Dear Zcash community,
I’ve submitted a Grant Application to build Zcash on-the-go mobile wallet in Africa.
You can find the proposal here- Gallery View: Zcash Community Grants Program
Title:
Zcash on the Go: Empowering Africa with Mobile Wallets for Privacy and Prosperity
Applicant name:
Kings Ghedosa
Team member name:
Abiodun Hodonu
Pitch: A one-liner elevator pitch version of your proposal
Zcash on the Go: Bringing privacy and prosperity to Africa through user-friendly mobile wallets.
Total Request (USD):
$75000.00 USD
Have you previously received a grant from Zcash Community Grants (formerly called ZOMG) or ZF?
No
Are you seeking or have you received funding from other sources for this proposed project?
No
Applicant background:
Kings Ghedosa (CEO & Founder): An experienced entrepreneur and reseacher with deep background in blockchain technology, artificial intelligence and business management. Will be leading the company’s vision and growth, responsible for overall project vision, strategy, and exec.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kings-ghedosa-b0509154/
Abiodun Hodonu (CTO & Co-founder): A software developer, responsible for the platform’s development and technical excellence including blockchain integration.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/abiodunhodonu/
Description of Problem or Opportunity:
Zcash on the Go addresses the urgent need for accessible, secure, and privacy-focused financial solutions in Africa. Traditional banking systems in the region suffer from inefficiencies and limited accessibility, leaving millions underserved. With the rapid adoption of mobile technology in Africa, “Zcash on the Go” leverages blockchain technology, specifically Zcash, to revolutionize financial services. Through user-friendly mobile wallets prioritizing privacy and security, the initiative empowers individuals and businesses to take control of their finances, securely conduct transactions, and participate in the global digital economy. This initiative has the potential to drive socioeconomic development and improve livelihoods across the continent.
Proposed Solution: Describe the solution at a high level.
“Zcash on the Go” offers a holistic solution to address financial inclusion, privacy, and security challenges in Africa through mobile technology and blockchain innovation. The solution includes:
-
User-Friendly Mobile Wallet Development: Creating intuitive mobile wallets optimized for African smartphones, prioritizing simplicity and low bandwidth consumption for widespread adoption.
-
Integration of Zcash Protocol: Incorporating Zcash’s privacy features into the wallets for enhanced transaction confidentiality and anonymity, ensuring financial privacy and security.
-
Partnerships and Ecosystem Building: Establishing partnerships with local stakeholders to integrate Zcash into existing financial systems and promote adoption among businesses and consumers.
-
Education and Outreach: Conducting educational campaigns to raise awareness about Zcash and mobile wallets, providing training sessions and workshops for effective utilization.
-
Continuous Improvement and Support: Committing to ongoing development, maintenance, and customer support to ensure a seamless user experience and address emerging challenges.
Through these efforts, “Zcash on the Go” aims to empower individuals and businesses, foster financial inclusion, and drive innovation across Africa.
Solution Format: What is the exact form of the final deliverable you’re creating?
The final deliverables of “Zcash on the Go” will include:
-
Mobile Wallet Applications: Developed for Android and iOS platforms, available for download from app stores.
-
Code Integration with Zcash Protocol: Ensuring compatibility for secure Zcash transactions within the mobile wallets.
-
Documentation and User Manuals: Detailed instructions on installation, usage, security settings, and support resources.
-
Website: Central hub for information about the mobile wallets, including features, FAQs, and support contacts.
-
Marketing and Outreach Materials: Brochures, infographics, and social media assets to promote adoption in Africa.
-
Ongoing Maintenance and Support: Continuous updates, bug fixes, and support channels for user inquiries and technical issues.
These deliverables aim to provide a comprehensive solution for individuals and businesses in Africa to access and benefit from the privacy-enhanced financial services offered by “Zcash on the Go.”
Technical Approach: Dive into the how of your project. Describe your approaches, components, workflows, methodology, etc. Bullet points and diagrams are appreciated!
