Project Launch: Blockchain For Social Good Project Starts in Zambia

The Youth Empowerment Pilot Project Kicks-off

LUSAKA - 15/06/2022. United Africa Blockchain Association (UABA) Youth Empowerment Project Pilot dubbed ‘Blockchain for Social Good Project’ took off to a flying start on 14 June 2022.

This comes on the back of getting an official thumbs up from the Zambian Ministry of Science and Technology (MOTS) on 17 May 2022. In an official letter to UABA from Permanent Secretary Brilliant Habeenzu at MOTS, expressed support of the feasibility of using blockchain as one of the innovative ways for empowering underprivileged communities and the youth in particular.

UABA together with partners Near Blockchain Foundation, Sankore 2.0, Probase, and MOTS intend to demonstrate how blockchain can be used for social good firstly by educating Zambian youth on blockchain, cryptocurrencies and how they can benefit from the blockchain ecosystem. Secondly, by preparing and equipping the Zambian youth for blockchain based employment opportunities. 

And thirdly, by creating sustainable local communities through incentive based crypto opportunities that will enable communities to earn and spend cryptocurrencies for basic human needs, as well as test the feasibility of implementing Blockchain in the Zambia Public sector. 

It is the last component of the project that will demonstrate the blockchain payment system used to disbursing the basic needs incentive. The crypto incentive will be distributed through participating Tuck shop owners in the areas earmarked for the pilot. The participants who receive the cryptocurrency incentive can then exchange it for goods exclusive to incentive packages at participating tuck shops. 

UABA Global Chairperson, Yaliwe Soko announcing the launch of the pilot project during radio in interview on ZNBC Radio 2

Near Blockchain will be the blockchain platform facilitating the payments for the crypto based incentive during the course of the project. While Sankore 2.0 will be offering technical support regarding payments solutions.

The pilot project will target people between the age 18 and 35 years, comprising under-privileged women run households, unemployed youth, secondary school leavers, youth affected by substance abuse, and small scale traders known locally as ‘Tuntemba’ (Tuck shops).

The areas earmarked for the project are in Lusaka, the capital of Zambia,  Kalingalinga, Chainda, and Mutendere. And the town of Mufulira on the Copperbelt.

The UABA is urging residents to come and participate in the project. They will require on the bare minimum to have a smartphone and be available for the training sessions. Anyone in the mentioned areas interested in participating can register on using this: