Yosuke Yoshida

Shogo Ishida

shogo

*By [Shogo Ishida](https://www.linkedin.com/in/shogo-mubarak-oluwasegun/) and [Yosuke Yoshida](https://www.linkedin.com/in/yosuke-yoshida-82754b159/), co-CEOs, EMURGO MEA* 

Across Africa, a new digital gold rush in the form of bitcoin mining is underway. Thanks to cheap electricity, China’s crypto mining ban, a tech-savvy population and supportive regimes, at least 10 countries in the continent are attracting large-scale bitcoin mining operations even as the cryptocurrency [halved on April 19](https://www.cnbc.com/2024/04/19/bitcoin-network-completes-fourth-ever-halving-of-rewards-to-miners.html).

![Green Energy used to Mine Crypto in Africa](//images.ctfassets.net/vmoowpwj5a39/1Sarx2Vqf3zmpHUkmkL6FT/e59c264bcfb66743cc12dda2bf052025/960x0.webp)

While there may be less than 2 million bitcoins left to mine out of the possible 21 million, mining activities in Africa have been greeted with excitement, with new jobs being created, and foreign currency injected into the economy. 

The global cryptocurrency mining market size [grew to $1.92 billion](https://www.precedenceresearch.com/cryptocurrency-mining-market) in 2022, and is projected to hit $7 billion by 2032. Africa wants a piece of this market as bitcoin’s value keeps rising. 

Despite some countries experiencing power cuts and the fact that bitcoin mining is an energy intensive venture, their citizens see crypto as the new mode of store of value and an alternative to fluctuating value of local currencies. In most of the countries, miners use green energy.

__Key Takeaways__

- Ethiopia leads Africa in the rush into bitcoin mining.
- With more apps, bitcoin mining is now accessible to many Nigerians. A power plant for bitcoin mining is under construction.
- Kenya’s off-grid power system to mine bitcoins are powering up rural communities. 
- In South Africa, crypto laws are causing bitcoin mining to flourish.
- Angola plans to ban bitcoin mining but operations continue.
- Libya is the most prolific miner of bitcoins in the Middle East and Africa.
- Most of Uganda’s bitcoin mining is small-scale but it's growing.
- Cheap power, strong currency are attracting bitcoin miners in Zambia.
- A village in Malawi got connected to electricity thanks to bitcoin mining. 
- Bitcoin mining in the Virunga National Park is boosting the DRC’s conservation efforts.

__Ethiopia is Africa’s Bitcoin Mining Nexus__

Bitcoin mining, the process by which transactions are verified and added to the bitcoin blockchain, requires substantial computational power and energy. It's a competitive field where profitability hinges on factors like electricity costs, hardware efficiency, and regulatory environment.  

Ethiopia, with its vast hydroelectric resources and government embrace of blockchain technology, has become a magnet for bitcoin miners, transforming the country into Africa's bitcoin mining powerhouse.

The allure for miners is simple: cheap electricity. Ethiopia boasts some of the lowest electricity rates globally, thanks to its massive hydropower dams like the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).  According to Bloomberg, miners are securing power deals for as low as $3.14 cents per kilowatt hour, a fraction of the cost in other regions.

This cost advantage is proving irresistible, particularly for Chinese miners who have faced a crackdown in their home country.  There are at least 21 mining firms, primarily Chinese, that have already inked deals with the Ethiopian government to establish large-scale mining operations. 

Ethiopia started embracing Bitcoin mining in 2022, primarily due to the foreign currency payments made by companies for their electricity consumption. Ethiopian Bitcoin mining firm QRB Labs presented the mining as a viable solution to the government two years ago. 

Over the past decade, the nation has bolstered its ties with China, evident in the involvement of numerous Chinese firms in the construction of the $4.8 billion GERD dam, which now serves as a power source for bitcoin miners. 

In February, the Ethiopian government's investment arm, Ethiopian Investment Holdings (EIH), sealed a $250 million deal with Honk Kong-based West Data Group's Center Service PLC for the establishment of a substantial data center to oversee cryptocurrency mining activities. 

Bitcluster, a Russian company specializing in bitcoin mining, has successfully established its inaugural 120 MW bitcoin mining complex. Concurrently, enterprises like Hashlabs Mining are embarking on the construction of bitcoin mining facilities in Ethiopia to cater to their international clientele.

__Nigerians Rush Into Apps to Mine Bitcoin, Startups Set Up Green Sources of Power__

Nigerians are finding a new way to tap into the global digital gold rush: mobile bitcoin mining apps. This surge comes amid a wave of innovation, as startups address the challenge of providing a cheap and reliable energy source for cryptocurrency mining.
For many Nigerians, traditional mining rigs are out of reach due to their high cost and energy demands. However, the emergence of [mobile apps](https://bitpapa.com/blog/how-to/top-mining-apps-nigeria) like Sitefinity, Geomine, Digitrack, Bitmine, Minetracker and Hashflare has opened the door for anyone with a smartphone to participate. These apps allow users to remotely rent computing power from large-scale mining facilities, earning a share of the bitcoin mined based on their contribution.
To make mining power affordable and environmentally sustainable, Lagos-based startup SunCoin provides solar-powered mobile mining units. These compact units, equipped with solar panels and high-efficiency mining chips, can be deployed in homes or businesses, offering a sustainable and cost-effective solution for individual miners. 

In yet another effort towards green bitcoin mining, last November, Trojan Mining, a Nigerian crypto mining company that started operations in 2021, announced work is ongoing on the construction of a 500KW hydro-powered bitcoin mining facility in Nigeria. 

This is expected to boost the available electricity supply and even make it affordable to miners. Trojan trains the youth on bitcoin mining and hires them. The company is a founding member of the [Green Africa Mining Alliance](https://www.gama.africa/)—an umbrella of African bitcoin mining firms looking to use renewable energy for crypto mining. Other members are Gridless Compute and Sukuma Ventures in Kenya, BigBlock Datacenter in the Republic of Congo, QRB in Ethiopia, and Quantum Hash Ventures in Zambia.

![Crypto Mining Farm](//images.ctfassets.net/vmoowpwj5a39/6raewtDpqanJDGLE6xUDFM/e2d74f3de1d99cf2f2ae42d8682f046f/bitcoin-mining-farm-gID_2.webp)

__Rural Communities in Kenya, Malawi and Zambia That are Empowered by Mining Firm__

Gridless Compute, a Kenyan company specializing in the design, construction, and operation of bitcoin mining facilities, is pioneering bitcoin mining in the country. Established in 2022, the company has built hydro-electric mini-grids in Murang’a County, central Kenya in a partnership with HydroBox, an African hydroelectric power company.

