The “Hack the Mara” competition opened for developers who want to create decentralized blockchain apps

NAIROBI, Kenya, July 19 – In line with its commitment to inspiring developers to “build the future of Africa on Web3”, Mara, the pan-African blockchain platform, has announced the launch of the “Hack The Mara” competition which will take place from 17 to 26 September 2022.

The goal of the Mara Hackathon is to engage participants to create decentralized applications that provide sustainable solutions for last mile payment tracking. The solutions that became prototypes during the hackathon are expected to strengthen the financial sustainability of ongoing conservation projects in Mara for better livelihoods.

The competition will take place in five stages, starting online with the final stage completed in person in Kenya.

In a world news, the 8 best teams will be invited to a physical hack in Mara where they will host Ishara. Located in the heart of the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya, Ishara is an immersive experience dedicated to conserving wildlife, communities and the country in this globally important protected area. .

Explaining the importance of competition, Kate Kallot, co-founder and Chief Impact Officer at Mara, said: “Blockchain for social impact is at the heart of everything we do at Mara. Through our non-profit foundation, our goal is to empower problem solvers to build blockchain solutions that promote long-term beneficial, social and environmental change in Africa. ”

The hackathon in collaboration with Circle, the issuer of USD Coin (USDC) and Euro Coin, will challenge developers to use blockchain via USSD and M-Pesa for payment transparency.

“Developers are at the heart of what we do at Circle. We hope to see more technical breakthroughs that make financial services more inclusive, efficient and scalable. We are pleased to give African innovators an opportunity to build solutions that can change the world and certainly the financial world, “said Sandra Persing, VP of Developer Relations and Ecosystem Relations and Ecosystem Marketing at Circle.

Global early phase VC and startup builder Antler, will offer the winning solution the opportunity to join the Antler Nairobi program to further develop their idea into a business and potentially receive investment. Participants will be judged by a panel of judges based on originality, creativity, analytical skills, strategic thinking and practical implementation. The best solutions will also be awarded up to $ 100,000 in funds and prizes along with opportunities for follow-up funding by the Mara Foundation and / or its partners.

“The deployment of these smart technologies will be transformative and effective in many different respects, from uplifting and empowering communities to the conservation and preservation of our wildlife and nature. Together with Mara, we are pleased to be pioneering this effort. We look forward to welcome brilliant creators to our camp and enable them to experience the magic of Ishara and Mara. ” Said Azhar Madhani, co-founder of Ishara.

Critically enough, the most promising solutions will have the opportunity to be piloted with local nature conservation environments in the Masai Mara where they can have a real impact on the world. “We look forward to understanding how this technology can make sustainable use of data and help uncover a sustainable financing solution that can benefit local communities in addressing environmental challenges,” said Victor Ohuruogu, Senior Africa Regional Manager, at Global Partnership for data on sustainable development. “It is an honor for us to see African technologists come together in our beloved Masai Mara National Reserve to build innovative, data – driven solutions.”

“Blockchain has the potential to take financial services and last-mile payment solutions to new heights. With a direct focus on solving real local challenges, these innovators can create globally relevant solutions and drive the finances of the future,” said Chi Nnadi, co-founder and CEO of Mara.

Registration for the ‘Hack The Mara’ competition ends on 5 August. Interested innovators and developers from across the continent are encouraged to register on the Mara Foundation website marafoundation.org/hackathons.