Dear NEAR Protocol Team and Community,
We’re reaching out as the NEAR Community in Rwanda to share the deep disappointment and challenges we’ve faced following the shutdown of Africa DAO. This decision hasn’t just affected us—it’s shaken the trust of the partners and stakeholders we worked so hard to bring on board, including the Government of Rwanda through the Ministry of ICT & Innovation and the Rwanda Information Society Authority (RISA).
For months, our community poured its heart into building NEAR’s presence in Rwanda. We worked tirelessly to promote blockchain adoption, secure collaborations, and create opportunities for innovation. Our efforts resulted in partnerships that we were proud of—partnerships we can prove with documentation. Yet, despite having funds approved twice, the sudden closure of Africa DAO has left us unable to honor these commitments.
The disappointment from our partners has been difficult to bear. Institutions like the Ministry of ICT & Innovation and RISA had shown real enthusiasm for NEAR’s potential in driving Rwanda’s digital transformation. Now, we find ourselves in an awkward position, unable to deliver on promises, not because of a lack of effort or dedication, but because of circumstances beyond our control.
We understand the importance of governance and accountability in this space, but it feels like our community has been unfairly caught in the fallout from decisions that weren’t ours to make. The abrupt nature of these changes has left us not only disheartened but also struggling to rebuild the trust we’ve worked so hard to establish.
Rwanda has always been a leader in technology and innovation, and we genuinely believe NEAR Protocol can play a significant role in shaping this future. However, to make this vision a reality, we need your support. We urge the NEAR Foundation to open a dialogue with affected communities like ours and explore solutions that ensure grassroots initiatives are not lost or forgotten.
We remain passionate about NEAR and its potential to make a difference, but we can’t do it alone. We hope this message sparks understanding and action so that together, we can rebuild the momentum and trust that has been shaken.
Sincerely,
NEAR Community Rwanda