On December 8 and 9, the University of Zimbabwe, in partnership with South Africa-based Mzansi Web3 Hub, held the educational institution’s first blockchain hackathon. Taurayi Rupere, the chair of the institute’s computer science department, said the hackathon’s goal is to produce “open-minded” developers who “think outside the box.”
Overwhelming interest in the Hackathon
The University of Zimbabwe (UZ) recently partnered with South Africa-based Mzansi Web3 to host the educational institution’s first hackathon. About 175 students from different faculties and stages of their studies registered to participate in the hackathon on December 8 and 9.
Taurayi Rupere, the chair of the institute’s computer science department, told Bitcoin.com News that the goal of the hackathon is to produce “open-minded” developers who “think outside the box.” While organizers of the two-day event initially targeted computer science faculty students, Rupere said the excitement generated by the hackathon eventually forced his department to extend the invitation to students from other fields.
During an interview, UZ’s computer science department chair discussed some steps the university can take to help both students and non-students learn more about blockchain technology.
“We have to take a course to understand the market ourselves, we have to do this for two or three months. We can also do this through the research projects that our students do,” Rupere said.
He added that both the University Hospital and the students are hopeful that the hackathon will not be a one-off event, but the first of many more.
Improve the understanding and skills of younger generations
Shaheer Karrim, the founder of Mzansi Web3 Hub, told Bitcoin.com News that he is hopeful that the educational initiatives his organization is currently undertaking in South Africa will “increase the younger generations’ understanding and skills in blockchain technology enlarge.” They will also increase “Africa’s active participation in the global digital revolution.”
Karrim also spoke about the continued role of the Internet Computer Protocol (ICP) in popularizing blockchain technology, not just in southern Africa, but across the continent. He said:
“The increase in the adoption of blockchain technology by African governments and businesses signals a recognition of its potential to revolutionize various sectors. The Internet Computer Protocol, known for its advanced technology stack, is becoming increasingly popular worldwide.”
According to Karrim, educating future generations about blockchain technologies will ensure that the youth of African countries are well prepared to benefit from “the impending digital revolution.” Mzansi Web3 Hub Chief Ambassador in Zimbabwe, Nyirenda, said the aim of this and upcoming hackathons is to introduce the Internet Computer Protocol (ICP) to students.