Africa-Research-Base/Africa-Research-Base

# Africa Research Base > **Turning African research data into a shared continental resource** Africa Research Base is an AI-powered data repository with blockchain attribution that enables researchers across African institutions to upload datasets, gain recognition for their contributions, and discover relevant research from across the continent. ## The Problem Valuable research data from African universities disappears when projects end. Students graduate, datasets vanish, and future researchers start from scratch. This creates a cycle of duplicated effort and lost knowledge that hinders scientific progress across the continent. ## Our Solution A blockchain-based research data platform that preserves institutional knowledge, ensures transparent attribution, and builds verifiable research reputation. Every dataset uploaded becomes a permanent, discoverable resource with immutable attribution records. --- ## Key Features **For Researchers:** - Upload datasets with automated AI-powered metadata extraction - Track dataset usage and citations with on-chain attribution - Discover relevant research data from across African institutions - Build verifiable research reputation through contributions **For Institutions:** - Cross-institutional collaboration platform - Transparent attribution via Solana blockchain - Impact tracking for research contributions - Continental knowledge base that preserves institutional research --- ## Live Application **Access:** africaresearchbase.netlify.com --- ## Technology Stack - **Frontend:** Next.js, TypeScript, TailwindCSS - **Blockchain:** Solana (Anchor framework) - ensures immutable attribution and transparent reputation tracking - **Storage:** Google Drive API - cost-optimized hybrid storage solution - **AI:** Groq, LangChain - real-time metadata extraction and analysis - **Database:** Supabase - search and indexing infrastructure - **Analytics:** Custom dashboards for usage tracking and impact measurement --- ## …