These mini-grids utilize river water to generate electricity, powering bitcoin mining operations. In Murang’a, Gridless operates bitcoin mining sites, lowering energy rates for 2,000 people (500 families) in the area. The company says it has helped reduce the cost of electricity in the village from $10 per month to $4. 

Through bitcoin mining, Gridless not only generates income to sustain its mini-grids but also delivers affordable electricity to over 1,800 households in Bondo, Malawi who live far from the national grid. In Malawi, Gridless works with power producers to keep the power price affordable. All of their employees are from the community. The fact that Malawi has a stable political environment is attracting bitcoin miners to the country. 

The project has garnered attention from the global cryptocurrency community. Former Twitter (X) CEO Jack Dorsey's digital payments firm, Block, along with the bitcoin-focused venture firm Stillmark, spearheaded a $2 million seed investment into Gridless. The company intends to utilize this investment to expand its mining operations in Kenya, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Malawi and the DRC with investments in hydro, geothermal and biomass mini grids.

Apart from Gridless, Kenya’s largest electricity company KenGen [issued an open invite](https://blockworks.co/news/geothermal-kenyas-solution-to-crypto-minings-energy-demand?ref=hashrateindex.com) to bitcoin miners to make use of its abundant geothermal energy in 2022. Kenya is [the biggest](https://www.the-star.co.ke/sasa/word-is/2023-05-15-inside-geothermal-plant-that-is-biggest-in-africa/) geothermal energy-producing country in Africa. 

In Zambia, although the central bank has cautioned against the risks associated with cryptocurrencies, it has not expressly forbidden bitcoin mining. In 2018, the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) issued guidelines outlining the taxation procedures for cryptocurrencies, including bitcoin mining. A crypto law is currently underway.

Zambia may have a relatively modest mining presence, but its potential is considerable, owing to its affordable electricity rates, favorable business environment, and relative political stability compared to other African nations. 

Gridless Compute has established operations in Zambia at minigrid sites similar to those in Kenya and Malawi. Typically, smaller-scale mining activities akin to those observed in Malawi are prevalent in the country.
__
In South Africa, Bitcoin Mining Goes on Amid Load Shedding__

South Africa, long known for long periods of power blackouts due to load shedding, is also an active member of the bitcoin mining club in Africa. 

The country, which scores the highest in crypto spending power in the continent, is experiencing a surge in bitcoin mining, especially in Western Cape and Johannesburg. Bitmart, Valr, and Luno are the biggest bitcoin mining business operators in South Africa. With the promise of lucrative returns, supported by crypto regulations, miners have set up mining operations, ranging from small-scale setups in homes to larger, industrial-scale operations.

South Africa’s electricity is predominantly coal powered, thanks in part to its vast coal reserves, but recent calls for a shift to renewable energy have seen bitcoin miners switch to energy sources like wind and solar.  Bitcoin mining companies are developing mobile mining units powered by solar panels.  These units can be deployed in remote areas with abundant sunshine, alleviating the strain on the national grid while bringing economic opportunities to underserved communities.

According to South Africa’s National Treasury, bitcoin mining is legal in the country, with the proceeds of bitcoin mining being subject to tax and exchange control regulations. South Africa's pragmatic approach to cryptocurrencies, with a focus on responsible crypto mining, creates a stable and predictable environment for miners. This, in combination with the country's existing advantages like cheap energy, positions it as a prime location for bitcoin mining to flourish.

__In Angola Mining Continues Even as Government Plans to Ban Operations, Uganda and Namibia Hope to Grow Their Activity__

Angola, despite a nationwide plan to ban cryptocurrency mining this year, has become an unexpected hotspot for bitcoin miners. The government's primary concern surrounding the ban is the environmental impact of energy-intensive mining operations.  

The bill on Cryptocurrency and Other Virtual Asset Mining, set to be discussed by parliament, includes provisions for imprisonment for individuals found in possession of computer equipment, communication devices and infrastructure intended for crypto mining.

The country relies heavily on hydropower, and the strain on the national grid posed by large-scale mining is deemed unacceptable despite  Angola having one of the largest hydroelectric production capacities of any country in Africa at 5.14 Gigawatts. 

There has been a crackdown on bitcoin miners in recent months, but on the outskirts of the capital Luanda and at the borders, enterprising individuals have set up small-scale mining rigs, often powered by generators.  For Angolans living in remote areas, cryptocurrency offers an attractive alternative to traditional financial systems with limited reach. As at April 2024, Angola was ranked fourth among African countries with the most crypto-mining operations. It follows Libya, Egypt and South Africa.

Uganda's presence in Africa's Bitcoin mining landscape is relatively modest, marked by minimal hashrate. However, there exist encouraging prospects for miners in the nation to leverage stranded hydroelectric power resources, especially those stemming from microgrids. Nevertheless, the majority of this mining activity remains small-scale due to Uganda’s limited hydroelectric potential. 

At times, the Ugandan Central Bank and government have adopted stern or equivocal positions regarding cryptocurrency in general. However, there has been a shift in recent years, with officials creating avenues for regulating cryptocurrency enterprises.

In Namibia, though the government has created a crypto law - the [Virtual Assets Act](https://www.coindesk.com/policy/2023/07/25/namibias-crypto-assets-bill-is-now-a-law/), it offers little clarity for service providers such as bitcoin miners. However, one company - Bitcoin Mining Namibia - is already supplying bitcoin mining equipment to local miners in its mission to ensure there is a “bitcoin miner in every household” using s[olar energy credit financing](https://mme.gov.na/energy/srf/) from the government.

__Libya is the Top Bitcoin Mining Country in Africa and the Arab World__

[Libya tops](https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/bitcoin-mining-by-country) Africa and the Middle East in terms of bitcoin mining hashrate in 2024. Hashrate is the total combined computational power used to mine and process transactions on the Proof-of-Work bitcoin blockchain. Although officially deemed illegal under Sharia law, Bitcoin mining has experienced a notable surge in Libya, attributed in part to the nation's low electricity expenses. 

In 2021, Libyans accounted for [approximately 0.6%](https://libyaobserver.ly/opinions/impact-bitcoin-mining-libyas-power-grid#:~:text=Despite%20being%20officially%20illegal%2C%20Bitcoin,the%20Arab%20world%20and%20Africa) of the global Bitcoin mining output, marking the highest rate in both the Arab world and Africa. This level of mining activity consumed roughly 2% of Libya's overall electricity production, equating to approximately 0.855 TWh annually.

