BlockGigs
BlockGigs is a decentralized freelance platform connecting excellent and competent African tech talents with global opportunities.
Created on 17th November 2024
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BlockGigs
BlockGigs is a decentralized freelance platform connecting excellent and competent African tech talents with global opportunities.
The problem BlockGigs solves
The Problems BlockGigs tackles:
- Limited Access to Global Opportunities: African tech professionals are often excluded from the global freelance market due to systemic biases, limited visibility, and a lack of tailored platforms to showcase their talents. Traditional freelancing sites are dominated by professionals from certain regions, leaving African freelancers disadvantaged. This gap not only limits freelancer opportunities but also deprives global clients of access to a diverse and talented pool of professionals.
- Hiring Bias: Bias in hiring is a persistent issue across most freelancing platforms. Clients may subconsciously prioritize candidates based on demographic factors such as race, gender, or religion rather than focusing on the skills and expertise of the freelancer. This unfair practice limits opportunities for African professionals, particularly women and marginalized communities.
- Complex and Costly Payment Processes: Cross-border payments for freelancers in Africa often involve significant challenges, including:
- High Transaction Costs: Traditional payment methods involve intermediaries that charge exorbitant fees, reducing the freelancer's earnings.
- Slow Processing Times: Bank transfers can take days or even weeks to process, leading to cash flow issues for freelancers.
- Limited Access: Many African freelancers lack access to international banking infrastructure, making it difficult to receive payments.
- Payment Risks: Freelancers frequently face the risk of non-payment or delayed payments from clients, especially in cases where disputes arise or projects are abandoned midway. Without secure payment systems, freelancers remain vulnerable to exploitation.
Challenges we ran into
Building BlockGigs came with its fair share of challenges, but each hurdle also presented an opportunity for growth and learning. From the outset, our goal was to create a platform that was user-friendly and accessible to everyone. Simplicity was key. To achieve this, we conducted thorough research on existing job platforms, analyzing their strengths and weaknesses. This informed the design of our Figma prototype, which aimed to provide a seamless user experience.
Given our focus on accessibility, we prioritized developing a web app. This decision was strategic; it allows users to access the platform easily without the additional step of downloading an app. Moreover, since we are building on the Celo protocol, which emphasizes a mobile-first approach, we implemented a progressive web app (PWA) feature. This feature ensures that users can access BlockGigs effortlessly on their mobile devices, whether online or offline, without needing to install a dedicated app.
One of the major technical challenges we faced was implementing the MetaMask delegation feature, particularly in accessing tokens. This was a complex task, but with the assistance of the HerDao team, we were able to navigate and resolve the issue. Along the way, we also encountered several bugs, particularly when making the platform responsive, integrating the backend, connecting APIs, and deploying smart contracts. Each issue demanded a significant amount of research, collaboration, and problem-solving.
Despite these challenges, the team remained committed and proactive. This hackathon provided a valuable platform for learning and skill development, which is crucial in the journey of any software engineer. Through persistence and teamwork, we overcame the hurdles and emerged stronger, more capable, and ready to deliver a robust and innovative product.
Tracks Applied (2)
Main Track
Metamask ($2K)
Technologies used