Here’s a detailed technical approach for “Zcash on the Go”:
-
Architecture Overview:
- The mobile wallet applications will follow a client-server architecture.
- Client-side: The mobile app interface for users to interact with their Zcash funds.
- Server-side: Backend infrastructure to handle wallet synchronization, transaction broadcasting, and other network interactions.
-
Components:
- Mobile Wallet Interface: User-friendly interface for managing Zcash funds, including sending, receiving, and viewing transaction history.
- Zcash Protocol Integration: Integration with the Zcash network to facilitate transactions and ensure wallet compatibility with the Zcash blockchain.
- Encryption and Security: Implementation of encryption algorithms and security measures to protect user data and private keys.
- Network Connectivity: Integration with mobile device APIs to handle network connections, including support for low bandwidth environments.
- User Authentication: Implementation of authentication mechanisms to secure access to the mobile wallet application.
- Backend Services: Server-side infrastructure to support wallet functionality, including transaction processing and network communication.
-
Workflow:
- User Registration: Users will download the mobile wallet app from the app store and create an account by providing necessary information.
- Wallet Initialization: Upon account creation, the wallet will be initialized, and a new Zcash address will be generated for the user.
- Funding the Wallet: Users can fund their wallets by receiving Zcash from other users or purchasing Zcash from exchanges.
- Transaction Execution: Users can initiate transactions by specifying the recipient’s address and the amount to send. The wallet app will handle transaction creation, signing, and broadcasting to the Zcash network.
- Transaction Confirmation: Once a transaction is broadcasted, users can track its progress through the app and receive confirmations once it’s included in a block on the Zcash blockchain.
- Security Measures: The mobile wallet app will incorporate security features such as PIN or biometric authentication, encryption of sensitive data, and backup and recovery options for private keys.
-
Methodology:
- Agile Development: Adopting agile development methodologies to iterate quickly, respond to user feedback, and adapt to changing requirements.
- Continuous Integration and Deployment (CI/CD): Implementing CI/CD pipelines to automate testing, deployment, and delivery of updates to the mobile wallet applications.
- User-Centric Design: Prioritizing user experience and usability in the design and development process, with regular usability testing and feedback loops.
-
Diagrams:
- Client-Server Architecture Diagram
±-----------------------+
| Mobile Wallet |
| Application |
±-----------------------+
|
|
±-------------------------------------------------------------------+
| | |
| | |
±------------------+ ±-------------------------+ ±----------------------------+
| Backend | | Zcash Network | | User Interface |
| Infrastructure| | (Blockchain) | | (Mobile App) |
±--------------------+ ±------------------------------+ ±--------------------------+
- Client-Server Architecture Diagram
Mobile Wallet Application: The client-side component installed on users’ mobile devices. It provides a user interface for users to interact with their Zcash funds, initiate transactions, and view transaction history.
Backend Infrastructure: The server-side component responsible for supporting wallet functionality, including wallet synchronization, transaction processing, and network communication with the Zcash blockchain.
Zcash Network (Blockchain): The decentralized network of nodes running the Zcash protocol. It processes and validates transactions, maintains the blockchain ledger, and ensures the integrity and security of the Zcash network.
User Interface (Mobile App): The graphical user interface provided by the mobile wallet application. It allows users to input transaction details, view wallet balances, and receive status updates on transactions.
- Transaction Workflow Diagram
±---------------------------------+
| Start Transaction |
±---------------------------------+
|
|
v
±-------------------------------------------+
| Enter Transaction Details |
±-------------------------------------------+
|
|
v
±-----------------------------------------+
| Confirm Transaction |
±-----------------------------------------+
|
|
v
±-----------------------------------------+
| Generate Transaction |
| (Sign Transaction) |
±------------------------------------------+
|
|
v
±------------------------------------------+
| Broadcast Transaction |
| (Send to Zcash Network) |
±------------------------------------------+
|
|
v
±------------------------------------------+
| Transaction Processing |
| (Verify, Include in Block) |
±------------------------------------------+
|
|
v
±-------------------------------------------+
| Transaction Confirmed |
±-------------------------------------------+
Start Transaction: Initiates the transaction process within the mobile wallet application.
