Over 10,000 developers across 15+ African countries now have a $2M reason to build the continent’s next blockchain breakthrough, thanks to UGFS North Africa’s new partnership with The Hashgraph Association and the Exponential Science Foundation.
By contributing $1 million from its managed fund and funding partners, UGFS has doubled the hackathon’s prize pool to an impressive $2 million, making it the largest Web3 hackathon in Africa.
This initiative aims to empower over 10,000 developers, students, and entrepreneurs across more than 15 African countries to build decentralised solutions on the Hedera network, promoting economic inclusion and digital innovation.
UGFS North Africa’s Commitment to African Innovation
UGFS North Africa, a leading venture capital firm, specialises in providing financial support and mentorship to innovative startups.
Its $1 million investment will fund winning startups and projects from the hackathon, focusing on transformative solutions in AI, Greentech, Biotech, and more.
We are very pleased to be participating in the Hedera Africa Hackathon, as this is core to our strategy to invest and help grow innovation across Africa. Collaboration with partners like The Hashgraph Association and Exponential Science Foundation is key to unlocking the continent’s potential.
Mohamed Salah Frad, Managing Director of UGFS North Africa
This financial boost not only elevates the hackathon’s appeal but also aligns with UGFS’s mission to nurture scalable, high-impact ventures that address Africa’s unique challenges.
Hedera Africa Hackathon 2025: A Catalyst for Web3 Innovation
Launched on August 1, 2025, and running through September 30, 2025, the Hedera Africa Hackathon 2025 is a landmark event designed to accelerate the adoption of Web3 and cutting-edge technologies like AI, IoT, robotics, and quantum computing.
Organised by The Hashgraph Association, a Swiss non-profit driving Hedera-powered solutions, and the Exponential Science Foundation, the hackathon combines online participation with in-person events across over 20 African cities, including Lagos, Cairo, Nairobi, Kinshasa, Cape Town, Casablanca, and Tunis.
READ ALSO:Inside Hedera’s Plan to Certify 10,000 Blockchain Builders in Africa
Participants are tasked with developing blockchain and distributed ledger technology (DLT)-based solutions on the Hedera network, renowned for its energy efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and enterprise-grade scalability. The hackathon focuses on critical sectors such as:
- Onchain Finance and Real-World Asset (RWA) Tokenisation: Leveraging Africa’s leadership in mobile money adoption, with Sub-Saharan Africa accounting for nearly 75% of global mobile money accounts.
- ESG Sustainability and Traceability
- Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI) and AI
- Gaming, Metaverse, and NFTs
With over 50 global partners and 100 universities and tech hubs, including Tunisia’s DAR Blockchain, the hackathon offers extensive technical education, certifications, and hands-on support from Hedera-certified engineers.
Leadership and Vision for a Digital Africa
The increased prize pool of $2 million is expected to attract a diverse pool of talent, amplifying the hackathon’s impact.
Our efforts to equip developers and entrepreneurs with Web3 skills using the Hedera platform and funding to support digitisation in Africa cannot be done solo. Increasing the prize pool to $2 million will attract more innovative developers and projects to digitise the African continent.
Kamal Youssefi, President of The Hashgraph Association
A larger prize pool will encourage more developers, projects, and entrepreneurs to join the initiative, turning ideas into ventures that benefit the region.
Paolo Tasca, Executive Chairman of the Exponential Science Foundation
DAR Blockchain, a Tunisian Web3 hub with extensive experience since 2017, leads the operational efforts, ensuring the hackathon’s success across the continent.
Why This Matters for Africa’s Digital Future
Africa’s young, dynamic tech community and its rapid adoption of mobile money, processing $1.4 trillion in transactions annually, position the continent as a global leader in digital innovation.
The Hedera Africa Hackathon 2025 addresses critical challenges like high inflation, weak banking systems, and limited access to financial services by encouraging Web3 solutions that offer secure, affordable, and efficient alternatives.
With the support of UGFS North Africa, The Hashgraph Association, and the Exponential Science Foundation, the hackathon is positioned to empower the next generation of tech builders, driving economic inclusion and sustainable growth.
Join the Hedera Africa Hackathon 2025
The Hedera Africa Hackathon 2025 is open to global participants, offering both virtual and in-person tracks. Developers, students, and entrepreneurs can register and access resources, including technical training and certifications, at hedera-hackathon.hashgraph.swiss.
Don’t miss this opportunity to shape Africa’s digital future with a chance to win from a $2 million prize pool.
Ronnie Paul is a seasoned writer and analyst with a prolific portfolio of over 1,000 published articles, specialising in fintech, cryptocurrency, and digital finance at Africa Digest News.
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