Cardano’s Charles Hoskinson and Input|Output (IO) are making a real impact in Ethiopia through blockchain technology. A education program was initiated to train fresh graduates to use Cardano to improve the agriculture sector. In an effort to impact the financial economy and individuals’ lives in Africa, IO has decided to build new technology in Ethiopia after successful pilot programs in Greece and Barbados. The Ethiopian government is prioritizing the digital future of the country as seen in the Digital Ethiopia 2025 report approved in June 2020.
Cardano co-founder Charles Hoskinson has been instrumental in the project with the Ethiopian government, aiming to harness the potential of blockchain technology. Plans have been unveiled for IO educators and engineers to train local blockchain developers to enhance the traceability of produce, initially focusing on coffee exports. Recent graduates were advised to learn how to use Haskell to create a ledger of produce and producers on the Cardano blockchain, with a stipend program introduced.
The Ethiopian government has agreed to move forward with a system for students relying on Atala PRISM, aimed at providing self-sovereign identification. This system is essential in developing countries where resources to keep track of personal information are lacking. Hoskinson has emphasized the plan to start with education, eventually leading to a self-sustainable identification system for the entire country. The vision is to create a system where people have portable credentials usable in passports and banking systems, ultimately transforming Ethiopia’s financial system.
Identus, a platform developed by the IO’s Atala team, has played a key role in the Ministry of Ethiopia project by enabling businesses to create decentralized identity solutions. The project’s success has been fueled by creativity, passion, and determination inspired by Real Finance (RealFi.) This effort is pivotal in IO’s vision to serve underserved communities in Africa and the Global South, transforming systems and making a significant impact. With a focus on education and technology, the goal is to advance Ethiopia’s digital future and improve the lives of its citizens.
