• Pan-African Web3 hackathon opens in August with USD 1M in prizes for blockchain projects targeting real-world use cases.
• Organizers aim to attract 10,000+ developers across 15+ countries, blending online participation with 20+ local events.
• Tracks include tokenized finance, digital identity, ESG tools, and AI integration built on the Hedera network.

Hedera

So what is happening? The Hashgraph Association, a Swiss non-profit organisation in collaboration with Exponential Science Foundation, a not-for-profit foundation announces the launch of the Hedera Africa Hackathon 2025. 

This pan-African Web3 hackathon opens in August with a USD 1 million prize pool for blockchain projects targeting real-world use cases.

The initiative will combine online and onsite events aiming to attract over 10,000 participants across more than 15 countries.Furthermore, running from August 1 to September 30, it will host events in over 20 African cities, including Cairo, Lagos, Nairobi, and Cape Town. Additionally, over 50 global and regional partners, and more than 100 universities and tech hubs, are expected to take part.

Who is eligible? The hackathon is open to developers of all experience levels. Training will be offered through the Hedera Academy, and support will come from certified engineers.

Web3

What is the focus? Participants will build decentralized solutions  on the Hedera networks. This is across industries such as finance, healthcare, telecoms, sustainability, agriculture, and manufacturing. All while, integrating deep tech such as AI, IoT, Robotics and Quantum computing. Ultimately the participants are tasked with building blockchain-based solutions that solve real and urgent problems facing African countries.

The hackathon aims to foster innovation across four tracks:

•  On-Chain Finance and Real-World Asset (RWA) Tokenisation
• ESG Sustainability and Traceability
• Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI)  
• AI and Gaming, Metaverse, & NFTs. 

Why does this matter? Africa has one of the world’s fastest-growing developer communities, but limited access to capital and infrastructure. Furthermore, the event aims to tackle that gap by combining funding, training, and regional partnerships. 

Bottom line: Africa is becoming a serious testing ground for decentralized tech. Hedera’s bet is that practical Web3 solutions will come from the ground up.