Last year, Libyan authorities clamped down on bitcoin miners, [arresting 50 Chinese nationals](https://news.bitcoin.com/report-dozens-of-chinese-nationals-arrested-in-libya-for-operating-illegal-crypto-mining-farm/) and seizing [100,000 mining devices](https://libyaalahrar.net/over-100000-devices-for-illegal-mining-cryptocurrency-seized-in-libya/),  but bitcoin mining is still ongoing through underground mining facilities. With electricity costs as low as $0.004 per kilowatt hour (kWh), it remains the most attractive location for setting up crypto mining operations. If regulated, the sector could prove to be an economic opportunity for Libya.

__Mining is Boosting the DRC’s Conservation Efforts__

Virunga National Park, located in the north eastern region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, achieved a significant milestone in 2020 by becoming the world's first national park to operate a bitcoin (BTC) mine. 

This initiative, led by French bitcoin miner Sébastien Gouspillou, CEO of Big Block Green Services, the company that came up with the idea of mining bitcoin using green energy in the Congo Basin while safeguarding its forests and wildlife.

In recent years, the iconic national park has faced numerous challenges, ranging from violent attacks by local militias on its animals and staff, to outbreaks of Ebola and kidnappings, all of which have significantly impacted its revenue streams. 

Nearly three years since the first bitcoins were mined in the park, which generated 40% of income from tourism before the covid pandemic, there has been a significant boost in revenue from bitcoin mining. During certain months of the 2021 bull run, the park received upwards of $150,000 per month, effectively compensating for lost tourist income. At least 80,000 people live in the park. 

Situated amidst the verdant rainforest, it draws power from one of the park's three hydroelectric plants, tapping into a renewable energy source that already powered nearby communities. Presently, the plant's four-meter turbines power ten containers directly. 

Each container accommodates 250 to 500 rigs. While Virunga possesses three containers, all proceeds contribute to funding various park services. The remaining seven containers belong to Gouspillou. He compensates Virunga for the electricity required to operate his servers, and the mined cryptocurrency belongs to him and his investors.

Virunga's Bitcoin mining operation serves as a distinctive solution to the dual challenge of conserving and protecting biodiversity while generating income. Although bitcoin mining typically requires substantial energy, Virunga's mine stands out as it operates on clean energy, aligning with the park's commitment to environmental sustainability. 

DISCLAIMER: The information in this content (website or other form) does not represent an offer or commitment to provide any product or service. The analysis, opinions and estimates expressed in this content are those of the respective authors, and may differ from those of EMURGO Africa and/or other EMURGO Africa employees and affiliates. Copying, re-publishing or using this material or any of its contents for any other purpose is strictly prohibited without prior written consent from EMURGO Africa. 


Bitcoin Mining Takes Off in Africa, Powered by Green Energy

10 Countries: Bitcoin Mining Takes Off in Africa, Powered by Green Energy

Nwosu Munachimso

nwosu

Mayuko Kondo

mayuko

Thank you for visiting our blog post! 🦄🎆

In this post, we explore real-world examples of Decentralized ID(DID) solutions that harness the power of blockchain technology. Let's dive into the world of DID solutions and discover the endless possibilities that lie ahead! 🌌🌟

* * *

**Blog posts related to this post:**  
・[Download Full Report: Effect of Digital ID and Role of Decentralized ID (DID) in Africa  
](https://www.blog.emurgo.africa/emurgo-africa-2023-q3-report)・[Interview: Exploring the Power of Decentralized ID with David Harding, General Manager of Atala PRISM at IOHK](https://www.blog.emurgo.africa/interview-with-david-hardling-gm-of-atala-prism)  
・[What Decentralized ID (DID) Means and How It Works](https://www.blog.emurgo.africa/what-did-means-and-how-it-works)

Hope you enjoy reading the articles 😌🫐

* * *

Examples of DID Solutions
-------------------------

Decentralized Identity (DID) solutions align themselves with well-established open standard, [W3C](https://www.w3.org/TR/did-core/?ref=blog.emurgo.africa), placing strong emphasis on interoperability and compatibility across different platforms. The pursuit of privacy and security stands as a top priority, with private networks offering enhanced data protection, albeit potentially introducing concerns related to centralized governance. 

It is also worth mentioning that for users, what often matters most is the user experience (UI) and user interface (UX), as the intuitiveness and accessibility of these solutions frequently overshadow the intricate technical details. Below are the real-world examples of DID solutions. Here we define DID solutions as the decentralized IDs that operate on blockchain networks, whether they are public or private.

Note that the protocols listed below are selected by their presence in the decentralized identity space based on our own research. Other information is gathered from their websites and docs available online.

**Table 1. List of DID Protocols**

![](//images.ctfassets.net/vmoowpwj5a39/6kHsvqCQcuYo3TyqKJQWnH/3c2fa309d2220398c91e56e2247f69aa/list-of-DID-Solutions.png)

Source: ["Effect of Digital ID and Role of Decentralized ID (DID) in Africa" by EMURGO Africa](https://www.blog.emurgo.africa/emurgo-africa-2023-q3-report)

