7 December 2025
The Hashgraph Association and the Exponential Science Foundation have Hedera Africa Hackathon 2025 launched, a global event aimed at accelerating the adoption of Web3 and Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the African continent. With a prize pool of $1 million, the hackathon will run from August 1 to September 30 and aims to attract over 10.000 participants from fifteen African countries.
Organized by two nonprofits, the Switzerland-based Hashgraph Association and the technology-focused Exponential Science Foundation, the hackathon is open to developers, students, and entrepreneurs from around the world.
Kamal Youssefi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Hashgraph Association, said: “We aim to leverage technologies that bridge Web3 and AI to create transparent cognitive solutions that optimize processes, facilitate decision-making, and automate execution.”
The solutions developed during the hackathon will be based on the Hedera Network and will be divided into four themes: on-chain finance and physical asset tokenization (RWA); ESG sustainability and traceability; self-sovereign identity (SSI) and AI; and gaming, metaverse, and non-fungible tokens (NFTs). Up to fifteen outstanding teams will receive awards based on innovation, impact, and alignment with the hackathon objectives.
The hackathon covers a large area in Africa, with on-site events in over 20 African cities including Lagos, Cairo, Nairobi, Kinshasa, Cape Town, Casablanca and Tunis. The growing interest in Africa’s Web3 potential is evident, with over 50 partners and 100 universities and tech hubs already signed up to the Hedera Africa Hackathon.
The high inflation, a weak banking system and widespread corruption mean that many in Africa lack access to reliable financial services. This provides an opportunity for Web3 projects such as Jambo and Yellow Card to provide alternatives for savings and income. Kamal highlighted Africa’s strengths, such as its “young population with ambitious technological talents.” He pointed to the partnership between Hedera and Orange, a telecom operator, which is setting up digital empowerment programs in 16 African countries. These initiatives include training, certification and the creation of incubation and accelerator centers.
Paolo Tasca, Executive Chairman of the Exponential Science Foundation, added: “Africa has a unique advantage in Web3, a demographic advantage and a proven capacity for digital adoption. Yet barriers remain, especially when it comes to basic infrastructure and education.”
In addition, governments are also encouraging talent development. Nigeria recently launched an annual initiative to train 1.000 citizens in artificial intelligence and blockchain technologies.
The Hedera Africa Hackathon 2025 is a crucial step in strengthening technological innovation and collaboration on the African continent. With a focus on Web3 and AI, this event promises not only to advance the knowledge and skills of the next generation of techies, but also to make a significant contribution to economic development in the region.
How can I participate in the Hedera Africa Hackathon 2025?
Anyone can participate by registering through the official channels of the hackathon. Participants are encouraged to submit ideas that fit the different tracks of the hackathon.
What are the benefits of participating in this hackathon?
Participants will not only have the opportunity to win significant prize money, but also to gain experience, network and get involved in innovative projects that can make an impact in African communities.
What technologies can be used during the hackathon?
The hackathon encourages the use of the Hedera network, as well as other blockchain technologies, AI tools and developments in the domain of ESG, identity and gaming.
Bitcoin (BTC)
Ethereum (ETH)
XRP (XRP)
