Hedera Africa Hackathon Offers $1M Prize Pool to Fuel Web3 Innovation Across the Continent
The Hashgraph Association, in collaboration with the Exponential Science Foundation, has announced the Hedera Africa Hackathon 2025, a landmark initiative with a $1 million prize pool. This pan-African program aims to empower developers, students, and entrepreneurs to build innovative decentralized solutions on the Hedera network, addressing critical challenges and fostering digital transformation across Africa.
Hedera Africa Hackathon 2025 Overview
The Hedera Africa Hackathon 2025 is designed to be a major catalyst for Web3 and AI adoption on the continent. With the goal of attracting over 10,000 participants from more than 15 African countries, the initiative will blend online participation with physical, on-site events in over 20 cities, including tech hubs like Lagos, Cairo, Nairobi, and Cape Town. Participants will be tasked with developing scalable, DLT-based solutions tailored to Africa's most pressing needs, utilizing Hedera's energy-efficient and enterprise-grade distributed ledger technology.
Key Details and What to Expect
This hackathon represents a significant opportunity for innovators passionate about leveraging Web3 for real-world impact.
Total Prize Pool: $1 million USD, distributed among outstanding teams.
Focus Tracks: Participants are encouraged to build solutions across four key tracks:
On-Chain Finance and Real-World Asset (RWA) Tokenisation: Developing tools for lending, borrowing, payments, and tokenizing assets like property or agricultural produce to enhance financial inclusion.
ESG Sustainability and Traceability (DLT for Operations): Creating solutions for transparent supply chains (e.g., agriculture, healthcare), secure record-keeping, and eco-friendly initiatives.
Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI) and AI (AI & DePIN): Building smart, decentralized applications for identity management, or community-powered systems for energy, transport, and internet services.
Gaming, Metaverse, & NFTs: Designing immersive digital experiences, play-to-earn games, virtual worlds, and unique digital collectibles.
Support & Resources: Participants will receive extensive technical education, access to training via the Hedera Academy, certification opportunities, and hands-on support from Hedera-Certified engineers. Physical hacking stations in major cities will facilitate in-person collaboration and mentorship.
Sponsors & Partners: The initiative is supported by key players in the Web3 space including LimeChain, Nagarra, Swirlds Labs, and the HBAR Foundation, alongside over 50 global and regional partners, and more than 100 universities and tech hubs.
Who Should Participate? (Eligibility)
The Hedera Africa Hackathon 2025 is open to:
Developers of all skill levels (no prior blockchain experience is required).
University students.
Entrepreneurs and startups.
While focused on solutions for Africa, global participation is welcomed, fostering international collaboration.
Key Dates and How to Get Involved
The hackathon is part of a broader nine-month program (March - November 2025) that includes awareness and training campaigns.
Global Participation & Application Period: August 1, 2025 – September 30, 2025.
Winners Announcement: November 3, 2025.
How to Apply: Aspiring participants should monitor the official channels of The Hashgraph Association, Exponential Science Foundation, and Hedera for detailed registration information and application portals. Platforms like DoraHacks are also expected to host hackathon details. Pre-registration and preparatory educational content may be available leading up to the August 1st start date.
About The Hashgraph Association and Hedera
Hedera is a leading decentralized, open-source, proof-of-stake public ledger that utilizes the hashgraph consensus algorithm. It offers high transaction speeds, low fees, robust security, and energy efficiency, making it suitable for enterprise-grade decentralized applications.
The Hashgraph Association is a Swiss-based non-profit organization dedicated to driving the global adoption of Hedera-powered solutions by funding innovation, providing training and certification, and supporting venture-building programs.
Looking Ahead: A Catalyst for African Web3 Development
The Hedera Africa Hackathon 2025 is more than just a competition; it's a significant investment in Africa's burgeoning tech talent and a platform to showcase the transformative potential of Web3 and AI. For participants, it offers a unique chance to gain valuable skills, receive mentorship, secure funding, and contribute to solving real-world challenges. This initiative is poised to accelerate innovation, create impactful solutions, and significantly shape the future of decentralized technology across the African continent.