1.  [Microsoft Entra Verified ID](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/business/identity-access/microsoft-entra-verified-id?ref=blog.emurgo.africa): Developed by Microsoft, this identity solution is based on top of the Bitcoin (ION) blockchain. It provides links to [documentation](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/active-directory/verifiable-credentials/decentralized-identifier-overview?ref=blog.emurgo.africa) and an [Npm package](https://www.npmjs.com/package/@decentralized-identity/ion-tools?ref=blog.emurgo.africa).
2.  [Polygon ID](https://polygon.technology/polygon-id?ref=blog.emurgo.africa): Polygon introduces its identity solution on the Polygon blockchain. Access [documentation](https://0xpolygonid.github.io/tutorials/?ref=blog.emurgo.africa) for more information.
3.  [Fractal ID](https://web.fractal.id/?ref=blog.emurgo.africa): Developed by Fractal and operating on the Polkadot blockchain, Fractal ID offers an application available for [Chrome](https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/fractal-wallet/agechnindjilpccclelhlbjphbgnobpf?ref=blog.emurgo.africa). It also provides links to [documentation](https://docs.developer.fractal.id/?ref=blog.emurgo.africa) and its [repository](https://github.com/trustfractal?ref=blog.emurgo.africa).
4.  [Atala Prism](https://atalaprism.io/?ref=blog.emurgo.africa): Created by [IOHK](https://iohk.io/?ref=blog.emurgo.africa) and operating on the Cardano blockchain, Atala Prism offers access to the [Pioneers Program](https://input-output.typeform.com/to/xfSQykYo?typeform-source=atalaprism.io&ref=blog.emurgo.africa).
5.  [ONT ID](https://ont.id/?ref=blog.emurgo.africa): Ontology presents ONT ID on the Ontology blockchain. It offers an application available for [iOS](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/onto-an-ontology-dapp/id1436009823?ref=blog.emurgo.africa), [Android](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.github.ontio.onto&ref=blog.emurgo.africa), and [Chrome](https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/onto-wallet/ifckdpamphokdglkkdomedpdegcjhjdp?ref=blog.emurgo.africa). Additional information can be found in the provided [documentation](https://docs.ont.io/decentralized-identity-and-data/ontid?ref=blog.emurgo.africa) and [repository](https://github.com/ontio?ref=blog.emurgo.africa).
6.  [Iden3](https://iden3.io/?ref=blog.emurgo.africa): Developed by [0KIMS](http://0kims.org/?ref=blog.emurgo.africa), Iden3 operates on the Ethereum blockchain and provides an [Android](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.iden3.demo&ref=blog.emurgo.africa) application. [Documentation](https://docs.iden3.io/?ref=blog.emurgo.africa) and [repository](https://github.com/iden3?ref=blog.emurgo.africa) links are also available.
7.  [Magic Auth](https://magic.link/?ref=blog.emurgo.africa): Magic introduces Magic Auth on the Ethereum blockchain, offering access to [documentation](https://magic.link/docs/home/welcome?ref=blog.emurgo.africa).
8.  [Diz me](https://www.dizme.io/?ref=blog.emurgo.africa): [InfoCert](https://infocert.digital/?ref=blog.emurgo.africa) presents Diz me on the Algorand blockchain. This solution provides applications for [iOS](https://apps.apple.com/it/app/dizme/id1456380264?ref=blog.emurgo.africa) and [Android](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=it.etuitus.dizme&hl=it&gl=US&ref=blog.emurgo.africa) and links to [API](https://www.dizme.io/dizme-developers-di?ref=blog.emurgo.africa) and the [DizmeID Foundation](https://www.dizme.io/foundation?ref=blog.emurgo.africa).
9.  [Identity.com](https://www.identity.com/?ref=blog.emurgo.africa): Developed by [Civic](https://www.civic.com/?ref=blog.emurgo.africa) and operating on the Solana blockchain, Identity.com offers links to the [White paper](https://github.com/identity-com/gateway-whitepaper/blob/main/gateway-whitepaper.pdf?ref=blog.emurgo.africa) and [repository](https://github.com/identity-com?ref=blog.emurgo.africa).
10.  [Selfkey](https://selfkey.org/?ref=blog.emurgo.africa): Selfkey offers its identity solution on the Ethereum blockchain. It provides applications for [iOS](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/selfkey-wallet/id1483588351?ref=blog.emurgo.africa), [Android](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.identitywalletmobile&ref=blog.emurgo.africa), [Windows](https://selfkey.org/selfkey-identity-wallet-windows-download?ref=blog.emurgo.africa), [Mac](https://selfkey.org/selfkey-identity-wallet-macOS-download?ref=blog.emurgo.africa), and [Linux](https://selfkey.org/selfkey-identity-wallet-linux-download?ref=blog.emurgo.africa), along with links to the [White paper](https://selfkey.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/selfkey-whitepaper-en.pdf?ref=blog.emurgo.africa), [documentation](https://selfkeyfoundation.github.io/selfkey-integration-docs/?ref=blog.emurgo.africa#introduction), and the [repository](https://github.com/SelfKeyFoundation?ref=blog.emurgo.africa).
11.  [Blockchain Identity](https://www.ibm.com/blockchain-identity?ref=blog.emurgo.africa): IBM introduces Blockchain Identity on the Hyperledger blockchain, with links to [IBM Blockchain Resources](https://www.ibm.com/blockchain?ref=blog.emurgo.africa).
12.  [Blockpass](https://www.blockpass.org/?ref=blog.emurgo.africa): Blockpass, which specializes in identity solutions, provides links to [documentation](https://docs.blockpass.org/?ref=blog.emurgo.africa) and the [repository](https://github.com/blockpass-org?ref=blog.emurgo.africa).

Thank you very much for reading this post🪀

For downloading the full report, visit [this page](https://www.blog.emurgo.africa/emurgo-africa-2023-q3-report).

* * *

### Follow EMURGO Africa for more information

![](//images.ctfassets.net/vmoowpwj5a39/3Uy2gleRaAVRnFlcdDGXMc/345daa081d44959e468947628aa409ea/IMG_0101-1.jpg)

EMURGO Africa invests and supports local Web3 projects in the region to adopt Cardano’s decentralized blockchain technology to build socially impactful solutions.

As a regional entity of EMURGO, the official commercial arm of Cardano, EMURGO Africa also runs a local Cardano accelerator in Africa, Adaverse, which accepts [applications year-round](https://www.f6s.com/adaverse-accelerator/apply?ref=blog.emurgo.africa).

For more up-to-date information on EMURGO Africa, follow the official channels listed below.

**About EMURGO Africa**

*   Official Website: [emurgo.africa](https://www.emurgo.africa/?ref=blog.emurgo.africa)
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example-of-did-solutions

Example of Decentralized ID (DID) Solutions

EMURGO Africa

emurgoafrica

  
**Table of Contents**

*   [The largest-ever Cardano blockchain hackathon](https://emurgo.io/introducing-the-cardano-emurgo-build-2023-hackathon/?ref=blog.emurgo.africa#the-largest-ever-cardano-blockchain-hackathon)
*   [About Cardano EMURGO BUILD 2023 Hackathon](https://emurgo.io/introducing-the-cardano-emurgo-build-2023-hackathon/?ref=blog.emurgo.africa#about-cardano-emurgo-build-2023-hackathon)
*   [Track 1 Derivatives](https://emurgo.io/introducing-the-cardano-emurgo-build-2023-hackathon/?ref=blog.emurgo.africa#track-1-derivatives)
*   [Track 2 Aggregators](https://emurgo.io/introducing-the-cardano-emurgo-build-2023-hackathon/?ref=blog.emurgo.africa#track-2-aggregators)
*   [Track 3 Zero-Knowledge](https://emurgo.io/introducing-the-cardano-emurgo-build-2023-hackathon/?ref=blog.emurgo.africa#track-3-zero-knowledge)
*   [Judges and hackathon schedule](https://emurgo.io/introducing-the-cardano-emurgo-build-2023-hackathon/?ref=blog.emurgo.africa#judges-and-hackathon-schedule)
*   [Join the official Cardano EMURGO BUILD 2023 Hackathon Discord](https://emurgo.io/introducing-the-cardano-emurgo-build-2023-hackathon/?ref=blog.emurgo.africa#join-the-official-cardano-emurgo-build-2023-hackathon-discord)

[Register for the Cardano EMURGO BUILD 2023 Hackathon](https://discord.com/invite/ynW4qpvzra?ref=blog.emurgo.africa)

**The largest-ever Cardano blockchain hackathon**
-------------------------------------------------

Cardano EMURGO BUILD 2023 Hackathon is the **largest-ever Cardano blockchain hackathon** organized by a Cardano founding entity and will offer up to $2 million in total prizes including grants and investments.