Enter Transaction Details: User inputs recipient address, amount, and any additional transaction details.
Confirm Transaction: User confirms the transaction details before proceeding.
Generate Transaction (Sign Transaction): The wallet app generates a transaction and signs it with the user’s private key to authorize the transfer.
Broadcast Transaction (Send to Zcash Network): The signed transaction is broadcasted to the Zcash network to be included in a block.
Transaction Processing (Verify, Include in Block): Miners on the Zcash network verify and process the transaction, including adding it to the blockchain.
Transaction Confirmed: Once the transaction is included in a block and receives sufficient confirmations, it is considered confirmed, and the recipient receives the Zcash.
By following this technical approach, “Zcash on the Go” aims to deliver robust, secure, and user-friendly mobile wallet applications that enable individuals and businesses in Africa to access, manage, and transact with Zcash securely and conveniently.
Dependencies: What external entities is your project dependent on? What involvement is required from ZF, ECC, and/or other external organizations? Who would have to incorporate your work in order for it to be usable?
The “Zcash on the Go” project relies on various external entities and organizations, including:
-
Zcash Foundation (ZF):
- Critical for protocol development and maintenance.
- May offer technical support, guidance, and funding.
-
Electric Coin Company (ECC):
- Primary developer of the Zcash protocol.
- Needed for technical assistance and compatibility testing.
-
Mobile Platform Providers (e.g., Google, Apple):
- Necessary for distributing mobile wallet applications.
- Compliance with platform guidelines and approval processes required.
-
Third-party Services and APIs:
- Integration required for additional functionality.
- Collaboration needed for seamless operation.
To make the project usable, involvement is needed from:
- End Users: Individuals and businesses in Africa using the mobile wallet applications.
- Zcash Community: Developers, enthusiasts, and stakeholders contributing to development and promotion.
- Zcash Network Participants: Miners, nodes, and other network validators.
- Regulatory Bodies: Compliance with local regulations and engagement for legal approval.
Execution risks: What obstacles do you expect? What is most likely to go wrong? Which unknown factors could jeopardize success? Who would have to incorporate your work in order for it to be usable?
Execution risks and potential obstacles for “Zcash on the Go” include:
-
Technical Challenges: Integrating with Zcash protocol and ensuring compatibility with diverse devices and systems, alongside addressing security vulnerabilities.
-
User Adoption and Education: Overcoming lack of awareness and understanding of Zcash and blockchain among the target African audience, necessitating extensive education efforts.
-
Regulatory and Compliance Issues: Navigating varied regulatory landscapes across African countries, particularly regarding KYC and AML requirements.
-
Market Competition: Facing competition from existing mobile payment solutions and traditional banking services, requiring clear differentiation and value proposition.
-
Infrastructure and Connectivity: Dealing with limited internet connectivity in rural areas, necessitating compatibility with low-bandwidth environments and offline functionality.
-
Partnership and Collaboration: Establishing collaborations with external entities like Zcash Foundation, Electric Coin Company, and local stakeholders for successful development, distribution, and adoption.
To mitigate risks, proactive planning, effective communication, ongoing collaboration, and agile adaptation are crucial. Thorough market research, user testing, and iterative development will also help optimize project execution.
Unintended Consequences: What are the negative ramifications if your project is successful? Consider usability, stability, privacy, integrity, availability, decentralization, interoperability, maintainability, technical debt, requisite education, etc.
The “Zcash on the Go” project, while aiming to bring positive impact to users in Africa, may also have potential unintended consequences:
-
Usability and Stability: Poorly designed interfaces or unstable performance could lead to user frustration and hinder adoption.
-
Privacy and Integrity: Improper implementation or vulnerabilities in the mobile wallet could compromise user privacy and expose sensitive information.
