SankofaChain

📌 Description

A decentralized multivendor marketplace built on the Base blockchain, connecting African creators directly with global consumers. The platform integrates NFT authenticity certificates, automated royalty distribution, and ENS-based identity verification to ensure authenticity and transparency for African products and cultural experiences.

📌 How It's Made (Technical Breakdown)

Tech Stack & Architecture

• Blockchain: Base (Ethereum L2) for low fees and fast transactions

• Framework: Scaffold-ETH 2 for rapid dApp development

• Frontend: Next.js 14 (App Router, TypeScript, Tailwind CSS)

• Web3 Integration: Thirdweb SDK for marketplace functionality

• Storage: IPFS for decentralized file storage

• Identity: ENS domains for creator verification

• State Management: Zustand for client-side state

• UI Components: Custom African-inspired design patterns

Smart Contracts

• ERC-721: NFTs for pattern ownership and product authenticity certificates

• ERC-20: $SANKOFA native utility token (planned)

• Marketplace Logic: Multivendor payments and commission handling

• Royalty Distribution: Automated creator compensation system

Key Features Implemented

• Multivendor Marketplace: Individual creator stores with full product catalogs

• NFT Integration: Products linked to blockchain-based authenticity certificates

• ENS Identity System: Verified creators via ENS domains

• Mobile-First Design: Optimized for African mobile usage patterns

• Cultural Categories: Kente cloth, traditional crafts, digital art and patterns

• Real-time Updates: Live marketplace data powered by React Query

• Responsive UI: African pattern-inspired design system

📌 System Architecture

📌 Deployment & Contract Details

Deployed Application

• Frontend URL: https://sankofa-chain.vercel.app/

• Network: Base Sepolia Testnet

• Status: Live and functional

Smart Contract Addresses

• Marketplace Contract: https://sepolia.basescan.org/address/0xfa0Fa57F4861A192329e279aa977d2c4fe0C2D6E

• NFT Drop Contract: https://sepolia.basescan.org/address/0x89B9EA8aCC7502B3f8E619191b27200fBC8Dc3F0

Usage Instructions

• Connect MetaMask wallet to Base Sepolia testnet

• Get testnet ETH from Base faucet

• Browse marketplace for African products

• Create listings as a creator

• Purchase products with crypto payments

📌 Problem, Impact & Future Roadmap

Problem Statement

African creators struggle with:

• IP Theft: Traditional patterns and designs stolen without compensation

• Market Access: Limited direct access to global consumers

• Authenticity Verification: Consumers cannot verify genuine African goods

• Fragmented Marketplace: No trusted platform for African commerce

Solution Impact

SankofaChain addresses these challenges by:

• IP Protection: Blockchain-based pattern ownership and automated royalties

• Global Access: Direct creator-to-consumer marketplace

• Authenticity: NFT certificates for product verification

• Trust System: ENS-based identity and EFP reputation scoring

• Cultural Preservation: Digital preservation of traditional patterns

Real-World Impact

• Creator Empowerment: Direct income streams for African artisans

• Cultural Preservation: Digital archiving of traditional patterns

• Economic Development: New revenue streams for local communities

• Global Reach: International access to authentic African products