Cover photo

How to Get Started and Succeed in the Based Africa Buildathon

What is Based Africa?

Based Africa is a community dedicated to connecting base builders and enthusiasts across the continent, spreading awareness about Base in Africa, and bringing a million people onchain. It’s a community that empowers developers and innovators to solve real-world challenges using onchain technology, fostering growth and creativity in the African tech ecosystem.

Based Africa Buildathon

The Based Africa Buildathon is part of the global Based Buildathon series, an initiative that spans multiple regions around the world. This event invites builders from across Africa to come together and leverage their skills to create innovative solutions that will improve the internet. Participants are encouraged to build onchain applications that address real-world challenges, helping to shape a more decentralized, accessible, and inclusive digital future. The Build-a-thon offers an opportunity for African developers, creators, and tech enthusiasts to collaborate, showcase their talents, and contribute to the evolution of the internet through blockchain technology.

To get started and succeed with the Based Africa Buildathon, here is a step-by-step guide with ten steps:

  1. Learn the Basics of Onchain Technology

    Start by learning the basics of blockchain and onchain concepts. Explore decentralized apps (dApps), as they are key to onchain development. Use resources like tutorials or platforms such as Coinbase, Base, or Farcaster to understand smart contracts, crypto payments, and other onchain tools.

  1. Register for the Buildathon

    Visit the official Buildathon website. Sign up and create an account on Devfolio, where you can register for the event. Make sure to stay informed about key dates, rules, and competition guidelines by regularly checking the website for updates.

  2. Join a Community

    Join the Based Africa Buildathon community on platforms like WhatsApp and Twitter, and follow Baseafrica to stay updated on the latest news and events. Engage with other builders by collaborating, networking, and sharing ideas within both the African and global onchain space.

  3. Identify a Problem to Solve

    Observe the challenges in your community or region that could be addressed using onchain technology. These issues might be in areas like finance, payments, logistics, healthcare, or creative industries. Once you identify a problem, brainstorm ideas that could create real-world impact by leveraging the power of decentralized solutions and blockchain innovation.

  4. Plan Your Project

    Draft a basic plan or concept for your onchain app or solution. If you're working in a team, assign roles and responsibilities for building the project (developers, designers, marketers, etc.)

  5. Participate in Events and Mentorship

    To enhance your project during the Based Africa Buildathon, attend workshops, webinars, and mentorship sessions. Join Hacker Days in places like Lagos, Ghana, and South Africa to build on Base with tools like onchainkit. Stay engaged in Twitter Spaces for expert insights and collaboration with other builders. These activities will help you refine and improve your onchain project.

  1. Complete and submit your project

    Once your onchain project is ready, ensure it meets all the Buildathon guidelines before submitting it. Double-check that your project includes all necessary components, such as the working application, project description, code repository, and any supporting materials like a demo video. Make sure the app functions smoothly and addresses the problem you set out to solve. Submit your project before 13th October, 2024 ensuring everything is properly documented to give your project the best chance of success.

  2. Wait for the result

    After submitting your project, patiently wait for the Buildathon judges to review all entries. Stay informed by regularly checking for updates on Devfolio or through official channels like email and social media. Use this time to reflect on your experience, engage with the Buildathon community, and prepare for any follow-up actions. The results will be announced based on the judging criteria, so keep an eye out for notifications regarding the outcome of your submission.

  3. Stay Committed and Keep Building

    After the Buildathon, continue enhancing your app by implementing feedback and addressing any issues. Explore scaling opportunities, such as identifying new markets and partnerships, and seek funding or mentorship to support your growth. With commitment and innovation, you can potentially turn your project into a successful startup that makes a positive impact in your community and beyond.

  4. Stay Based!

    Continue to show support to fellow builders by sharing knowledge and offering assistance. Engage in activities like bringing people onchain, spreading awareness about Base, and participating in weekly building sessions. By contributing to the community and fostering collaboration, you help create a stronger network dedicated to building a more inclusive and decentralized internet.


    In conclusion, Based Africa Buildathon is a unique opportunity for innovators across the continent to leverage onchain technology to tackle real-world challenges. By fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing, participants contribute to a vibrant ecosystem of creativity and innovation. Ultimately, the Buildathon empowers individuals to make a lasting impact and strive for a more decentralized and inclusive digital future.

Subscribe to Nkechinyere and never miss a post.
#blockchain##coinbase#web3##buildathon##base