-
Availability and Decentralization: Centralized servers may introduce single points of failure, reducing resilience and decentralization.
-
Interoperability: Limited interoperability with other blockchain networks or payment systems could restrict utility and adoption.
-
Maintainability and Technical Debt: Inadequate maintenance could lead to vulnerabilities and performance issues over time.
-
Requisite Education: Lack of understanding about Zcash and blockchain technology could result in misuse or misunderstanding of the mobile wallet applications.
Addressing these concerns, prioritizing usability, security, and resilience in design, along with ongoing maintenance, updates, and community engagement, is crucial. Education efforts will also promote responsible usage and mitigate risks.
Evaluation plan: What metrics for success will you share with the community once you’re done? In addition to quantitative metrics, what qualitative metrics will you commit to report?
For “Zcash on the Go,” we will share a comprehensive evaluation plan with the community, covering both quantitative and qualitative metrics for success:
Quantitative Metrics:
- User Adoption Rate: Track downloads and installations of mobile wallet applications over time.
- Transaction Volume: Monitor volume and value of Zcash transactions, indicating usage and economic activity.
- Active User Engagement: Measure transaction frequency, app usage time, and retention rates.
- Geographical Distribution: Analyze user distribution to identify adoption patterns and target outreach efforts.
- Technical Performance: Assess app stability, response time, and error rates for optimization.
Qualitative Metrics:
- User Feedback: Gather satisfaction feedback through surveys, interviews, and forums.
- Privacy and Security Concerns: Monitor user-reported issues and sentiment regarding privacy and security.
- Community Engagement: Measure participation in forums and social channels to gauge interest.
- Impact on Financial Inclusion: Collect user stories and case studies to assess impact on underserved communities.
- Partnership Success: Evaluate partnerships through stakeholder feedback and objective achievement.
Sharing these metrics aims to provide transparent insights into the project’s success and impact. Continuous evaluation will guide improvements for maximizing benefits to users in Africa and beyond.
Hardware/Software total budget:
$15000.00 USD
Please provide justification for the total hardware/software budget:
Justification for the total hardware/software budget of $15,000:
-
Hardware ($8,000):
- Acquiring Mobile Devices: Essential for testing compatibility and performance across various platforms and screen sizes.
- Testing Environment: Diverse array of devices enables thorough testing of configurations, OS, and network conditions.
-
Software ($4,000):
- Development Tools: Licensing fees for efficient app development.
- Third-Party Services: Integration with analytics, crash reporting, and user feedback tools.
- Cloud Hosting: Scalable, reliable, and secure backend infrastructure.
-
Infrastructure ($3,000):
- Cloud Hosting Services: Reliable infrastructure for backend operations.
- Backup and Redundancy: Enhances resilience and mitigates data loss risks.
- Security Measures: Protects user data against cyber threats.
Overall, this budget ensures a robust foundation for developing, testing, and deploying mobile wallet applications securely and effectively, delivering high-quality solutions to users in Africa.
Services total budget (cloud, hosting, etc.):
$25000.00 USD
Please provide justification for the total services budget:
Justification for the total services budget of $25,000:
-
Development ($12,000):
- Outsourcing Development: Accelerates project timeline and brings specialized expertise.
- Supplementing In-House Expertise: Allows for flexibility and scalability.
- Faster Time to Market: Enables faster development cycles and efficient resource utilization.
-
Quality Assurance ($6,000):
- External Testing Resources: Provides objective assessment of functionality and performance.
- Comprehensive Testing: Identifies and addresses bugs, vulnerabilities, and compatibility issues.
- Ensuring High-Quality Deliverables: Maintains integrity and reliability, enhancing user satisfaction.
-
Legal and Compliance ($3,000):
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensures adherence to relevant laws and regulations.
- Privacy Policy and Terms of Service: Establishes transparency and trust with users.
- Risk Mitigation: Identifies and mitigates potential risks, reducing legal exposure.
