Cardano (ADA) parent company Input Output has partnered with World Mobile Group, to provide vital services to Tanzania and Ethiopia.

First, the companies aim to bring sustainable internet connectivity to Tanzania, via renewable, solar-powered energy. Together, they will provide affordable network nodes based on the Cardano blockchain infrastructure. These network nodes will act as local relays for internet connectivity. 

Then, subscribers to these networks will ostensibly be able to access Input Output’s digital identity solution, Atala PRISM. This will allow them to use services such as digital banking, healthcare, and education. 

Control over personal data

Input Output’s Atala PRISM solution is a user-controlled identity platform. It provides a digital equivalent for physical official documents such as passports or degree certificates. This will also enable citizens to control their personal data when interacting with businesses and governments.

In partnership with the Ethiopian Ministry of Education, Atala PRISM is currently being deployed to five million users. Student IDs will be paired with data from the Ethiopian Ministry of Education’s learning management systems. Once linked, these student IDs will drive personalized teaching and, in the long term, data-driven education policies. 

Leading global adoption of blockchain tech

Cardano founder and Input Output CEO Charles Hoskinson says it will also allow citizens to provide backup copies of important documents like qualifications or property ownership documents. This could allow returning refugees to reclaim their homes. 

Hoskinson also highlighted how developing nations would lead global adoption of blockchain technology. He said that a lack of infrastructure has often impeded their development. However, in this case it could work to their benefit.

Hoskinson’s perspective has inspired the likes of FD7 Managing Partner and AskTheDoctor co-founder Prakash Chand. His investment firm divested its bitcoin (BTC) holdings to invest in Cardano and Polkadot (DOT). Meanwhile, AskTheDoctor also decided to migrate its AskToken to Cardano, due to the blockchain’s presence on the continent.