A Meeting of Minds in Uganda: Polygon DevXTour

In a gathering that brought together key players from the web3 ecosystem in Kampala, startup founders, Polygon guild representatives, and the esteemed Tony Olendo from Polygon, the conversation revolved around the transformative potential of blockchain technology, including the realm of International Development. This event featured a series of presentations by various projects, with a special spotlight on Impact Plus. Empowering Developers and the Ecosystem: One of the resounding messages of the event was the community’s emphasis on the importance of nurturing local talent and fostering a robust blockchain ecosystem. The needs identified by developers in Uganda were clear: Developer Training: The demand for comprehensive developer training programs was palpable. Participants expressed a strong desire for initiatives that equip them with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the blockchain space. Access to Funding: Funding emerged as a critical requirement for local startups and developers. Creating avenues for financial support and investment is vital to catalyzing innovation. Development Centers: Inspired by the concept of a Polygon Tech House, participants recognized the value of having dedicated development centers where developers can work, collaborate, and access resources. Community Connections: The event highlighted the significance of building bridges with other web3 communities across the African continent. Collaboration and knowledge-sharing are central to driving progress. Hackathons and Support: While hackathons were seen as valuable opportunities, it was acknowledged that support should extend beyond competitions. Establishing centers where developers can access Wi-Fi, learn, and connect with peers fosters continuous growth. Highlighted Startups and Collaborators: Several startups and individuals showcased their work and potential for collaboration: Oneramp: A startup presenting innovative solutions. Agrichain: Offering blockchain solutions in agriculture. Shukuru Crypto Wallet: Innovating in the world of cryptocurrency wallets. Turkey Money Transfer: Exploring the possibilities of blockchain in financial services. In conclusion, the meeting in Kampala served as a platform to explore the untapped potential of blockchain technology in International Development. It showcased a shared commitment to empowering local talent, fostering innovation, and forging meaningful collaborations that hold the promise of transformative change in the region. As discussions continue and strategies are refined, the journey towards harnessing blockchain’s potential for good marches forward with optimism and purpose. Activity: Polygon DevXTour; A Meeting of Minds in  Kampala When: 25th June, 2023 Where: Kampala, Uganda

Global Planning Workshop at IESE

Impact Plus recently convened at IESE Business School in Barcelona, a renowned institution known for its unwavering dedication to academic excellence, values-driven leadership, and robust industry affiliations. Our visit to this esteemed institution offered a valuable platform for productive discussions with stakeholders during a week, enabling us to align with their interests and aspirations, further reinforcing our MEAL policy (Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning). This engagement has empowered us to forge socially impactful initiatives fine-tuned to real-world demands. In line with our commitment to transparency, we are meticulously monitoring all initiatives developed on the Polygon network with the same purpose. Join us in our endeavor to enhance transparency within the ecosystem. Help us amplify the reach of our survey! Activity: Impact Plus Global Planning Workshop When: 22-23 May, 2023 Where: IESE, School of Business, Barcelona, Spain

Blockchain for Impact at Harvard Belfer Center

The Blockchain for Impact Workshop, a groundbreaking event that took place on April 25th, was hosted at Harvard University’s prestigious Belfer Center, renowned as one of the world’s foremost think tanks. The workshop was a pivotal component of the Technology and Public Purpose Project, an initiative aimed at exploring the intersection of technology and societal advancement. Throughout the day-long workshop, participants engaged in insightful discussions that delved deeply into the transformative power of blockchain technology within three vital spheres: (1) International Development, (2) Public Goods, and (3) Regenerative Economy. These domains were explored through the lens of blockchain’s potential to catalyze positive social change and drive meaningful impact on a global scale. The event’s success was attributed, in no small part, to the efforts of Impact Plus, the driving force behind the workshop’s organization. Impact Plus orchestrated a series of thought-provoking panel discussions, each featuring luminaries and domain experts from distinguished institutions such as Harvard, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). However, the discourse extended beyond academia, with vibrant contributions from burgeoning start-ups like Polygon Labs and trailblazers in the realm of layer one protocols. Amidst the intellectual fervor, a particularly noteworthy highlight was a captivating lecture presented by the Ministry of Digital Affairs from Taiwan. The lecture centered on the theme “Web3 as a Digital Public Good in Taiwan,” offering a unique international perspective on how blockchain technology can revolutionize governance and enhance public services. This distinctive insight provided a global context, enriching the discourse with an understanding of the diverse ways in which blockchain can shape the future of governments and societies. The Blockchain for Impact Workshop stood as a testament to the potency of collaborative endeavors at the nexus of academia, industry, and government. With its multifaceted exploration of blockchain’s potential to usher in positive change across critical domains, the workshop not only expanded intellectual horizons but also kindled a sense of collective responsibility to harness technology for the greater good. As the sun set on the event, participants departed with a renewed sense of purpose, armed with insights that held the promise of shaping a more equitable and impactful future.  

