The University of Ghana became a center of innovation and collaboration as it hosted ETHAccra 2024, West Africa’s premier Ethereum hackathon.

From August 29 to August 31, the event brought together over 150 blockchain developers and enthusiasts from Ghana, Nigeria, Togo, and other parts of the region.

Organised to foster collaboration and empower local developers, ETHAccra 2024 provided a unique platform for emerging innovators to explore the world of Ethereum and shape the future of decentralized technology.

ETHAccra, launched in 2023, is dedicated to bridging the gap between local talent and global blockchain technology by creating a space where diverse minds can meet, learn, and create.

The event, in its second year, aims to educate and connect individuals interested in the potential of Ethereum, the blockchain network revolutionizing how decentralized applications and smart contracts are developed.

ETHAccra’s overarching goal is to establish Ghana as a hub for blockchain innovation in West Africa by offering developers unique opportunities to dive into the Ethereum ecosystem and contribute their unique perspectives to global Web3 conversations.

The ETHAccra hackathon provides a three-day, intensive learning experience with support from key global and local partners, including The Graph, Optimism, Celo, NEAR, the Ethereum Foundation, and H.E.R DAO.

These collaborations enabled participants to engage in hands-on sessions, workshops, and coding marathons, tackling both local and global challenges through blockchain applications.

Educational partnerships with institutions like the University of Ghana, University of Cape Coast, Ashesi University, and KNUST furthered ETHAccra’s mission by connecting students and local tech communities like Python Ghana and React Ghana to emerging opportunities within the Ethereum universe.

As a result of ETHAccra’s efforts, the region has seen increased interest in Web3 technologies, with periodic meetups and collaborations contributing to community building.

Participants included programmers, blockchain enthusiasts, and tech professionals eager to harness Ethereum’s potential to tackle pressing issues.

For many attendees, ETHAccra was an introduction to blockchain that brought international and local perspectives to Ghana, igniting interest and setting a foundation for a thriving blockchain ecosystem.

With support from organisations like UNICEF Ghana, the Swiss Embassy, and local tech communities, ETHAccra is fostering an inclusive environment where developers are encouraged to bring new perspectives to global blockchain discussions.