Ethiopian Education Minister Confirms Cardano Blockchain Partnership

Cardano builder IOHK said it is beginning to develop the code and does not expect to launch the project before 2022.

AccessTimeIconApr 30, 2021 at 2:20 p.m. UTC
Updated May 9, 2023 at 3:18 a.m. UTC
10 Years of Decentralizing the Future
May 29-31, 2024 - Austin, TexasThe biggest and most established global hub for everything crypto, blockchain and Web3.Register Now

Ethiopia's Minister of Education confirmed the government is working with IOHK, the company behind the Cardano protocol, on a blockchain-based system to track student performance in the African country's schools.

"This initiative is about bringing technology to improve the quality of education," said the minister, Getahun Mekuria, in a video conversation with John O’Connor, IOHK's director of African operations, livestreamed by the company Thursday. "It’s very practical to think of the blockchain technology [as a way] to improve the quality of education."

  • [SPONSORED CONTENT] CEO of the Cardano Foundation, Frederik Gregaard talks about Cardano's strategic principle, Blockchain for Good
    08:39
    [SPONSORED CONTENT] CEO of the Cardano Foundation, Frederik Gregaard talks about Cardano's strategic principle, Blockchain for Good
  • [SPONSORED CONTENT] Alvaro Cosi of Switzerland for UNHCR shares his perspective on raising awareness and funding for refugees utilizing blockchain technology
    16:00
    [SPONSORED CONTENT] Alvaro Cosi of Switzerland for UNHCR shares his perspective on raising awareness and funding for refugees utilizing blockchain technology
  • Robinhood Lays Off 7% of Full-Time Staff in Third Round of Job Cuts Since April 2022: WSJ
    06:01
    Robinhood Lays Off 7% of Full-Time Staff in Third Round of Job Cuts Since April 2022: WSJ
  • Robinhood Ending Support for Tokens Named in SEC Lawsuit as Securities
    00:59
    Robinhood Ending Support for Tokens Named in SEC Lawsuit as Securities
  • The much-touted project is still in its early stages. O'Connor told CoinDesk the company is only beginning to develop the code for this project, and does not expect to launch anything before January 2022.

    Africa has been fertile ground for crypto experimentation lately. Nigeria is one of the largest peer-to-peer bitcoin markets in the world, according to data from Useful Tulips. Xend Finance in Nigeria is bringing decentralized finance (DeFi) to the world of credit unions. Hip-hop star Akon is looking to build a crypto-centric project in Senegal.

    Five million Ethiopian students will receive a Cardano blockchain-based ID that will allow the ministry to track their academic performance, Mekuria said Thursday, and 750,000 teachers will get access to the system. According to the minister, the Ethiopian government struck a deal with a Chinese manufacturer of tablet computers, which will be distributed to the students.

    Founded by Charles Hoskinson, who co-founded Ethereum, Cardano uses the proof-of-stake consensus mechanism, to which Ethereum is now moving. Its native token, ADA, has jumped 9% since April 26, the day before IOHK announced the Ethiopia project. On a 24-hour basis, it was down 0.8% to $1.35 at press time.

    Disclosure

    Please note that our privacy policy, terms of use, cookies, and do not sell my personal information has been updated.

    CoinDesk is an award-winning media outlet that covers the cryptocurrency industry. Its journalists abide by a strict set of editorial policies. In November 2023, CoinDesk was acquired by the Bullish group, owner of Bullish, a regulated, digital assets exchange. The Bullish group is majority-owned by Block.one; both companies have interests in a variety of blockchain and digital asset businesses and significant holdings of digital assets, including bitcoin. CoinDesk operates as an independent subsidiary with an editorial committee to protect journalistic independence. CoinDesk employees, including journalists, may receive options in the Bullish group as part of their compensation.


    Learn more about Consensus 2024, CoinDesk's longest-running and most influential event that brings together all sides of crypto, blockchain and Web3. Head to consensus.coindesk.com to register and buy your pass now.