EthDenver 2023, reinforcing M.E.A.L

ETHDenver, the world’s largest and longest-running annual Blockchain/Web3 event grew 50% this 2023 year, recording its largest attendance in history with a total of 48,000 (15,000 unique) from 115 countries. The Festival provides mentors, resources and educational content to assist in teaching, connecting and expanding all attendees’ involvement in the space. As anticipated since the previous year, the interest in utilizing blockchain technology for socially impactful applications has surged with evidence in 2023, firmly establishing it as a central theme within the ecosystem’s narrative. This trend has prompted the allocation of a dedicated conference section in 2023, wholly focused on exploring the realm of social impact. In this context, Impact Plus received an invitation from the event organizers to occupy a prominent space, enabling us to effectively raise awareness about the manifold potential applications of blockchain technology in addressing pressing social challenges. This strategic positioning allowed for the dissemination of the M.E.A.L framework (Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning), which played an instrumental role in this dialogue. The issue of inadequate monitoring and the daunting challenge of substantiating tangible outcomes within blockchain initiatives is emerging as apivotal concern for the sector’s future trajectory. Within this landscape, Impact Plus leverages its specialized knowledge in international development to address these critical issues, filling a crucial void in the realm of blockchain-driven social impact initiatives. The conference’s invitation underscores the synergy between Impact Plus’s expertise and the event’s overarching mission, facilitating a seamless integration of blockchain technology into effective social problem-solving frameworks. Impact Plus left an indelible mark on the conference, fostering connections that transcended borders and ignited inspiration. Through their engaging panel discussion on blockchain’s role in international development, Impact Plus solidifies their position as thought leaders, championing the power of decentralized technology to address critical and humanitarian needs. Their booth and networking endeavors create a dynamic space for collaboration, fostering meaningful exchanges and paving the way for future partnerships in the Ethereum ecosystem. ETHDenver, renowned for its role in catalyzing innovation and fostering vibrant community engagement, serves as an ideal platform for spotlighting the amalgamation of blockchain technology and socially transformative endeavors. The conference not only draws a diverse global audience but also provides a conducive environment for fostering in-depth conversations regarding the tangible and positive shifts that blockchain can catalyze in real-world contexts. This alignment between technological advancement and societal betterment underscores the dynamic evolution of the blockchain ecosystem, firmly establishing ETHDenver as a pivotal nexus in shaping the trajectory of this revolutionary technology. Here are some projects that were presented in this 2023: onepager_mesuring it1 (1) (1) Impact Plus – TechHouses Impact Plus – Social Impact Summit Impact Plus – Social impact incubator Impact Plus – Minorities Program (2)   Activity: EthDenver When: 1-5 March, 2023 Where: Denver, USA

Society for International Development Roundtable

The Society for International Development Roundtable held on February 28, 2023, in Washington D.C., USA, marked a pivotal moment for Impact Plus. Impact Plus, in its journey towards becoming a trusted resource for the global development community, embarked on a significant step by forging robust connections with USAID (United States Agency for International Development) and its prominent implementing partners, including Chemonics, Creative, and DAI. This collaboration not only expanded the organization’s reach and influence but also solidified its position as a beacon of expertise in the blockchain field. The Journey Towards Credibility: Impact Plus recognized that credibility and exposure in the international development arena are pivotal to effecting meaningful change. USAID is renowned for its commitment to improving the human condition globally, and its implementing partners have a profound impact on the ground. Thus, establishing ties with these influential entities was a game-changer for Impact Plus. The half-day workshop at the Society for International Development Roundtable became the platform for setting this collaborative endeavor into motion. The event facilitated open discussions, knowledge sharing, and relationship building between blockchain experts, Impact Plus, and key representatives from USAID and its implementing partners. One of the primary objectives of the workshop was to create a space for the exchange of insights and expertise. Blockchain technology, with its potential to revolutionize data management, supply chain logistics, and payment processes, is of significant interest in the realm of international development. By providing a forum for attendees to share their knowledge and experiences, the workshop contributed to expanding the understanding of how blockchain can be harnessed to address the pressing challenges of global development. This event was more than just a one-off occasion; it laid the foundation for long-lasting relationships between blockchain organizations and the USAID ecosystem. Through open dialogue and engagement, the workshop established connections that have the potential to foster future partnerships, research endeavors, and collaborative projects. The impact of such collaborations is poised to ripple through the global development landscape, offering innovative solutions to age-old problems. The partnership between Impact Plus and USAID, solidified during the Society for International Development Roundtable workshop, signifies a significant step forward in harnessing the potential of blockchain technology for international development. By developing connections with influential institutions and facilitating knowledge exchange, Impact Plus has furthered its mission of becoming a trusted resource in the field. As the Responsible Revolution continues to shape the future of global development, such collaborations serve as beacons of hope for a brighter, more equitable world.  

