Apply: 2022 Hack The Mara Hackathon Challenge for Developers in Africa

Hack The Mara Hackathon Challenge 2022 is calling for entries from developers in Africa.

You are encouraged to participate in this competition by submitting suggestions for a DeFi application that has the potential to act as a payment system for the Maasai Mara tourism industry.

The leading eight proposals will be invited to participate in a live hackathon that will take place in the Maasai Mara in Kenya. The winners of the competition will receive not only cash prizes but also access to funding, startup accelerator programmes, mentorship, and other resources to help them develop their solutions.

Eligibility Criteria

• Interested members of the public who are resident on the African continent are invited to apply to join the Hackathon.
• Individuals who apply must be older than 16 years, and must have the required skills and permission to participate.
• Shortlisted teams would be required to travel down to the Ishara Mara in Kenya, to participate in the one-week physical hackathon.
• All Submission materials must be in English or, if not in English, the Entrant must provide an English translation of the demonstration video, text description, and testing instructions as well as all other materials submitted.

Benefits

• 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners stand a chance to win both cash and in-kind prizes.
• $100,000 in prizes (cash in USDC, and in-kind).
• Acceptance into Antler’s Nairobi incubation program.
• Access to follow-up funding from Mara and partners.
• Mentorship from Mara and partners.

Other benefits include:

• Developer Badges for everyone that completes a successfully submitted app or web service
• Access to partner companies looking to hire developers
• Access to partner companies with project managers with experience building or managing blockchain applications.

Challenge

Decentralized Finance (DeFi) applications are built on blockchain platforms with the goal of providing financial services that are normally offered by centralised entities such as banks, lenders, or insurance firms. You should provide applications that allow partners in the Maasai Mara ecosystem to see the distribution process and ensure that the intended recipients are credited.

Your solution should be able to service anyone, anyplace, regardless of distance. This includes providing service in places with limited internet penetration and smartphone use. The solution must include:

• Offer transparency to all relevant stakeholders
• Use low-tech payment confirmation technology like USSD, MPESA and Identity
• Must adhere to best practices including KYC/AML policies
• Use the blockchain of your choice

Judging Criteria:

• Originality – 20 %
• Innovation – 25 %
• Analytical Skills – 10 %
• Strategic Thinking – 15 %
• Practical Implementation – 30 %

How to Apply