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Innovation doesn’t happen in isolation. It thrives in communities, where passionate builders come together to solve problems that matter.
The Hedera Africa Hackathon, powered by Propel in partnership with DoraHacks, was proof of this. Over a few short weeks, thousands of developers across Africa utilized blockchain to address real-world challenges, ranging from digital identity to finance to community empowerment.
More Than an Event
Running from August to October 2025, the Hedera Hackathon spanned seven countries, offering over $1 million in prizes and mentorship. But its true success wasn’t in the prize money, it was in the momentum it created. Developers didn’t just compete; they collaborated. Teams from Lagos, Nairobi, Accra, and Cairo built solutions tailored to African realities with global relevance.
What We Learned
- Innovation Scales Through Community: The best ideas come from collaboration, not isolation.
- Local Context Drives Global Impact: Builders closest to the problem create the most sustainable solutions.
- Hackathons Can Be R&D Pipelines: Businesses can treat hackathons as fast, low-cost innovation engines.
The Business Takeaway
For global companies, events like this aren’t just CSR; they’re strategy. By tapping into community-led hackathons, organisations gain access to pre-vetted talent, fresh ideas, and real-time insights into emerging markets.
Propel’s role is to make that connection seamless through our Community-as-a-Service model. We help companies host, manage, and scale hackathons that deliver real results.
A Lasting Impact
The Hedera Africa Hackathon wasn’t just a one-off event. It sparked projects that continue to evolve and foster communities that remain collaborative. That’s what happens when hackathons meet communities, innovation doesn’t end; it compounds.
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