EMURGO’s venture investment arm, EMURGO Ventures, is organizing and hosting the hackathon in partnership with DoraHacks, the world’s most active multi-chain Web3 developer community. The [Cardano EMURGO BUILD 2023 Hackathon](https://events.emurgo.io/hackathon?ref=blog.emurgo.africa) will be the first in a series of Cardano Web3 hackathons organized by EMURGO Ventures as part of its [strategic alliance](https://emurgo.io/emurgo-ventures-invests-in-dorahacks/?ref=blog.emurgo.africa) with DoraHacks. The hackathon and other future events aim to drive wider developer adoption of the Cardano blockchain for building decentralized applications in DeFi, NFTs, and others, that can bring value to Cardano ecosystem users.

Led by an experienced team with backgrounds in traditional finance and the emerging Web3 industry, EMURGO Ventures outlined a [clear investment strategy](https://emurgo.io/emurgo-ventures-expands-global-investment-strategy-targets-interoperable-web3-technologies-with-cardano-synergy/?ref=blog.emurgo.africa) to invest in companies and startups leveraging Web3 technologies that can deliver value to the Cardano blockchain ecosystem.

By forming an alliance with DoraHacks, EMURGO Ventures has partnered with a global leader in creating blockchain developer and hacker communities. Since its inception in 2014, DoraHacks has established itself by organizing 300,000 hackathons worldwide with more than 400 partners and has helped more than 4,000 projects secure over $30 million in grants and hackathon prizes.

The Cardano EMURGO BUILD 2023 hackathon will be completely virtual and open to all participants including developers, designers, and entrepreneurs interested in building dApps and other products on Cardano. The hackathon will be held for more than 2 months and will feature video workshops and Q&A mentoring sessions in the official hackathon Discord channel to help participants build their projects.

Judges will include senior representatives from EMURGO, Cardano Foundation, and IOG, in addition to officials from leading industry companies such as Wave Financial, Republic Crypto, and others. More judging information is below.

[**Find out more about the Cardano EMURGO BUILD 2023 Hackathon**](https://events.emurgo.io/hackathon?ref=blog.emurgo.africa)

**About Cardano EMURGO BUILD 2023 Hackathon**
---------------------------------------------

The Cardano EMURGO BUILD 2023 Hackathon will be an online event open to all. Participants can choose from 3 different developer tracks to build their submissions.

EMURGO will offer up to $2 million total in grants and investments as prizes.

![Introducing Cardano hackathon 1](https://emurgo.io/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Introducing-Cardano-hackathon-1-1024x167.png "Introducing the Cardano EMURGO BUILD 2023 Hackathon 1")

### Track 1 Derivatives

Derivatives are the backbone of any decentralized financial (DeFi) ecosystem. They help users manage risk, speculate on price movement, and expand potential use cases of a blockchain platform and the DeFi applications built on it. The Cardano EMURGO BUILD Hackathon judges will look for hackathon participants who can create products and services that help drive the growth and adaptation of the Cardano DeFi ecosystem. These can include a decentralized exchange (DEX), borrowing and lending services, and stablecoins, among many others. By focusing on the development of derivative-focused protocols, the aim is to accelerate the growth and potential of DeFi on Cardano.

[**Read more: A deep dive into DeFi derivatives**](https://emurgo.io/hackathon-101-a-deep-dive-into-defi-derivatives/?ref=blog.emurgo.africa)

### Track 2 Aggregators

Aggregators help in bringing various DeFi and NFT platforms under one roof. DeFi aggregators help pull data from various platforms. At the same time, some even offer users the best price along with a user-friendly way to analyze and combine other trading strategies via a convenient drag-and-drop mechanism. The key is to ensure a simple UI/ UX that helps users save time, consolidate user experience, and navigate the DeFi space with ease.

As part of Track 2 of this hackathon, the Cardano EMURGO BUILD 2023 Hackathon judges will be looking for aggregator solutions like Nansen and BitMetis, data/assets tracking, and for NFT marketplaces. NFT aggregators, in particular, have the potential to transform the way users interact with NFTs. The goal is to find disruptive projects across on-chain data tracking, GameFi, or NFT utilities that can change the way users access information with the capacity to gather and synthesize data from multiple sources.

[**Learn more about DeFi and NFT aggregators**](https://emurgo.io/hackathon-101-defi-and-nft-aggregators/?ref=blog.emurgo.africa)

### Track 3 Zero-Knowledge

Businesses’ reputations and trustworthiness can be severely damaged by security breaches. While blockchain has often been regarded as a highly transparent and secure technology, privacy demands are increasing and offer a potential use case for integrating Privacy-Enhancing Technologies (PETs) such as Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZKP) with decentralized blockchains. ZKPs can prove that transactions and data are authentic while preserving the privacy of these contents. This offers flexibility to users along with the option of how they wish to control and share their information.

[**An introduction to Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZKPs)**](https://emurgo.io/hackathon-101-an-introduction-to-zero-knowledge-proofs/?ref=blog.emurgo.africa)

### Judges and hackathon schedule

Cardano EMURGO BUILD 2023 judges will feature representatives from all three Cardano ecosystem entities including EMURGO Founder and CEO, Ken Kodama. Other senior representatives are included from EMURGO Ventures, Wave Financial, Republic Crypto, and others. More judges’ info is available on the official website listed below.

The opening ceremony and first online Q&A session start May 1, 2023. Submissions open on May 29, 2023, and conclude on July 3, 2023.

**For more a detailed schedule, visit the official Cardano EMURGO BUILD 2023 Hackathon website [**here**](https://events.emurgo.io/hackathon?ref=blog.emurgo.africa).**

**For questions and other inquiries, please join the official Discord channel [**here**](https://discord.com/invite/ynW4qpvzra?ref=blog.emurgo.africa).**

**Join the official Cardano EMURGO BUILD 2023 Hackathon Discord**
-----------------------------------------------------------------

![Hackathon](http://emurgo.io/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Hackathon-1024x273.jpg "Introducing the Cardano EMURGO BUILD 2023 Hackathon 2")

To register, stay updated, and ask questions in real-time about the Cardano EMURGO BUILD Hackathon, join the official Cardano EMURGO BUILD 2023 Hackathon Discord channel [here](http://bit.ly/EmurgoHackathon2023?ref=blog.emurgo.africa).

