McBab:
Well, I’ll keep an eye on it. If it’s real, then maybe blockchain in Taraba has a future. But I’ll need to see some real results first. No be today we begin see all dis kain moves oh.

E don tey!

TechNerdy:
True, fair point. If Algorand wants real impact, they’ll need to stay engaged long-term. That said, if locals can independently build solutions, it’s not as reliant on Algorand staying forever.

TechNerdy:
@McBab, I get your concern, but with what I’m seeing here, it looks like Algorand is actually investing in the community, like through hackathons and training. If locals gain skills, that’s valuable long-term!

Interesting stuff.

Blockchain is making waves in Nigeria! Kudos to Algorand for choosing Taraba—seems like a unique but strategic location with a lot of potential.

"How Algorand is driving Blockchain Adoption in Nigeria

In recent years, blockchain technology has shifted from a niche conversation within tech circles to a broader societal toolset, unlocking innovations in finance, governance, and beyond. While blockchain adoption has accelerated globally, its growth in emerging markets, especially in Africa, holds transformative potential.
Algorand, a pioneer in sustainable blockchain technology, has identified Nigeria’s Taraba State as a crucial point for driving this adoption. Through a strategic partnership with the Taraba State Government under the leadership of His Excellency, Governor Agbu Kefas, Algorand is using initiatives such as training and hackathons to foster blockchain awareness and also cultivate the next generation of developers and innovators to champion a digital revolution.

Why Taraba?

Nestled in northeastern Nigeria, Taraba State represents a unique convergence of opportunities and challenges that make it an ideal location for blockchain adoption. With a predominantly youthful population, Taraba is ripe for technological empowerment. Yet like many regions in Nigeria, it grapples with infrastructure challenges, limited access to financial services, and a growing need for improved governance mechanisms.

Blockchain technology’s decentralized, transparent, and secure architecture makes it a compelling solution for these problems, and Algorand has taken a leadership role in exploring the use of blockchain solutions that cater to the specific needs of emerging markets.
Algorand is positioning Taraba State as a model for blockchain-led transformation in the region, nationally and globally leveraging the power of technology to empower local communities.

Why Algorand Hackathon Nigeria 2024?

At the heart of Algorand's efforts in Taraba are developer training programs culminating in hackathons —these are organized events designed to educate government, academia, private sector and most importantly developers to spur innovation. Algorand’s developer training programs and hackathons are not just about writing code; they are currently being used to kick-start ecosystems of creativity, where participants are challenged to develop real-world solutions to pressing societal issues using blockchain technology.
Algorand’s recently concluded regional hackathon in Taraba was tailored to the region’s specific needs, with a strong emphasis on technical challenges, decentralized identity, financial inclusion and supply chain solutions in line with challenges being faced locally in Taraba. Participants are tasked with building decentralized applications (dApps) that address these areas, leveraging Algorand’s high-performance, low-energy blockchain network.

The hackathon is structured to function as more than a competition; it can incubate blockchain-based solutions with direct impact on Taraba, other states in Nigeria. These solutions can serve as a model for public sector adoption of blockchain especially in emerging markets.
Algorand actively supports Nigerian innovators, including participants from its Incubator Programme. These incubation programs are run for top participants from Algorand’s hackathons. In June 2024, Algorand held a global hackathon - Change the Game from which top teams were selected to participate in the incubation program. Notably, two Nigerian startups emerged from this most recent incubation program: Vank, which is developing a digital wallet to tokenize real estate for greater transparency and accessibility, and Naijachain, which focuses on promoting blockchain adoption in Nigeria through educational initiatives aimed at fostering local engagement and understanding of the technology.

Algorand and Financial Inclusion

Financial inclusion is one of the major goals of Algorand’s mission in Taraba. Nigeria is home to one of the largest unbanked populations in the world, and this is especially true in rural parts of the country. By introducing blockchain solutions that can operate without the need for traditional banking infrastructure, Algorand is contributing to democratizing access to financial services.
One of the projects developed during a recent hackathon was a decentralized lending platform designed specifically for smallholder farmers. Using smart contracts, the platform allows farmers to access micro loans without the need for a traditional bank, reducing the barriers to accessing credit and providing a transparent mechanism for lenders to track the use of their funds. Such initiatives could pave the way for significant economic growth in Taraba, giving rise to more resilient and self-sustaining communities.

