United Gulf Adds $1M to Hedera Africa Hackathon Prize Pool
▼ Summary
– UGFS North Africa has partnered with The Hashgraph Association and Exponential Science Foundation for the Hedera Africa Hackathon 2025, increasing the total prize pool to $2 million.
– The hackathon aims to attract over 10,000 participants across more than 20 African cities to build decentralized solutions on the Hedera network for industries like finance, healthcare, and sustainability.
– UGFS is allocating $1 million from its fund to invest in winning startups and projects, supporting innovation and economic inclusion across Africa.
– The event runs from August 1 to September 30, 2025, and tasks developers with creating scalable, blockchain-based solutions for Africa’s urgent challenges using Hedera’s energy-efficient DLT.
– The initiative is supported by a network of partners, including DAR Blockchain, and focuses on leveraging technologies like AI and IoT to drive digitization and Web3 adoption in Africa.
The total prize pool for the Hedera Africa Hackathon 2025 has now doubled to $2 million, following a major contribution from United Gulf Financial Services (UGFS North Africa). This significant boost amplifies the event’s mission to foster digital innovation and economic inclusion across the African continent.
UGFS North Africa, a prominent venture capital firm, has committed $1 million from its managed fund and partner resources to invest directly in winning startups and standout projects emerging from the hackathon. The initiative is organized in collaboration with The Hashgraph Association and the Exponential Science Foundation, both of which are deeply involved in advancing next-generation technology adoption through funding, education, and innovation programs.
Aimed at empowering Africa’s next wave of Web3 developers, the hackathon blends online engagement with on-site events spanning more than 20 African cities. Organizers anticipate attracting over 10,000 participants from at least 15 countries. Participants will work on building decentralized solutions using the Hedera network, focusing on critical sectors including finance, healthcare, agriculture, sustainability, and manufacturing. The projects will also integrate cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence, IoT, robotics, and quantum computing.
Mohamed Salah Frad, Managing Director of UGFS North Africa, emphasized the strategic importance of the partnership. “Supporting the Hedera Africa Hackathon aligns perfectly with our goal to nurture innovation throughout Africa. We are confident this event will uncover exceptional talent in fields like AI, Greentech, and Biotech. Collaborating with organizations like The Hashgraph Association and Exponential Science Foundation is crucial, we believe in the power of partnership.”
Running from August 1 to September 30, 2025, the hackathon challenges participants to develop scalable, blockchain-based solutions tailored to Africa’s most pressing needs. All entries must be built on the Hedera network, recognized for its energy efficiency, cost predictability, and enterprise-grade security and scalability.
Kamal Youssefi, President of The Hashgraph Association, highlighted the collaborative spirit of the initiative. “We are proud to unite with strong industry partners such as UGFS, Orange Africa and Middle East, and Exponential Science. Expanding the prize pool to $2 million will draw more innovators and accelerate Africa’s digital transformation.”
Paolo Tasca, Executive Chairman of the Exponential Science Foundation, echoed this sentiment, noting, “We see immense potential across Africa for emerging technologies. A larger prize fund will motivate more developers and entrepreneurs to turn bold ideas into ventures that benefit the entire region.”
The hackathon is supported by a robust network of partners and is led by DAR Blockchain, a Tunisian-based Web3 hub with extensive experience in the decentralized technology space since 2017. DAR Blockchain plays a central role in expanding the reach and impact of the event, building on previous efforts to promote blockchain adoption and innovation throughout Africa.
(Source: MEA Tech Watch)