Also, please follow the official channels below for more EMURGO and Cardano announcements.

**About EMURGO**

*   Official Homepage: [emurgo.io](http://emurgo.io/?ref=blog.emurgo.africa)
*   Twitter (Global): [@EMURGO\_io](https://twitter.com/emurgo_io?ref=blog.emurgo.africa)
*   YouTube: [EMURGO channel](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgFQ0hHuPO1QDcyP6t9KZTQ?ref=blog.emurgo.africa)
*   Official Cardano EMURGO BUILD 2023 Hackathon Discord: [@EmurgoHackathon2023](http://bit.ly/EmurgoHackathon2023?ref=blog.emurgo.africa)
*   Facebook: [@EMURGO.io](https://www.facebook.com/emurgo.io/)
*   Instagram: [@EMURGO\_io](https://www.instagram.com/emurgo_io/?ref=blog.emurgo.africa)
*   LinkedIn: [@EMURGO\_io](https://www.linkedin.com/company/emurgo_io/?ref=blog.emurgo.africa)

introducing-the-cardano-emurgo-build-2023-hackathon

Introducing the Cardano EMURGO BUILD 2023 Hackathon

Hello, fellow developers! 🚀 As you may know, the Cardano blockchain has been making waves in the web3 space (check out our [NODO platform, the pan-African web3 discovery and news media by EMURGO Africa](https://nodo.xyz/?ref=blog.emurgo.africa)), thanks to its scalability, security, and sustainability. If you're curious about developing on this innovative platform, this blog post is your go-to resource! I'll dive into the essentials of building on Cardano, discussing its unique features, and providing valuable resources to help you get started. Let's dive in! 🌊

🐢

In summary, ****Cardano**** is ****a research-driven, third-generation blockchain**** platform offering a two-layer architecture for efficient transactions and smart contract execution. ****Developers can build secure and reliable dApps using Plutus, Cardano's native programming language, or create financial smart contracts with Marlowe, a domain-specific language****. Cardano supports native tokens for custom cryptocurrencies, utility tokens, and NFTs. ****The ecosystem provides opportunities for developers through funding, incubation programs, hackathons, and education, including the Plutus and Marlowe Pioneers Programs****. Join the Cardano developer communities, contribute to the platform's development, and explore the resources available to become part of the web3 revolution. 🚀🌟

Below, you can read the topics of your interest in more detail. 👇🏾🤠

**Table of Contents:**

*   [Understanding Cardano's Foundation 🧠](#understanding-cardanos-foundation-%F0%9F%A7%A0)
*   [Smart Contracts on Cardano – Plutus & Marlowe 🎢](#smart-contracts-on-cardano-%E2%80%93-plutus-marlowe-%F0%9F%8E%A2)
*   [Tokenization on Cardano – Native Tokens and NFTs 🪙](#tokenization-on-cardano-%E2%80%93-native-tokens-and-nfts-%F0%9F%AA%99)
*   [Opportunities for Developers on Cardano 💡](#opportunities-for-developers-on-cardano-%F0%9F%92%A1)

Understanding Cardano's Foundation 🧠
-------------------------------------

**Cardano** is **a third-generation blockchain platform** **that aims to solve common challenges faced by older blockchains, such as slow transaction speeds and high energy consumption** 🌿. It was developed by [IOHK](https://iohk.io/?ref=blog.emurgo.africa), a technology company co-founded by Charles Hoskinson, one of Ethereum's original co-founders.

The platform is underpinned by the Proof-of-Stake (PoS) consensus algorithm, which **reduces energy consumption while maintaining security and decentralization** 🔒. Additionally, **Cardano uses a two-layer architecture**:

1.  **Cardano Settlement Layer (CSL)** - Handles transactions and balances ⚖️
2.  **Cardano Computation Layer (CCL)** - Manages smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps) 🛠️

separating these two layers, Cardano can **optimize transaction efficiency and facilitate more complex smart contract execution**.

**Cardano** is also known for its **research-driven approach**, with **a strong focus on peer-reviewed academic research**. This ensures that the platform's features and upgrades are thoroughly tested and based on solid foundations, making it a reliable choice for developers looking to build robust, scalable applications.

Smart Contracts on Cardano – Plutus & Marlowe 🎢
------------------------------------------------

**Plutus** is the native smart contract programming language for Cardano and **a Haskell-based language that provides a high level of security and robustness**. Plutus empowers developers to create secure and reliable dApps while minimizing the risk of coding errors 🐛. Plutus **combines the flexibility of general-purpose programming languages with the safety of domain-specific languages**, making it an ideal choice for developers interested in creating complex, data-driven applications.

**Marlowe** is a domain-specific language (DSL) **designed for the financial industry**. It allows you to build contracts visually and in more traditional code, even without programming experience.

Moreover, **Cardano's Extended UTXO (eUTXO) model allows for more predictable and secure smart contract execution**, addressing common issues associated with Ethereum's account-based model. With the eUTXO model, **developers can better manage transaction dependencies and avoid unexpected behaviors, leading to more reliable dApps**.

Tokenization on Cardano – Native Tokens and NFTs 🪙
---------------------------------------------------

**Cardano supports native tokens, which can be created and transacted directly on the platform without the need for smart contracts. This approach simplifies token creation and reduces the risk of coding errors** 🎯. Cardano's native tokens are ideal for creating custom cryptocurrencies, utility tokens, and even non-fungible tokens (NFTs).

Native tokens on Cardano benefit from the platform's built-in token logic, which eliminates the need for custom code and ensures consistent behavior across different tokens. This approach not only reduces complexity but also enhances security and interoperability.

**With Cardano's native tokens, you can develop projects related to decentralized finance (DeFi), gaming, and digital art without worrying about the complexities of smart contract development**. Plus, the platform's lowtransaction fees and energy-efficient PoS consensus algorithm make it a cost-effective and eco-friendly choice for tokenization projects 🌍.

