In Tanzania, a Bitcoin educator known as Manlikekweks on X has successfully funded his hike to Africa's highest mountain, Kilimanjaro, using Bitcoin. Kweks was able to raise over $1,700 in Bitcoin, which is 0.0018 BTC, to cover his expenses for the climb. Kweks is doing this to raise awareness about the Bitcoin academy he is launching, POWA, in Tanzania.

According to reports, Kweks and his wife (whose name was not reported) recently relocated to a new city in Tanzania in order to establish this academy. This is to foster crypto enlightenment in Tanzania. In an interview with Cointelegraph, Kweks said, POWA meaning 'Proof of Work Academy' is a reference to the proof-of-work consensus protocol Bitcoin uses which also references the Swahili word 'POAH' which translates to fresh and cool.

In order to create awareness and raise support for his academy, Kweks decided to embark on a journey to Kilimanjaro, raising funds in Bitcoin. These donations were received from all over the globe via Geyser Fund and Zapraising, a Bitcoin Lightning Network crowdfunding platform through Nostr. During this hike, Kweks was seen carrying a giant Nostr flag, which he updated on social media platforms such as Nostr, X, and WhatsApp.

In an interview with Cointelegraph, Kweks explained that while the money was significant in covering his hike expenses, the educational impact still remains the primary goal. He said,

“I thought it would be a great case study to show what Bitcoin can do and then introduce some people to Bitcoin as well.”

Also, during the hike, it was reported that Kweks received a tip from one of the mountain guides. This was to demonstrate his support and show grassroots adoption of Bitcoin in Tanzania. Unlike other African countries, Tanzania lacks major cryptocurrency exchange platforms such as Coinbase, Gemini, and Kraken, which pose a significant challenge for converting the local fiat currency to crypto. With his journey, hopefully, this issue will be addressed.

Kweks on Mount Kilimanjaro (Image source X)

Kweks continues to share educational resources on Nostr and X, while his school, 'Proof of Work Academy,' offers free educational classes to Tanzanians who live near Mount Kilimanjaro and are willing to learn about Bitcoin.

With this act, Kweks has shown great commitment to increasing the widespread cryptocurrency education in his country. He has placed his local community on the map, while attracting a global audience for the Nostr app, where he shows his audience that efforts are being made to educate Tanzanians about Bitcoin.

What are your thoughts on Kweks' heroic act? Please share your opinions in the comment section.