In a remarkable initiative to boost blockchain education and innovation in the Middle East and Africa (MEA), over 10,000 innovators from 16 countries are participating in the Hedera Africa Hackathon. This is the continent's most extensive blockchain competition, boasting over $1 million in prizes.
A Strategic Partnership for Blockchain Advancement
Orange Middle East & Africa (OMEA), leveraging its Orange Digital Center (ODC) network, has partnered with The Hashgraph Association (THA) and Dar Blockchain. This collaboration aims to foster blockchain education, innovation, and adoption within the region. A pivotal aspect of this endeavor is the certification program in Hedera technology, offered through ODCs in all 16 participating countries. Available both online and on-site, this program empowers youth, professionals, and entrepreneurs with vital skills to develop on the Hedera platform.
Hackathon Launch and Format
The Hackathon commenced on August 1, 2025, in collaboration with the Exponential Science Foundation. This hybrid event integrates virtual participation with physical hubs at Orange Digital Centers. Participants benefit from access to technical resources, personalized mentoring, and strategic networking, all designed to help them create scalable, impactful solutions.
Driving Digital Inclusion and Skill Growth
By aligning one of the region's largest telecommunications networks with Hedera's global Web3 educational efforts and Dar Blockchain's pan-African innovation prowess, this initiative underscores a significant advancement toward digital inclusion, talent development, and wide-reaching blockchain adoption across Africa and the Middle East.
Focused Training in Hedera for the Hackathon
Central to this initiative is a comprehensive training program in Hedera technology, hosted at Orange Digital Centers across the region. Available online, the program is designed to equip young individuals, professionals, and project leaders with robust skills in blockchain and Web3 technology, preparing them for participation in the Hedera Africa Hackathon.
Empowering Pan-African Innovation
The spotlight of this collaboration, the 'Hedera Africa Hackathon', is set to mobilize more than 10,000 participants across 16 countries, driving the creation of impactful solutions based on Hedera technology. Thanks to Orange Digital Centers, the hackathon will be accessible online and through in-person events, offering technical support, mentoring, and networking opportunities. An impressive prize pool exceeding $1 million will reward the most promising and innovative projects.
This united effort marks a transformative step in nurturing digital talent and facilitating blockchain technology development within the MEA region.