Opportunities for Developers on Cardano 💡
------------------------------------------

### 1\. Become a Cardano Smart Contract Developer

**If you want to start with Plutus**, having previous programming experience will help. Begin by **taking the free [**Haskell Bootcamp Course**](https://github.com/input-output-hk/haskell-course?ref=blog.emurgo.africa) on GitHub or the [**e-learning platform**](https://iohk.instructure.com/courses/141?ref=blog.emurgo.africa)** provided by IOHK. IOHK also offers the [**Plutus Pioneer Program**](https://developers.cardano.org/plutus-pioneer-program?ref=blog.emurgo.africa) to support developers on this learning journey. This highly interactive program runs for ten weeks and requires a minimum commitment of ten hours per week. 🧑🏾‍💻

**To learn Marlowe**, check out the recorded lectures from the latest cohort of **Marlowe Pioneers Program** by following [this link](https://www.youtube.com/@iogacademy/playlists?view=50&sort=dd&shelf_id=3&ref=blog.emurgo.africa). This seven-week course includes live lessons, Q&A sessions, and additional coursework. As with all pioneer programs, this program is offered depending on demand. **If you are interested in joining a future cohort**, please keep an eye on [**Marlowe Pioneer Program page**](https://pioneers.marlowe-finance.io/?ref=blog.emurgo.africa), where new course dates will be announced. 📢

More information about **how to become a Cardano smart contract developer**, you can **check out [**this article in Essential Cardano**](https://www.essentialcardano.io/article/iog-academy-the-pathway-to-becoming-a-cardano-smart-contract-developer?ref=blog.emurgo.africa)**. 📖

You can also follow the related communities below:

*   [**IOG Technical Discord**](https://discord.com/invite/w6TwW9bGA6?ref=blog.emurgo.africa)  
    Head to the [IOG Discord](https://discord.com/invite/w6TwW9bGA6?ref=blog.emurgo.africa) if you want to join the [Plutus Pioneers](https://developers.cardano.org/docs/smart-contracts/plutus?ref=blog.emurgo.africa#get-started-with-the-plutus-pioneer-program).
*   [**t.me/IOHK\_Marlowe**](https://t.me/IOHK_Marlowe?ref=blog.emurgo.africa)  
    Dedicated channel for Marlowe developers and users. You can ask questions, participate in discussions and meet the team behind Marlowe.

### 2\. Contribute to Cardano Development

If you're interested in **directly contributing to the development of Cardano blockchain**, join the [**Cardano discussion**](https://github.com/cardano-foundation/developer-portal/discussions?ref=blog.emurgo.africa) and start [**raising issues**](https://github.com/cardano-foundation/developer-portal/issues?ref=blog.emurgo.africa) and proposing refinements. By consistently contributing to the Cardano blockchain, you may be listed as a contributor or code reviewer with time. There is also [a general Cardano developer talk](https://forum.cardano.org/c/developers/general-developer-talk/152?ref=blog.emurgo.africa) on Cardano Forum, which you can join.

You can also follow the related communities below:

*   [**cardano.stackexchange.com**](https://cardano.stackexchange.com/?ref=blog.emurgo.africa)  
    Stack Exchange is a question-and-answer website, not meant for extensive discussion or opinions.
*   [**forum.cardano.org**](https://forum.cardano.org/c/developers/29?ref=blog.emurgo.africa)  
    The developer categories on the [Cardano Forum](https://forum.cardano.org/c/developers/29?ref=blog.emurgo.africa) is an excellent place for extensive discussions and opinions, but also to get support.
*   [**Cardano Community Discord**](https://discord.gg/kfATXEENPD?ref=blog.emurgo.africa)  
    Visit the developer categories on the [Cardano Community Discord](https://discord.gg/kfATXEENPD?ref=blog.emurgo.africa) if you prefer chat-style conversations.
*   [**t.me/CardanoDevelopersOfficial**](https://t.me/CardanoDevelopersOfficial?ref=blog.emurgo.africa)  
    Chat style conversations on Telegram in one of the oldest Cardano developer groups.
*   [**reddit.com/r/CardanoDevelopers**](https://www.reddit.com/r/CardanoDevelopers/?ref=blog.emurgo.africa)  
    A subreddit dedicated to everyone building on the Cardano blockchain.
*   [**Developer Portal Discord**](https://discord.gg/Exe6XmqKDx?ref=blog.emurgo.africa)  
    If you would like to help develop the Developer Portal further, you can join this discord channel.
*   [**CIPs - biweekly meetings**](https://discord.com/invite/Jy9YM69Ezf?ref=blog.emurgo.africa)  
    CIP meetings discuss Cardano Improvement Proposals every other week. Join Editors and community members in the dedicated discord server to keep up with the ongoing technical discussions regarding standards, processes and ongoing Cardano conversations.

### 3\. Funding and Incubation Programs

For those **interested in developing your own products on Cardano and getting funded for your project**, check out [**Project Catalyst Fund**](https://cardanocataly.st/?ref=blog.emurgo.africa), [**Ariob Incubator**](https://ariob.io/?ref=blog.emurgo.africa), [**Adaverse**](https://www.adaverse.co/?ref=blog.emurgo.africa) for learning and proposing new blockchain projects and potentially getting funded.

For those interested in **building services related to decentralized ID** **on Cardano blockchain**, check out [**Atala Pioneer Program**](https://atalaprism.io/?ref=blog.emurgo.africa). ✅

### 4\. Hackathons and Collaboration

Collaborate with the Cardano ecosystem by **organizing a hackathon**. Review the [hackathon starter kit](https://github.com/input-output-hk/education/blob/main/hackatons/organization-guide.md.html?ref=blog.emurgo.africa) to get started.

### 5\. Getting a Formal Job

In case you are interested in **the formal employment**, you can check on [EMURGO Africa website](https://www.emurgo.africa/careers?ref=blog.emurgo.africa) or [IOG](https://apply.workable.com/io-global/?ref=blog.emurgo.africa) for the engineer or tech positions.

**Cardano** offers a unique and compelling platform for developers looking to build innovative web3 applications. **Its research-driven approach, two-layer architecture, and advanced smart contract capabilities make it a powerful choice for creating secure, scalable, and sustainable projects.**

**Whether you're interested in DeFi, NFTs, gaming, or other web3 applications, Cardano provides the tools and resources you need to bring your ideas to life. Explore funding opportunities, contribute to Cardano's development, connect with developer communities, and take advantage of educational programs like the Plutus Pioneer Program and Marlowe Pioneers Program. Start exploring the Cardano ecosystem today and become a part of the web3 revolution!** 🚀🌟

* * *

### Follow EMURGO Africa for more information

![](//images.ctfassets.net/vmoowpwj5a39/5wxlOO8MxbKjSjr4xt3jLH/691ee18394f338514e62d5d7d4dd734e/IMG_0101-1.jpg)

EMURGO Africa invests and supports local Web3 projects in the region to adopt Cardano’s decentralized blockchain technology to build socially impactful solutions.

As a regional entity of EMURGO, the official commercial arm of Cardano, EMURGO Africa also runs a local Cardano accelerator in Africa, Adaverse, which accepts [applications year-round](https://www.f6s.com/adaverse-accelerator/apply?ref=blog.emurgo.africa).

