The HackersDAO MiniPay Hackathon has announced it will launch on November 14, 2025, inviting developers across the continent to create mobile-first decentralized apps that solve real problems. Organized with Celo Africa DAO and MiniPay, the two-week virtual event targets millions of individuals already using stablecoins through Opera Mini’s lightweight wallet.
For Nigerians, the opportunity is immediate. With over 30 million people relying on mobile money daily, MiniPay turns that habit into a Web3 gateway: send USDC with a phone number, pay fractions of a cent, no bank required. The hackathon asks builders to extend this reality into games, markets, and learning tools that feel native to African users.
The focus is simple. Create play-to-earn experiences where skill earns income. Design prediction platforms for local events, crop yields, football results, or elections, settled transparently on-chain. Or develop educational apps that teach finance or coding through simple, rewarding interactions. Every project must run smoothly on low-end Android devices and integrate MiniPay for seamless payments.
A $5,500 prize pool awaits the strongest submissions. More importantly, winners gain visibility inside MiniPay’s ecosystem and a path to Verda Ventures’ funding program. Celo’s public goods track, powered by KarmaGap, offers ongoing grants for projects that prove impact. Past participants have turned prototypes into funded startups; Shukuru Utilities began at a similar event and now serves thousands.
To participate, builders can register through Celo Africa DAO’s channel and set up a free KarmaGap profile to track progress. Use Celo testnet and MiniPay’s SDK—both free. Attend workshops hosted by core developers. Submit a working demo, code repository, and short pitch by November 30. The entire process happens online; no travel, no barriers.
Nigerian communities are already mobilizing, and if you have ever wanted to ship something that reaches millions without gatekeepers, this is the moment.
The hackathon ends on November 30, but the apps built here could run for years. Africa’s mobile-first future is being coded now.
