Please describe your proposed solution

<u>Overview</u>

In Africa, particularly Ghana, many IT professionals and institutions still focus on developing innovative IT products and services using Web 2 technology. Although good in terms of benefits and advancements, Web 2.0 also comes with major challenges which Web 3 has improved upon. These include lack of data privacy, the use of centralised servers leading to the domination of the landscape by major digital players, intrusive advertisements and the subtle manipulation of content among others. Web 3 on the other hand emphasizes decentralized systems and combines a variety of advancements to define a smarter, more user-centric online experience.

Decentralisation offers huge benefits to users by giving them more control over their data and interactions compared to traditional centralized models of data storage and verification. Blockchain and distributed ledgers offer a more transparent, immutable record of transactions to better ensure trust from users without the need for a centralized authority. Aside its cryptocurrency use, Web 3 technology paved the way for decentralized systems and apps by bypassing central intermediaries and operating autonomously in a peer-to-peer network. This gives users more control over their own information and therefore holds more appeal.

The information technology landscape in Ghana is however largely focused on Web 2 technology. IT students, professionals and institutions promote the use of Web 2 through the products and services they develop to solve real world problems. In Ghana’s developing economy, Information Technology (IT) holds tremendous potential for rural development in the areas of agriculture, health, Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs), and education among others. Imagine that solutions for these sectors are built using Web 3, specifically the Cardano blockchain, instead of Web 2.

According to the Oxford Business Group report, the ICT sector remains a major contributor to Ghana’s economic development, with its value expected to grow from $1bn in 2022 to $5bn by 2030. Given the potential of the sector for exponential growth it is important to develop a strategic approach to participating in the sector.

<u>Purpose of the Project</u>

The ultimate purpose of this project is to establish a dedicated training hub which will provide structured learning pathways and practical experience in Web3 technologies. The focus is to train IT students and professionals in Blockchain and Web 3 technologies, particularly the Cardano blockchain. The hub will therefore be the game changer in causing a paradigm shift from Web 2 to Web 3. With adequate training, players in the IT space in the country can begin to develop innovative use cases - solutions, products and services, using Web 3, specifically the Cardano blockchain.

This proposal, however, focuses on the initial preparatory work that needs to be done prior to the establishment of a training hub. It outlines a comprehensive approach to assess the readiness and requirements of IT professionals and organizations for establishing a Web3 training hub. The assessment aims to identify current skill gaps, training needs, and market demand to ensure the successful implementation of a Web3 training initiative. Considering that the establishment of a hub requires substantial resources, it is important that adequate preparatory work is done prior to the establishment of the proposed hub to ensure that it is successful.

The specific objectives of the assessment are to:

· Evaluate current Web3 knowledge levels among IT professionals and students

· Identify specific training needs and preferences

· Assess organizational readiness for Web3 adoption

· Determine market demand for Web3 skills

· Establish baseline requirements for the training hub

<u>Methodology for the Assessment</u>

The assessment will be conducted in three key stages as follows:

a. stakeholder engagement,

b. market research and

c. evaluation of technical infrastructure required for the set up of the hub.

(a) Stakeholder Engagement: The stakeholder engagement aims at, among others, evaluating current Web3 knowledge levels among IT professionals and students, identifying specific training needs and preferences and assessing organizational readiness for Web3 adoption.

To do this we intend to engage with a number of stakeholders in the IT space including Senior IT professionals, Training coordinators, IT training institutions, Web3 developers and architects through meetings, to present them with the idea and have discussions to among others ensure the training hub aligns with industry needs and expectations, uncover specific skill gaps, understand resource allocation and budgeting considerations and foster early buy-in from key decision-makers. As part of stakeholder engagement, we also intend to conduct one-on-one interviews with industry leaders as well as gather feedback from potential training participants.

(b) Market Research: Research will be conducted to determine market demand for Web3 skills, obtain information on the training landscape for the IT sector, and common implementation challenges faced. We will obtain relevant data such as current Web3 training providers and their offerings, market share of major training providers, learning preferences eg. online, hybrid, in-person etc.

