and certified community of Cardano advocates and builders.
Ripple Effect of Ecosystem Engagement
Participants of this training are not only learners. They are future multipliers. Each trained individual becomes capable of onboarding others into Cardano, participating in governance, building localized solutions or mentoring newcomers. This multiplier effect ensures that the benefits of the initial investment ripple far beyond the initial 100 participants.
Strengthening Cardano Governance Engagement
With a strong focus on Catalyst and Voltaire education, this project directly supports the decentralization and legitimacy of Cardano governance. By equipping participants the skills to vote, submit proposals, delegate to a DRep or serve as DReps. This bootcamp ensures that, more informed voices from Ghana are heard in decision-making processes, making governance more inclusive and resilient.
Real Use of Ecosystem Tools and Platforms
The bootcamp will promotes practical usage of Cardano-native tools like wallets, DApps, identity platforms and governance portals. This kind of hands-on interaction deepens user familiarity and builds confidence, contributing to tool adoption and feedback cycles that are essential for developer improvements and ecosystem growth.
Low Operational Costs with High Local Commitment
The bootcamp is builds on an already active community with a strong history of voluntary engagement and successful Catalyst-funded work. Much of the groundwork, including CBCA onboarding has already begun using personal and community resources. The Catalyst budget serves to enhance and scale what’s already working, not to start from scratch.
Strong Team with Proven Track Record
Led by Seidu Ziblim and Mohammed Mustapha, Seidu, a governance leader, DRep, both are Intersect members and supported by the experienced Cardano Ghana core team, the project’s management is in capable hands. With five completed Catalyst projects and community roots dating back to 2021, the team has demonstrated its ability to deliver, account and communicate outcomes transparently.
Regional Inclusion and Ecosystem Diversity
The Cardano ecosystem benefits when it is global, inclusive and representative. This project deepens Cardano’s reach in Africa, particularly Ghana, a region rich in potential but underrepresented in blockchain governance and development. Supporting initiatives like this not only aligns with Cardano’s mission of global inclusion but also diversifies the perspectives that shape its future.
Project Sustainability
This project is designed for long-term sustainability by building human capital and offering formal certification (CBCA) that supports ongoing professional growth. Participants will stay active through integration into the existing Cardano Ghana community, which has been vibrant since 2021. Practical governance tools and roles like DReps ensure continued involvement in the ecosystem. The program also ends with community-led feedback report, laying the groundwork for future proposals, partnerships and bootcamps. Supported by Catalyst and experienced mentors, these efforts will fuel a continuous cycle of innovation, education and participation, ensuring the project’s impact extends well beyond its initial funding phase.
Terms and Conditions:
Yes
Seidu Ziblim – Project Lead
Seidu Ziblim, is the co-founder of the Cardano Ghana community, the Ghanaian representative in the Asia–Africa Cardano Coalition, and Governance Lead of the Cardano Ghana DRep. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and a Cardano Certified Blockchain Associate (CBCA), as well as a certified Blockchain Fundamentals professional.
Seidu, has been a prominent speaker on Cardano’s governance structure, delivering impactful presentations on the subject. He served as a delegate to the Cardano Constitutional Convention and has successfully implemented two Catalyst-funded projects.
X (Twitter): https://x.com/seiduziblim
Role & Responsibilities:
• Provide overall leadership, vision, and strategic direction for the project
• Oversee program design, implementation, and delivery of all bootcamp modules
• Act as the primary liaison between the project team, partners, and the global Cardano community
• Ensure alignment of the bootcamp’s goals with Cardano’s mission of decentralization, education, and innovation
• Manage stakeholder engagement and reporting
Mohammed Mustapha – Project Coordinator
Mohammed Mustapha is a co-founder of the Cardano Ghana community and a Cardano Ambassador. He holds an MBA in Business Administration and an MSc in Information Technology. A seasoned Cardano educator, Mohammed has delivered several Cardano 1.0 presentations and onboarded hundreds of individuals into the Cardano ecosystem.
He has successfully completed three Catalyst-funded projects and served as a delegate to the Cardano Constitutional Convention.
X (Twitter): https://x.com/mmustaphayakubu
Role & Responsibilities:
• Manage the day-to-day operations of the bootcamp
• Coordinate logistics for workshops, training sessions, and community engagement activities
• Monitor project timelines, ensuring milestones and deliverables are achieved
• Facilitate communication between the Project Lead, operatives, and participants
• Support in tracking budgets, resources, and operational requirements.
Core Cardano Ghana Team – Project Operatives
The Core Cardano Ghana Team is composed of five active members, each holding a Bachelor’s degree in fields such as Accounting, Political Science, and Administration. Three members are certified Cardano Blockchain Certified Associates (CBCA) and Moderators (L2) in Project Catalyst.
The team has an impressive track record, including hosting the Global Cardano Constitutional Workshop and the Catalyst Working Groups Workshop. They have also been regular hosts of the annual Cardano Summit in Ghana and maintain an active partnership with the Catalyst Africa Town Hall.
X (Twitter): https://x.com/cardanoghana
Role & Responsibilities:
• Support workshop delivery, facilitation of training modules, and mentorship for participants
• Handle participant onboarding, progress tracking, and post-training follow-up
• Manage communication channels, social media updates, and community outreach
• Assist in technical setup for governance simulations, learning sessions, and ecosystem tool demonstrations
• Provide feedback and recommendations to improve program content and delivery