Infrastructure Boost in Africa

Without support, electricity and internet accessibility challenges will hamstring Cardano's overall potential and goal to bank the unbanked

Create well resourced Community Centres in African countries where communities solve local problems on Cardano & expand Cardano's market

The issue of infrastructure being a limitation in grassroots Africa accessing the potential of Cardano and DLT in general is no secret. 

Will this challenge,

1. Provide a springboard for Cardano adoption?
2. Advance Cardano's mission?
3. Engage the Cardano Community?

Yes, we believe so!

The on the ground metrics to ensure this challenge is delivered on

• Number of hubs/community centres with back-up and stable power supply with high-speed internet access, designed to maintain a stake pool operation
• Number of hubs/community centres with space and equipment for classes and work
• Number of new community members onboarded (e.g. devs, enterprises, thought leaders etc.)

Rationale for Budget

This challenge anticipates an average budget of $30k space, equipment and operating costs annually in 10 locations per funding round.

Africa is fertile ground for the adoption of Cardano.

"Having a funding round that focuses on Africa is a win, win, win scenario. Africa wins by getting some backing. Commercial projects that are already building up in Africa win because they get the signal of support from our community. Cardano holders win when there is an encouraging environment for mass adoption anywhere.

Focussing on Africa is a strategy that has often been promoted and is openly pursued by IOG and Charles Hoskinson

The ROI is likely to be high because community sponsored projects are better run in young and developing economies".

 - Greg Bell & Steve Lockhart (Fund3 "Grow Africa, Grow Cardano" Community Challenge)

For projects in Africa to start building on Cardano, the issue of accessibility needs to be addressed. 

• Foremost among them are the basic infrastructure needs that many in the western world take for granted, but are often things that African localities do not commonly have available at a level that will support the development of such a highly technical ecosystem.  Electrical supply with UPS integration and backup generators is something that must be secured as local power companies are often subject to brownouts/blackouts.
• Internet accessibility that will support inter-hub and international cyber-meetings as well as stake-pool operations is something that must be pursued and acquired.
• In addition to those basic needs are also the hardware required to support developers, teachers, students and the associated community outreach each hub is planning.

How this challenge addresses the problem

The issue of access is already a well articulated problem. African Governments and private entities like World Mobile are hard at work building infrastructure. 

This challenge will therefore look for local implementors to acquire, equip and resource local community centres/hubs where communities can be mobilized to solve problems on Cardano

Challenge amounts should only be proposed in increments of $25K. Other amounts not in these increments will be rounded up. E.g. $27,500 will be rounded up to $50,000.