Compliance and Regulation in the Kenyan Web3 Ecosystem

The Capital Markets (Amendment) Bill in Kenya has raised concerns among the cryptocurrency community about its potential impact on cryptocurrency taxation. We addressed these issues in an event attended by over 150 professionals in Nairobi and co-sponsored by Binance and Tether. The event focused on transparency, compliance, and regulation in the Web3 space. Paulo Ardoino, CTO of BitFinex Tether, delivered an online keynote emphasizing the company’s commitment to these elements. Other speakers discussed the theoretical framework of cryptocurrency regulation and the importance of fair taxation, highlighting past challenges as learning opportunities and forward-thinking jurisdictions such as El Salvador and CAR as leading the way in decentralized finance.  Compliance and Regulation in the Kenyan Web3 Ecosystem When: 27th January, 2023 Where: Africa Blockchain Centre, Nairobi, Kenya

NGO Bootcamp Brazil

The Web3 for NGOs workshop brought together a diverse group of nonprofit organizations seeking to understand the potential applications of blockchain in Brazil’s favelas. The event explored the fundamentals of blockchain, NFTs, and smart contracts and provided real-world use cases and demonstrations of how organizations can leverage these technologies in urban areas characterized by poverty, lack of infrastructure, and limited access to technology and resources. The participants highlighted their projects and opportunities for future collaborative enterprises with Impact Plus to address real-world challenges in their communities through blockchain. The workshop aimed to empower the attendees with knowledge and understanding of the potential use of these technologies. The event was organised with the support of Chainlink. NGO Bootcamp When: 17 December, 2022 Where: Favela Inc., Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Blockchain for Empact Alumni of the World Food Program

The absence of access to reliable and verified information can significantly impede informed decision-making across various critical areas, including investment choices, contract negotiations, payment transactions, and the management of production processes, such as those within the food supply chain. The World Food Program Empact Alumni group from, comprising both male and female graduates, recently convened for an event aimed at acquiring a comprehensive understanding of blockchain, NFTs, and the potential of Web3 in generating social impact. During the event, attendees delved into the prospective opportunities for collaboration between the Web3 community and the World Food Program. They also examined the challenges confronting the sector, including the transformation of food systems, the establishment of transparent supply chains, and the facilitation of financial resilience among smallholder farmers. The participants collectively resolved that, as leaders, they bear a responsibility to wield their knowledge of Web3 technology responsibly. They committed to actively engage in blockchain bootcamps and hackathons in Kenya, seeking innovative solutions to address societal challenges. This proactive approach underscores their commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology for the betterment of global food security and humanitarian efforts. Activity: 101 blockchain for EMPACT ALUMNI of the WFP When: 14th December, 2022 Where: Nairobi, Kenya

Blockchain for SDGs

The Blockchain for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) event brought together NGOs and blockchain developers of different levels to delve into the potential of blockchain technology in driving social impact. The event explored the implementation of SDGs in Nigeria, the diverse challenges faced in the region, and various use cases for blockchain in agriculture, health solutions, and logistics. This event featured illuminating use case presentations, an array of thought-provoking keynote speeches, and an engaging panel discussion moderated by a representative of the Seedbuilders Foundation. These initiatives gave attendees a deeper understanding of blockchain technology’s potential applications and challenges for sustainable development. Blockchain for Sustainable Development Goals When: 26th November, 2022 Where: Seedbuilders Innovation Hub, Abuja, Nigeria