Cardano shifts from blockchain pilots in Africa to deciding what gets built

As Alex Maaza, the Ecosystem and Enterprise Growth Lead at the Cardano Foundation, puts it, Cardano's recent decision to shift its focus from blockchain pilots to governance is "less about commercial strategy and more about governance maturity." For years, the blockchain company has been backing developers and providing funding to build on its network across Africa. Now, it's allowing community members to vote on which ecosystem projects receive funding, how it allocates funding, and which high-potential projects should be prioritised. This seismic shift has significant implications for Africa's blockchain ecosystem, and it's time to examine what's behind it.

Cardano's journey in Africa began with funding blockchain pilots, startup programmes, and public-sector projects. The company's presence in the continent was built through its startup programmes, digital identity projects, and government partnerships, including a widely publicised education credentials initiative in Ethiopia. Blockchain companies typically back developers and provide funding to enable them to build on their networks. However, Cardano is now taking a different approach. By placing governance at the centre of its Africa strategy, the company is allowing community members to have a say in the decision-making process. This is a significant departure from the traditional top-down approach, where companies dictate the direction of the ecosystem.

Project Catalyst, Cardano's community funding programme, is a prime example of this new approach. The initiative allows participants to submit proposals and vote on which projects receive funding. According to Maaza, around 150 Africa-related projects have received between $2.5 million and $3 million through Catalyst, spanning agricultural traceability, education, humanitarian coordination, and off-grid energy. The programme started as a grant programme where community members voted on which projects received funding. Cardano has since expanded that voting system to include decisions about treasury spending and the network's future development. This community-driven approach is a significant step towards decentralisation and could have far-reaching implications for Africa's blockchain ecosystem.

By giving community members a say in the decision-making process, Cardano is creating a more inclusive and sustainable ecosystem. This approach has several benefits, including increased community engagement, improved project quality, and better alignment with community needs. As Maaza notes, Cardano spent years prototyping decentralised decision-making through Project Catalyst. Since 2025, that model has evolved, and it's now being applied to other areas of the ecosystem. This shift towards governance maturity is a significant step forward for Cardano and could have a lasting impact on Africa's blockchain ecosystem.

As Cardano continues to evolve its governance model, it's essential to consider the implications for the broader ecosystem. Other blockchain companies, such as Stellar and Sui, have taken a similar approach to ecosystem-building. However, Cardano's focus on governance maturity sets it apart from its peers. The company's commitment to decentralisation and community-driven decision-making could lead to a more sustainable and inclusive ecosystem. As the African blockchain ecosystem continues to grow and mature, Cardano's governance shift is a significant development that deserves close attention.

Cardano's decision to place governance at the centre of its Africa strategy marks a significant turning point for the continent's blockchain ecosystem. By giving community members a say in the decision-making process, the company is creating a more inclusive and sustainable ecosystem. As the African blockchain ecosystem continues to evolve, it's essential to consider the implications of this shift and what it means for the future of blockchain development on the continent.