Forex-Afrique/sahellia-initiative

Sahelia Initiative: Blockchain-based development finance platform channeling diaspora remittances into verified rural infrastructure projects using Stellar and Soroban smart contracts. By Forex-Afrique (Mali). markdown # Sahelia Initiative **Blockchain-powered development finance platform channeling diaspora remittances into verified rural infrastructure projects across the Sahel region.** **Developed by Forex-Afrique (Mali)** --- ## About Forex-Afrique Forex-Afrique is a Malian company founded in 2012 in Bamako, specializing in sustainable development projects across West Africa. With over 14 years of experience, the company supports international organizations, donors, and private actors through high-quality consulting, civil engineering (water, solar, and WASH infrastructure), project management, and pharmaceutical distribution. Rooted in Mali, Forex-Afrique delivers international-standard work with a strong focus on tangible, lasting impact in local communities. --- ## Overview The Sahelia Initiative is a blockchain-based development finance platform that enables transparent and efficient channeling of diaspora remittances into verified rural infrastructure projects (water access, solar energy, and sanitation) in the Sahel region. Using the **Stellar network** and **Soroban smart contracts**, the platform ensures secure, low-cost, and traceable fund flows from diaspora contributors directly to on-ground projects managed by Forex-Afrique. ## How It Works 1. Diaspora members send **USDC** via the Stellar network 2. Funds are held and released through **Soroban smart contracts** based on verified project milestones 3. All transactions and impact data are recorded on-chain for full transparency 4. Forex-Afrique handles project execution and verification on the ground ## Technology Stack - **Stellar Network** – Fast, low-cost payments and asset transfers - **Soroban** – Smart contracts written in Rust - **USDC** – Stablecoin for reliable value transfer - Future components: On-chain verification, milestone-based escrow, and impact reporting ## Project Status - ✅ SCF Interest Form submitted - ✅ Developer Role Description created - ✅ One-Pager developed - 🔄 Pr …