Bitcoin builder climbs Africa’s tallest mountain to raise awareness

A Bitcoin (BTC) educator based in Tanzania has scaled Africas greatest peak, Kilimanjaro, sponsoring the entire journey through Bitcoin and Nostr donations.Kweks positions with a Bitcoin and NOSTR Flag at Kilimanjaro summit. Source: XKweks, (not his genuine name) crowdfunded over $1,700 in Bitcoin (0.0018 BTC) to cover the costs of the walking, which doubled up as a statement for a new Bitcoin education academy in Tanzania. To promote the brand-new school and discreetly hint at his affinity for decentralized protocols, including Bitcoin and Nostr (Notes and Other Stuff Transmitted by Relay), Kweks funded the ascent to almost 6,000 meters in Satoshis or “Sats” (a satoshi is a system of a bitcoin, equivalent to 100 millionth of a bitcoin). Would be a terrific case research study to show what Bitcoin can do and then present some people to Bitcoin. Plus, Kweks got a tip from one of the guides leading the celebration to the summit of “Kili”, as its known locally, showing that there is grassroots Bitcoin adoption in Tanzania.There is, seemingly, some understanding of Bitcoin in Tanzania, Kweks discussed– but one of the essential obstacles is “offramps,” into local currency.

A Bitcoin (BTC) educator based in Tanzania has scaled Africas highest peak, Kilimanjaro, sponsoring the whole journey through Bitcoin and Nostr donations.Kweks postures with a Bitcoin and NOSTR Flag at Kilimanjaro summit. Source: XKweks, (not his real name) crowdfunded over $1,700 in Bitcoin (0.0018 BTC) to cover the costs of the hike, which doubled up as a statement for a brand-new Bitcoin education academy in Tanzania.”Kweks” just recently moved with his wife to a new city in Tanzania to open a knowing center, the “Proof of Work Academy,” or POWA. Kweks informed Cointelegraph that while POWA is a pun on Bitcoins consensus protocol, proof-of-work, it likewise describes the Zwahili word “Poah,” which indicates cool or fresh. To promote the new school and discreetly hint at his affinity for decentralized procedures, consisting of Bitcoin and Nostr (Notes and Other Stuff Transmitted by Relay), Kweks funded the ascent to nearly 6,000 meters in Satoshis or “Sats” (a satoshi is an unit of a bitcoin, equivalent to 100 millionth of a bitcoin). Bitcoin Lightning Network donations streamed in from all around the world through crowdfunding on Geyser Fund and through Zapraising, or Bitcoin Lightning Network crowdfunding through NOSTR, (also called Zaps.) The moment Kweks reached the fundraising milestone. Source: XKweks brought and waved a giant Nostr flag while sharing status updates throughout the multi-day hike on X, Nostr and WhatsApp. Speaking from Tanzania, Kweks explained to Cointelegraph that while the cash raised was significant to cover the costs of entering into the National Park, the impact was mainly instructional: “I thought it [the ascent] would be a fantastic case research study to show what Bitcoin can do and after that present some individuals to Bitcoin as well.”The ascent showed to his local neighborhood that an international base of Nostriches (users of Nostr), and generous Bitcoin supporters all over the world were happy to support Kweks climb and academic deal with the ground in Tanzania. Plus, Kweks got an idea from one of the guides leading the party to the summit of “Kili”, as its known in your area, revealing that there is grassroots Bitcoin adoption in Tanzania.There is, obviously, some understanding of Bitcoin in Tanzania, Kweks discussed– but one of the key difficulties is “offramps,” into local currency. The similarity Coinbase, Kraken, and Gemini do not operate in Tanzania, so switching cash for Bitcoin and vice versa can be tough. Throughout the walking, Kweks received concerns and curious remarks from Tanzanians about how he funded the experience as well as the unavoidable query, “What is Bitcoin?”. Eventually, Bitcoin adoption in Tanzania is extremely various from the United Kingdom, where Kweks spent 25 years of his life prior to transferring to Tanzania. Related: Hashing It Out: What occurs when crypto meets fintech in Africa?There is, he explains, more of a barter system in place in East Africa. It can be a difficulty to explain cash and devaluation and the reasons a currency with a programmed inflation rate, such as Bitcoin could offer an alternative financial system to society.”When I got here in Tanzania 10 years ago, $1 was 1500 hundred Tanzanian Shillings. As of today, [$ 1 equals] 2600. Thats 10 years later on. Its crazy!”Ultimately, the crucial to opening Bitcoin education is to use terms appropriate to people: “I do talk to them about just how much bread is increasing and just how much fuel is increasing, and they comprehend that,” Kweks explained.”They see that its harder to make ends satisfy. So with these ideas, they comprehend that Bitcoin the tool can assist them– and thats the work. Thats the work that requires to be shared and checked out.”Kweks continues to post and share educational resources on Nostr and X, while the instructional resource POWA offers free educational classes to Tanzanians based near Kilimanjaro.Magazine: Bitcoin in Senegal: Why is this African country using BTC?

Other Questions People Ask

What motivated the Bitcoin builder to climb Africa's tallest mountain to raise awareness?

The Bitcoin builder, known as Kweks, was motivated to climb Kilimanjaro to raise awareness for a new Bitcoin education academy in Tanzania. By sponsoring his journey through Bitcoin and Nostr donations, he aimed to demonstrate the potential of Bitcoin as a tool for education and financial empowerment. The climb served as both a personal challenge and a statement about the importance of cryptocurrency in local communities.

How did the Bitcoin builder fund his climb of Africa's tallest mountain?

Kweks funded his ascent of Kilimanjaro through crowdfunding, raising over $1,700 in Bitcoin donations. He utilized platforms like Geyser Fund and Zapraising, which are designed for Bitcoin Lightning Network crowdfunding. This innovative approach not only covered his climbing expenses but also highlighted the global support for Bitcoin education initiatives in Tanzania.

What challenges does the Bitcoin builder face in promoting Bitcoin education in Tanzania?

One of the main challenges Kweks faces in promoting Bitcoin education in Tanzania is the lack of accessible "offramps" for converting Bitcoin into local currency. Major exchanges like Coinbase and Kraken do not operate in Tanzania, making it difficult for locals to trade Bitcoin. Additionally, Kweks must navigate cultural differences and explain complex financial concepts in relatable terms to foster understanding and acceptance of Bitcoin.

What impact did the climb have on local awareness of Bitcoin?

The climb significantly raised local awareness of Bitcoin, as Kweks received numerous questions from Tanzanians about how he funded his journey. His ascent served as a practical case study to illustrate the benefits of Bitcoin, sparking curiosity and discussions about cryptocurrency among locals. This grassroots engagement is crucial for fostering a deeper understanding of Bitcoin's potential in Tanzania.