For more up-to-date information on EMURGO Africa, follow the official channels listed below.

**About EMURGO Africa**

*   Official Website: [emurgo.africa](https://www.emurgo.africa/?ref=blog.emurgo.africa)
*   Twitter: [@EmurgoAfrica](https://twitter.com/EmurgoAfrica?ref=blog.emurgo.africa)
*   Telegram: [https://t.me/emurgoafrica](https://t.me/emurgoafrica?ref=blog.emurgo.africa)

building-on-cardano-a-developers-guide-to-web3-innovation

🌐 Building on Cardano: A Developer's Guide to Web3 Innovation 🔧

*   _Power Learn Project collaborates with EMURGO Africa, setting its sights on leveraging Cardano’s blockchain technology towards its goal of training and providing access to opportunities to 1 million software developers across Africa by 2027_

NAIROBI, KENYA DECEMBER 14 2022 / EMURGO Africa – Power Learn Project (PLP) signed an agreement to collaborate with EMURGO Africa, a regional entity of Cardano blockchain’s official commercial arm EMURGO, that provides socially impactful solutions to solve some of the most intricate problems in the continent and globally.

“Through the collaboration with EMURGO Africa, Power Learn Project will leverage smart technologies to build an innovative learning management system on the Cardano blockchain. This will ensure the safety and security of data by helping learners control their digital identities and gain access to their data. Imagine shared computers of over 1 million learners accessible to anyone, a single source of truth within which to store events, ownership, and activities, and to execute workﬂow involving multiple parties without using separate systems and databases – and with no reconciliation required. Blockchain will change the way digital services are provided across all industries globally and it’s up to us to prepare accordingly for the disruption,” states Power Learn Project’s Chief, Growth & Operations, Mumbi Ndung’u.

EMURGO Africa provides four unique value propositions for its strategic partners through establishing sustainable growth models for African startups that balance commercial viability and social impact, building financial infrastructure on Cardano to promote innovation and bridge African traditional finance with blockchain-based decentralized finance (DeFi), connecting various African and Asian industries to mutually share business resources and by providing blockchain education content and resources.

![PLP Group](https://emurgo.io/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/PLP-Group-1024x682.jpg "Pan-African Organization Power Learn Project Announces Collaboration with EMURGO Africa 1")

__(Pictured L:R Hiroshi Yokoyama EMURGO Africa Head of Acceleration, Yosuke Yoshida EMURGO MEA co-CEO, Ahmed Amer EMURGO Africa CEO, John Kamara Power Learn Project Board Chairman, Shogo Ishida EMURGO MEA co-CEO, Timothy Gachucha Power Learn Project Strategic Partnerships Lead; Ryogo Kanda EMURGO Africa Assistant Manager, Masa Kameyama EMURGO Africa Assistant Manager)__

“New technologies and digital innovations are gradually reshaping many sectors. Blockchain technology in particular has been proliferating into different industries and functional roles over the last few years, causing a significant impact on the current job market. Power Learn Project’s partnership with EMURGO Africa will fulfill a grand vision to position Cardano as the standard tech infrastructure platform for Africa’s emerging industrial innovation, which will bring financial empowerment opportunities to the continent. The partnership is also committed to delivering future-proof training solutions to respond to the current and future skill needs of the African blockchain workforce,’’ said Ahmed Amer, CEO of EMURGO Africa.

Launched in April 2022 in Kenya, Power Learn Project (PLP) is a Pan-African impact organization working to drive transformative change by empowering youth through providing quality, affordable, and decentralized software development and smart technologies training and opportunities for work thereafter. PLP currently has a presence in over 5 African countries and an estimated 5,000 software developers in training, with its first cohort of 1,000 graduating in December 2022. These developers will then be provided with three tracks ranging from upskilling to gig work and entrepreneurship opportunities.

**About EMURGO Africa**

EMURGO Africa invests and partners with Africa-focused enterprises, startups, and accelerators to foster the development of socially impactful solutions on Cardano’s third-generation and environmentally-sustainable blockchain.

To connect and learn more, visit [https://www.emurgo.africa](https://emurgo.africa/?ref=blog.emurgo.africa)

**About Power Learn Project**

Power Learn Project is an impact organization aiming to drive transformative change for African youths by powering them with relevant skills through providing quality and decentralized tech training. PLP aims to kickstart software careers with entry-level, fully funded training using free data access and self-paced learning management over 16 weeks. The course ranges from programming languages such as Python and Dart Programming with Flutter to Blockchain 101, Databases, Data Science, and Entrepreneurial skills.

Upon completion of the course, learners will have access to a number of opportunities and alternative educational pathways through the organization, ranging from internships and proof of work opportunities or venture studio and incubator connections if they want to explore entrepreneurship. For more information, please visit [https://powerlearnproject.org](https://powerlearnproject.org/?ref=blog.emurgo.africa)

**Follow EMURGO Africa**

[Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/emurgo.io?mibextid=ZbWKwL) | [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/emurgo_io/?ref=blog.emurgo.africa) | [Twitter](https://twitter.com/EmurgoAfrica?ref=blog.emurgo.africa) | [In](https://instagram.com/emurgo_io?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y%3D&ref=blog.emurgo.africa)[s](https://instagram.com/emurgo_io?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y%3D&ref=blog.emurgo.africa)[tagram](https://instagram.com/emurgo_io?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y%3D&ref=blog.emurgo.africa) | [Website](https://emurgo.africa/?ref=blog.emurgo.africa)

**Follow Power Learn Project**

[Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/Powerlearnproject/?ref=page_internal) | [LinkedIn](https://ke.linkedin.com/company/power-learn-project?trk=public_profile_topcard-current-company&original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F&ref=blog.emurgo.africa) | [Twitter](https://twitter.com/PLPAfrica?ref=blog.emurgo.africa) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/plpafrica/?ref=blog.emurgo.africa) | [Website](https://powerlearnproject.org/?ref=blog.emurgo.africa) | [Telegram](https://t.me/+lVcyTYC6YfdkNmZk?ref=blog.emurgo.africa)

**Contact information**

Hiroshi Yokoyama

Head of Acceleration, EMURGO Africa

[yokoyama@emurgo.io](mailto:yokoyama@emurgo.io)

+254 794 224856

OR

Esther Gatimu

Marketing and Communications Manager, Power Learn Project

[Esther.m@powerlearnproject.org](mailto:Esther.m@powerlearnproject.org)

+254 724 929875

pan-african-organization-power-learn-project-announces-collaboration-with-emurgo-africa

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Pan-African Organization Power Learn Project Announces Collaboration with EMURGO Africa