For episode 249 of the Crypto Altruists podcast, we’re excited to welcome Alinagwe Mwaselela, Director of JUKUMU TZ, and Coleen Chase, Co-Founder of The Solar Foundation. This is a continuation of our recent conversation exploring the work of The Solar Foundation and their partners in Tanzania. In part one, we looked at the partnership from a higher level, and today, we're going to the ground level, hearing directly from the team that works with close to 300 savings groups across Tanzania.

In today’s discussion you’ll learn:

🌍 The powerful history of savings circles, a form of mutual aid and decentralized coordination that communities have practiced for thousands of years.

☀️ How JUKUMU TZ is working with close to 300 savings groups across Tanzania, and how they’re partnering with The Solar Foundation to test new delivery models.

💻 Their recent success winning Best Overall Concept in the IEEE Connecting the Unconnected Challenge, and how this is helping bring solar-powered internet and a computer lab to the JUKUMU community hub.

🔗 How traditional savings practices are blending with new technologies to help communities coordinate and grow

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‍--Key Takeaways--

🌍 Savings circles are one of humanity's oldest and most enduring financial tools: Documented as far back as 200 BCE, savings circles are built on trust and collective commitment. With no contracts or credit checks, they're a powerful reminder that decentralized coordination isn't a Web3 invention; it's been around for over 2,000 years.

📱 Technology can enhance savings circles without replacing what makes them work: Digital tools offer real opportunities: easier coordination, transparent record-keeping, and greater accountability. But the key word is enhance, not replace. The foundation of savings circles, the human relationships and mutual commitment, is already there. Technology works best when it serves these traditions rather than trying to reinvent them.

🤝 Decentralized leadership builds trust and scales impact: Much of JUKUMU's success comes from their train-the-trainer model and Digital Community Based Trainers (DCBTs). Rather than relying on outside experts, they empower community leaders who already have trust and credibility.

--Full shownotes with links--
www.cryptoaltruists.com/blog/crypto-altruists-episode-249-2000-years-of-decentralized-coordination-what-web3-can-learn-from-savings-circles-with-jukumu-tz-and-the-solar-foundation

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--DISCLAIMER--
While we may discuss specific web3 projects or cryptocurrencies on this podcast, do not take any of this as investment advice and make sure to do your own research on potential investment opportunities, or any opportunity, before making an investment. We host a variety of guests on this podcast with the sole purpose of highlighting the social impact use cases of this technology. That being said, Crypto Altruism does not endorse any of these projects, and we recognize that, since this is an emerging sector, some may be operating in regulatory grey areas, and as such, we cannot confirm their legality in the jurisdictions in which they operate, especially as it pertains to decentralized finance protocols. So, before getting involved with any project, it’s important that you do your own research and confirm the legality of the project. More info at cryptoaltruists.com/disclaimer