-
Marketing and Promotion ($4,000):
- User Acquisition Strategies: Raises awareness and generates interest among target audiences.
- Brand Building: Contributes to brand recognition, credibility, and differentiation.
- Community Engagement: Fosters collaboration, feedback, and support, strengthening impact and reach.
Overall, this budget supports the successful launch and adoption of mobile wallet applications, ensuring quality, reliability, and marketability for a positive user experience and long-term success.
Compensation total budget:
$35000.00 USD
Please provide justification for the total compensation budget:
The total compensation budget of $35,000 is allocated as follows:
-
Full-Time Developers (2): $20,000
- Role: Responsible for coding, testing, and maintaining the mobile wallet applications.
- Amount: Monthly salaries based on market rates for experienced developers in the target region.
- Determination: Researched industry standards and market rates to ensure fair compensation for required skills and experience.
-
Project Manager: $7,000
- Role: Oversees project coordination, communication, and execution.
- Amount: Monthly salary based on market rates for project management roles.
- Determination: Research on industry standards and qualifications for fair compensation.
-
Designers/UX Specialists: $8,000
- Role: Creates UI/UX designs and graphic assets for the mobile wallet applications.
- Amount: Freelance fees based on negotiated rates for design services.
- Determination: Negotiated rates considering expertise, portfolio, and workload.
This budget ensures fair compensation for team members based on their roles and responsibilities, determined through industry standards, market rates, and negotiations.
Do you require startup funding?
No
Milestone 1 - estimated completion date:
03/22/2024
Milestone 1 - USD value of payout upon completion of deliverables:
$12000.00
Deliverable 1.1
Project Proposal Submission: Submit a detailed project proposal outlining objectives, scope, and methodology.
Deliverable 1.2
Team Formation and Onboarding: Assemble the project team, including developers, designers, and project manager. Complete the onboarding process for team members.
Deliverable 1.3
Kickoff Meeting and Project Plan: Hold a kickoff meeting to discuss project goals, timelines, and roles. Develop a detailed project plan outlining tasks, dependencies, and milestones.
Milestone 2 - estimated completion date:
06/20/2024
Milestone 2 - USD value of payout upon completion of deliverables:
$23000.00
Deliverable 2.1
Mobile Wallet Prototype: Develop a prototype of the mobile wallet applications with basic functionality for sending and receiving Zcash.
Deliverable 2.2
Backend Infrastructure Setup: Set up the backend infrastructure, including servers, databases, and APIs, to support wallet functionality.
Deliverable 2.3
Zcash Protocol Integration: Integrate the Zcash protocol into the mobile wallet applications to enable secure and private transactions.
Milestone 3 - USD value of payout upon completion of deliverables:
$20000.00
Milestone 3 - estimated completion date:
08/20/2024
Deliverable 3.1
User Acceptance Testing: Conduct user acceptance testing (UAT) to gather feedback and identify issues or usability concerns.
Deliverable 3.2
Bug Fixing and Optimization: Address bugs, performance issues, and user feedback to improve stability and usability of the mobile wallet applications.
Deliverable 3.3
Security Audit: Perform a security audit to identify and address potential vulnerabilities and ensure robust protection of user data.
Milestone 4 - USD value of payout upon completion of deliverables:
$20000.00
Milestone 4 - estimated completion date:
09/30/2024
Deliverable 4.1
App Store Submission: Submit the mobile wallet applications to Google Play Store and Apple App Store for approval and publication.
Deliverable 4.2
Marketing and Promotion: Launch marketing campaigns and promotional activities to raise awareness and drive adoption of the mobile wallet applications.
Deliverable 4.3
Community Outreach: Engage with the Zcash community and relevant stakeholders to solicit feedback, support, and collaboration for the project.
Total proposed USD value of grant:
$75000.00 USD
How was the project timeline determined?
The project timeline was determined by defining the scope, considering available resources, aligning with stakeholder expectations, assessing complexity, and addressing potential risks. This ensured efficient execution while maintaining quality and meeting objectives.