Please describe your proposed solution
Our proposed solution is to organize the West Africa Undergraduate & Early Developer Hackathon, a region-wide event aimed at solving the shortage of blockchain developers in the region by introducing Cardano to undergraduates and early developers through a structured, hands-on experience.
Problem Perception:
The scarcity of skilled developers in West Africa is hindering Cardano's regional growth. While there is high interest in blockchain, many students and early developers lack practical exposure to Cardano. By directly engaging with students and developers through a hackathon, we can bridge this gap and build a skilled talent pipeline.
Why This Approach?
Hackathons have proven effective in promoting real-world learning, creativity, and collaboration among developers. By hosting an immersive experience, paired with training workshops, mentorship, and community-building efforts, participants will not only learn but also actively contribute to Cardano through the development of innovative projects. This approach is designed to foster long-term engagement and skill development, ensuring that participants remain part of the ecosystem even after the event.
This project will target:
- Undergraduate students from universities in Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, and Ivory Coast.
- Early-stage developers who are new to blockchain development.
- Cardano community members who will serve as mentors and trainers.
Participants will benefit from:
- Direct mentorship from experienced Cardano developers.
- Training on Plutus, smart contracts, and other Cardano technologies.
- A competitive environment that encourages innovation.
Unique Aspects:
- Regional Focus: This will be one of the first large-scale hackathon in West Africa dedicated to Cardano, creating a unique opportunity to onboard local talent.
- Hands-On Learning: Unlike traditional hackathons, this event will provide pre-hackathon training to equip participants with the necessary skills.
- Sustainable Community Building: Long after the hackathon ends, established student clubs in the universities will ensure that engagement continues leading to more developers joining Cardano.
This project will expand the Cardano ecosystem in a high-growth region, fostering new developers who will contribute to the long-term success of the platform. By creating a sustainable, region-specific solution, Cardano will not only gain a new pool of skilled developers but also increase its visibility and adoption in West Africa.