Decentralized smart-contract platform Cardano (ADA) declared that it had collaborated with the SANBA (South African National Blockchain Alliance) to examine ways to grow its footprint in the African country, on April 7, 2020.

Cardano to Drive Blockchain Adoption in South Africa

In an attempt to enlarge its footprint in Africa, Charles Hoskinson-led distributed ledger technology (DLT) project Cardano has signed a partnership with the SANBA to support the country to leverage the advantages of blockchain technology for technological progress and economic growth.

For the uninformed, the recently formed SANBA is collaboration between the state, the business community, academia, and civil society, to promote the application of blockchain technology in South Africa. The initiative has the support of the South African Government, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, State Department of Science and Innovation, and Office of Digital Advantage, among other institutions.

As per the official declaration, South Africa is a “key market” for Cardano in that it recognizes a considerable potential for the approval of blockchain-enabled apps and services in the nation. Primarily, Cardano intends to generate, over time, a blockchain-driven infrastructure that assures economic incorporation throughout the African region.

With regard to the potential use-cases of DLT in the region, the declaration reads in part:

“Possible applications include developing greater transparency to reduce fraud, building digital identities for municipal services, and bolstering developing economies with virtual currencies. The world’s first third-generation blockchain set its sights on strengthening the economies in emerging markets through decentralized innovation. The potential collaboration with SANBA is the first step in delivering game-changing technology to enhance Africa’s dynamic and diverse economies.”

This is hardly Cardano’s initial move into Africa. It was previously reported how Cardano founder, Charles Hoskinson, had inked a deal with the Ethiopian government to onboard local developers to leverage Cardano’s blockchain and evolve the AgriTech sector.

Cardano Inches Closer to Shelley Upgrade

While the ADA community proceeds to extend its footprint over the world, the team is especially seeing forward to the highly-anticipated Shelley upgrade.