Capacity Building and Knowledge Transfer

Algorand’s focus in Taraba isn’t limited to the hackathon events themselves. An integral part of the overall strategy is the capacity-building efforts that surround these hackathons: Algorand has partnered with local universities, tech hubs, and blockchain groups to provide digital skills training with a focus on blockchain technology. These efforts are aimed at creating a sustainable ecosystem of blockchain developers in the region. The knowledge transfer also ensures that the solutions developed during these events can be maintained, iterated upon, and scaled, driving further blockchain adoption across the state.

Algorand is charting the Future of Blockchain in Africa. Algorand’s work in Taraba is part of a broader strategy to drive blockchain adoption across Africa. As blockchain continues to mature, the lessons learned in Taraba will serve as a blueprint for other regions looking to harness the power of decentralized technology to solve their most pressing challenges.
Algorand’s hackathon strategy in Nigeria is more than just an event, it is sowing the seeds of a digital revolution that promises to reshape the future of governance, finance, and technology in Africa."

TechNerdy:
I agree. The fact that Algorand is physically present and working closely with state governments makes me optimistic about the future. Their focus on both technical skills and economic growth is exactly what we need to push Nigeria forward in this digital era.

The boots-on-the-ground approach is exactly what’s needed for real impact. It’s easy to roll out programs remotely, but being present in the communities, like what Algorand is doing in Taraba, shows they’re committed. They’re not just here to talk about blockchain—they’re here to build it with us. I’m looking forward to seeing how local startups grow with the mentorship and funding opportunities.

TechNerdy:

Agreed, and what’s even more exciting is the inclusivity. Algorand isn’t focusing only on big cities. They’re investing in places like Taraba, giving every region a shot at digital transformation. It’s inspiring to see them support local talent through mentorships and funding opportunities. We need more projects like this to build a robust, self-sustaining tech ecosystem.

TechNerdy:
I saw the attached email on Twitter.

I think Algorand's "boots on the ground" strategy in Nigeria is setting it apart from other blockchain organizations by directly engaging with local communities and governments. By expanding from Plateau to Taraba State, Algorand is not just introducing technology but also fostering digital literacy and economic empowerment through hands-on training programs. This approach ensures that blockchain innovation is accessible to underserved regions, enabling Nigerian youths to actively shape the country's digital future.

Unlike others focused primarily on cryptocurrency, Algorand is building a sustainable tech ecosystem by investing in local talent, supporting startups, and creating long-term growth opportunities across Nigeria.

McBab:
This is really interesting sstuff! But I'm curiuos .how exactly is Algorand different from Solana or other cryptos? I know Bitcoin is more about digital currency, but it sounds like Algorand is doing a lot more in terms of practical applications and tech development. Can someone break down the main differences and why a startup might choose Algorand over other blockchains?

McBab:
This is really interesting sstuff! But I'm curiuos .how exactly is Algorand different from Solana or other cryptos? I know Bitcoin is more about digital currency, but it sounds like Algorand is doing a lot more in terms of practical applications and tech development. Can someone break down the main differences and why a startup might choose Algorand over other blockchains?

TechNerdy:
Hello Guys,

I saw this news on Techpoint and thought to share here for those of us inclined to pick up tech skills for free. I heard of their Abuja Developers boot camp some months ago but couldn't attend it because of the distance. Seems they're rolling out more events, including hackathons and business incubation.

TL;DR

The Algorand Foundation is stepping up its efforts to support Nigerian blockchain startups and the broader tech ecosystem. They're expanding their events this year, including hackathons and workshops focused on blockchain education. The foundation has already made a significant impact, with Nigerian startups winning substantial prizes in global hackathons. They’re also working with the Plateau State Government on blockchain projects and have trained over 500 Nigerian developers in 2023 alone. This initiative is all about empowering local talent and driving innovation in Nigeria's growing tech scene.

See full article here:

https://techpoint.africa/2024/08/14/algorand-expands-its-educational-and-skills-program-in-nigeria/

Kyase:
lagos no wan slow down
no be only kano illiterates full

pity una sef first, na una dey top chart, illiterates

ikechizoba:


He is saying the truth