NFT training in Douala: Behind the scenes

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Douala, Cameroon’s economic hub, thrives as a digital innovation center with blockchain and NFT growth. This trend excites creators and enthusiasts alike. Invited by Junie Maffock, founder of Blockchain for Africa, I joined workshops and events on NFTs. Over four intense days in Douala, I gained inspiring insights and shared knowledge with a passionate community. Witnessing Africa’s growing interest in these technologies was truly rewarding. Through this article, let’s revisit these highlights and explore the rise of NFTs across the continent!

Article Summary:

This article details my experience in Douala, where I conducted NFT workshops at the invitation of Junie Maffock, founder of Blockchain for Africa. The sessions ran from Thursday, November 14, to Saturday, November 16, 2024.

I shared my expertise on blockchain, NFT creation, and sales while collaborating with other professionals. The highlight of the event was the DOMAF exhibition, which allowed for direct interaction with the public!

day	highlights of the day
The first day	- Course on the various stages in creating an NFT - Meet up organized by Izichange
The second day	- The essential tools and freeware for creating an NFT. - How to monetize your creations - "Douala NFT Xperience” conference at IFC Douala
The last day	- Group exhibition of NFT works at DOMAF - Interaction with the public around NFTs.

1 - Training in Douala

... Day 1 in Douala: Immersion in the fundamentals

My journey in Douala began on November 14, with a deep dive into the blockchain universe. The morning featured a workshop led by Karine Marthe at Up High Lab in Kotto, Douala. Through her outstanding teaching approach, she effortlessly simplified the fundamental concepts of blockchain. This provided participants with a strong foundation to grasp the potential of this groundbreaking technology!

In the afternoon, I had the pleasure of taking over to explain the steps involved in creating an NFT. From the initial concept to listing on a marketplace, I guided participants through this fascinating process!

The day ended with a Meetup in Bali, Douala, organized by Izichange. The panel featured Fortune Louekam, Nelson Nzangue, Enoa, and Junie Maffock, the founder of Blockchain for Africa. Together, we engaged with other blockchain enthusiasts, discussing the challenges and opportunities this technology presents for Africa!

... Day 2 in Douala: Tools and strategies for creating NFTs

The second day was equally packed with learning and meaningful exchanges! Workshops continued in Bonamoussadi, Douala, at the Blockchain for Africa headquarters. I conducted a new session focused on essential free tools and software for creating NFTs. Designed for all artistic levels, this program helped many artists and creators uncover key resources to bring their projects to life!

In the afternoon, Deborah Yawdam and I discussed how to monetize creations by transforming them into NFTs. This session provided valuable insights into the challenges of selling and promoting NFTs on marketplaces!

douala

The day ended with a conference titled Douala NFT Xperience, hosted by the French Institute of Cameroon. The panel featured Deborah Yawdam, Verlaine Mba, Fa’a, Jean Patrick Ketcha, Karine Marthe, and Ricardo Konlack, moderated by Junie Maffock. Engaging discussions delved into the impact of NFTs on the art world. They also highlighted the opportunities NFTs present to African artists both locally and internationally!

... Day 3 in Douala: Meet the public at DOMAF

On Saturday, we visited the Annexe Stadium in Bonamoussadi, Douala. We took part in an NFT exhibition at DOMAF. The day provided an excellent opportunity to interact directly with the public, answering their many questions and sparking interest in this new form of artistic expression. The friendly atmosphere and the visitors’ enthusiasm, eager to learn more about NFTs, made this experience especially rewarding. It also confirmed the growing excitement for this technology in Africa!

During these three days in Douala, I was deeply impressed by the participants’ enthusiasm. Their thirst for knowledge was evident. The atmosphere, filled with collaboration and exchange, fostered enriching discussions and mutual discoveries!

2 - DOMAF: a landmark event in Douala

The DOMAF in Douala featured a Web3-focused booth, made possible by Junie Maffock, founder of Blockchain for Africa. This booth offered the public an immersive exhibition of digital art. Visitors, numerous and curious, explored NFTs in various forms, from digital paintings to generative music. Engaging with the public helped demystify the technology and highlight its potential for artists. This presence at DOMAF boosted the visibility of NFTs and sparked growing interest in this new artistic expression!

3 - A promising future for NFT in Africa

The prospects for NFTs in Africa are fascinating and full of potential! The continent is brimming with creative talent and a connected youth, eager to embrace this innovative technology. Many training programs, like the one I conducted, are emerging in Douala. However, several major challenges remain, including improving access to high-speed internet, increasing public awareness, and establishing a suitable regulatory framework.

Outlook: a promising future

A huge thank you to Junie Maffock and the entire Blockchain for Africa team for their warm hospitality and flawless organization. I also want to express my gratitude to all the participants for their remarkable engagement and contributions, which greatly enriched these workshops and conferences. Because of you, this experience in Douala will stay in my memory!

This immersion in the heart of Africa’s NFT ecosystem convinced me that the future of this technology is bright on the continent. Now, it’s essential to continue our efforts to democratize NFTs and fully support African creators in their journey!

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