Ethereum layer-2 project, Lisk, publicizes the conclusion of its initial incubator group
In the dynamic world of technology, African startups are making their mark, and the blockchain sector is no exception. Here's a roundup of some of the key blockchain ecosystems and programs that are supporting African startups in their journey.
Dominic Schwenter, as the chief operating officer at Lisk, is leading the charge with Lisk's dedicated blockchain incubation hub. This program is specifically designed to nurture startups looking to build products on Lisk's infrastructure.
However, it's not just Lisk that's making waves. Other blockchain ecosystems and related programs are also actively supporting African startups in their quest to build on their infrastructure.
One such example is Celo, an indigenous blockchain protocol that's gaining traction in Africa. Celo partners on localized Web3 infrastructure projects to support startups in developing mobile-first decentralized applications, particularly for digital identity and finance solutions.
Polygon and ConsenSys, globally recognized Web3 infrastructure players, also have partnerships and projects localized for African startups. These collaborations facilitate the development and deployment of blockchain applications tailored to regional needs, such as decentralized finance (DeFi) and supply chain management.
The UNDP Cameroon Accelerator Lab, while broader in scope, leverages blockchain-based financing models and provides bootcamps and mentorship in emerging tech areas including fintech and agritech. This initiative aims to empower African startups.
While Lisk leads with a dedicated blockchain incubation hub, other ecosystems mainly enable African startups through partnership models and accelerator programs integrating blockchain/Web3 elements.
The Ethereum ecosystem is also actively involved in supporting African blockchain companies. The Ethereum Support Program has provided grants to African blockchain companies such as Web3Bridge, Borderless Africa, and the African Blockchain Institute.
StarkWare, the developer of another Ethereum layer-2 protocol, Starknet, launched a $4 million fund in February. This fund is looking to award up to $150,000 in grants to beneficiaries, further boosting the African blockchain startup scene.
The Ethereum Foundation, too, invests in projects that build on its network or contribute to developing its infrastructure.
In conclusion, while Lisk leads with a dedicated blockchain incubation hub, other ecosystems mainly enable African startups through partnership models and accelerator programs integrating blockchain/Web3 elements. The growth in Web3 infrastructure adoption and ecosystem support in Africa is increasing rapidly via these global-local collaborations.
- Dominic Schwenter, as the chief operating officer at Lisk, is spearheading an initiative with Lisk's dedicated blockchain incubation hub, aimed at nurturing startups building on Lisk's infrastructure.
- Celo, an indigenous blockchain protocol popular in Africa, partners on localized Web3 infrastructure projects to support startups developing mobile-first decentralized applications, particularly for digital identity and finance solutions.
- Polygon and ConsenSys, known as Web3 infrastructure players, have partnerships and projects localized for African startups, facilitating the development and deployment of blockchain applications suited to regional needs.
- The UNDP Cameroon Accelerator Lab, while broader in scope, utilizes blockchain-based financing models and offers boot camps and mentorship in emerging tech areas like fintech and agritech, intending to empower African startups.
- Other ecosystems primarily enable African startups through partnership models and accelerator programs incorporating blockchain/Web3 elements, like the Ethereum ecosystem.
- The Ethereum Support Program has awarded grants to African blockchain companies such as Web3Bridge, Borderless Africa, and the African Blockchain Institute, displaying Ethereum's active support for Africa's blockchain industry.
- StarkWare, behind the Ethereum layer-2 protocol Starknet, launched a $4 million fund in February, offering up to $150,000 in grants to African blockchain startup beneficiaries.