(c) Evaluation of technical infrastructure: This stage of the assessment will seek to establish baseline requirements for the training hub. We will evaluate existing technical infrastructure, assess available tools and platforms for Web3 training, review current curriculum standards and requirements for certification.

<u>Data Collection Framework</u>

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A number of data collection tools will be used for data collection. These include:

<u>Desk review of existing data</u>: This will be done by consulting secondary sources of information ie. existing reports on the IT sector in Ghana, reliable online information and metrics pertaining to the IT landscape, sector requirements for setting up training centres etc.

<u>Structured interviews</u>: Interviews will be held with selected industry leaders and heads of institutions to obtain first hand information and engage with stakeholders.

<u>Self-administered google form questionnaires</u>: These will be sent out to institutional heads as part of market research and also to a cross section of the intended beneficiaries of the training hub.

<u>Data Analysis and Reporting</u>

All data obtained from the field and desk review will be analysed and form the basis for the assessment report which will be prepared to outline the findings from the research. The report will provide a minimum of the following information

• Current level of awareness and knowledge of Web3 among professionals in the IT sector
• An overview of specific training needs and preferences of actors in the sector
• Level of market demand for Web3 skills
• Requirements for the training hub in terms of infrastructure, permit requirements, expectations of the actors in the sector etc.

<u>Project Timelines</u>

The project is expected to be completed in four (4) months with the following timelines:

• Weeks 1-4: Design of Assessment tools and Stakeholder Engagement
• Weeks 5-10: Market Research and Data Collection
• Weeks 11-14: Data Analysis and Assessment of Technical Requirements
• Weeks 15-16: Assessment Report Preparation

Please define the positive impact your project will have on the wider Cardano community

The project, at this stage, is exploring the opportunity or potential for the eventual establishment of a Web 3 training hub. It is expected that IT professionals who receive training through the hub will be equipped to develop innovative use cases for the Cardano blockchain in Ghana. This is in line with the requirements of the Cardano Use Cases: Concept challenge.

It is expected therefore that through this project innovative solutions and use cases will be developed for the use of the Cardano blockchain in our everyday lives. The use of the Cardano blockchain will be scaled up and many more people, particularly actors in the Information Technology space, will become aware of the Cardano blockchain, its unique features and advantages over other blockchains.

It is expected that the project will further yield the following benefits to the Cardano community, among others:

• Increase in the potential use cases of the Cardano block chain
• Onboard new members (IT professionals)onto the Ideascale platform who would be in the capacity to play various roles in the Cardano community including becoming Proposers of innovative ideas, Reviewers and Voters among others

What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability? How do you intend to validate if your approach is feasible?

The project team is made up of two very active members of the Cardano community. We have been active in the community for the past almost three years and have successfully closed out one project, with another nearing completion.

1.Stella Seyram Myers is a member of the Cardano community and a training and business planning Consultant. She has qualifications in business administration and 15 years of experience in educating and strengthening businesses through the design of interventions. She has coordinated various projects and has deep understanding of the business environment in Ghana. Stella holds a bachelor's degree in business administration. She has also participated in projects under Fund 10 and was a reviewer in Fund 10, 11 and 12. She is a funded proposer for a project in Fund 11 which is almost at the completion stage.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/stella-myers-481bb315/

2.Faakor Fiadzigbey has been part of the Cardano community since Fund 8 during which she was a Reviewer. She was also a challenge team member for the Grow Africa, Grow Cardano challenge in Fund 8 and a Reviewer in Fund 9, 10, 11 and 12. She was also a Moderator (L2 reviewer) in Fund 10, 11 and 12. She is also a funded proposer for a project in Fund 10 which has been completed and successfully closed out and another project in Fund 11 which is near completion stage. She is an experienced workshop facilitator and training provider, having provided training and capacity development interventions in her capacity as a Human Resource Management Practitioner to staff of various institutions.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/faakor-fiadzigbey-b9b09328/

This joint team of implementers have the relevant experience and goodwill within the Cardano community and will endeavour to do an excellent job if funded.

What are the key milestones you need to achieve in order to complete your project successfully?

Milestone 1: Milestone output: Design of Assessment tools and Stakeholder Engagement

Acceptance criteria:

Develop assessment tools

Identify key stakeholders in the ICT space who will be part of the assessment

Have discussions and structured interviews with some stakeholders

Evidence of milestone completion: Completed assessment tools and summary (2 page) report on findings from stakeholder engagement. This will be submitted to Project Catalyst

Milestone 2: Milestone outputs: Market research and data collection

Acceptance criteria:

Administration of data collection tools

Conduct of market research

Evidence of milestone completion: Raw data collected from questionnaire responses and information obtained from research on institutions in the sector

Milestone 3: Milestone outputs: Data analysis and assessment of technical infrastructure

Acceptance criteria:

Data analysis of all data collected as part of the assessment

Identification of relevant infrastructure and resources required to set up the training hub

Evidence of milestone completion: Complete list of infrastructure and resources required for initial set up of hub

Final Milestone: Milestone outputs: Preparation of Assessment Report

Acceptance criteria: Compilation of assessment report to provide information on all the findings from the assessment, institutions involved, implications of information obtained and recommendations on the way forward.

Evidence of milestone completion: Submission of assessment report to Project Catalyst

Who is in the project team and what are their roles?

The key members of the project team are very active members of the Cardano community. The following roles are assigned to each team member:

Stella Seyram Myers - Research Coordinator

She will be responsible for the market research, data collection and analysis on the project. These include development of assessment tools, administration of questionnaires and statistical data analysis.

Stella is a member of the Cardano community and a training and business planning Consultant. She has qualifications in business administration and 15 years of experience in educating and strengthening businesses through the design of interventions. She has coordinated various projects and has deep understanding of the business environment in Ghana. Stella holds a bachelor's degree in business administration. She has also participated in projects under Fund 10 and was a reviewer in Fund 10, 11 and 12. She is a funded proposer for a project in Fund 11 which is almost at the completion stage.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/stella-myers-481bb315/

Faakor Fiadzigbey: Market Analyst

She will be responsible for stakeholder engagement and evaluation of technical requirements/infrastructure. These will include but not be limited to desk review, structured interviews with stakeholders, assessment of competition, SWOT analysis etc. She will also be responsible for report writing.

Faakor has been part of the Cardano community since Fund 8 during which she was a Reviewer. She was also a challenge team member for the Grow Africa, Grow Cardano challenge in Fund 8 and a Reviewer in Fund 9, 10, 11 and 12. She was also a Moderator (L2 reviewer) in Fund 10, 11 and 12. She is also a funded proposer for a project in Fund 10 which has been completed and successfully closed out and another project in Fund 11 which is near completion stage. She is an experienced workshop facilitator and training provider, having provided training and capacity development interventions in her capacity as a Human Resource Management Practitioner to staff of various institutions.

Telegram: @Fax660

https://www.linkedin.com/in/faakor-fiadzigbey-b9b09328/

Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources

No dependencies

How does the cost of the project represent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem?

The project budget is quite conservative in view of the tasks to be undertaken, and is based on professional rates for providing consultancy services.

The project provides value for money for Cardano in terms of it's potential to identify innovative use cases for the Cardano blockchain and also in terms of the number of professionals, particularly IT professionals, who will potentially join the Cardano community and bring onboard their contribution to the community..

Ultimately, it is expected that the new professionals who will be recruited through the project will, through the knowledge acquired via the project, be able to create more use cases for the Cardano blockchain, which is a key objective of Project Catalyst. Cardano's impact and influence will thus be felt through the numerous solutions to be developed for use in our every day lives.