CF Newsletter - January

CF Newsletter - January

CF Newsletter - January

As we step into the new year, we are excited to share the latest developments at Christex Foundation. From our projects to inspiring community stories, our journey to educate, empower, and create opportunities continues.

Foundation Updates

At Christex, we are constantly evolving to expand our impact. This section will provide key updates on our latest initiatives, partnerships, and internal growth. From new partnerships to expanding our programs, we continue to push boundaries in blockchain education, business development, and community empowerment. This section highlights key milestones, organizational growth, and strategic moves that set the stage for an impactful 2025.

Event Updates

We believe that hands-on experience is crucial for learning and innovation. In this edition, we look back at some of our most engaging recent events, from hands-on workshops to our bounty submissions and payments.

Event Recap: A Month of Learning and Innovation

At Christex Foundation, we believe that education is the foundation of growth and 2024 was just the beginning of our mission to empower our community with practical skills. Last year, we ran over 24 workshops, focusing on Engineering, Product, and Design, with an overwhelmingly positive response from participants. With an average satisfaction score of 9/10, you told us these sessions were “beyond expectation” and helped improve your skillset.

So, in 2025, we’re taking things even further.

Kicking Off 2025: 16 Workshops and 2 New Categories

This January, we launched 16 hands-on workshops across six key areas: Product, Design, and Engineering, plus two brand-new categories: Media and Digital Literacy.

- Digital Literacy: Many aspiring learners struggle to get started because they lack a basic understanding of how computers work. This new workshop bridges that gap, introducing participants to fundamental computer skills before they progress to our more advanced and specific workshops.

- Media Production: With the demand for content creation, storytelling, and digital branding growing, this workshop equips our community with the skills needed to thrive in the media space.

Looking Ahead

The momentum from our January workshops is just the start. With new categories and an expanding curriculum, we’re committed to helping our community grow, one skill at a time.

And this is only the beginning of what’s to come in 2025! 

Venture Studio Companies:

Christex’s Venture Studio is home to some of the most promising blockchain-driven startups in Sierra Leone. This section provides an inside look at the latest progress from ventures like Mocha(Blockchain powered solution) and SendMe, the challenges they are tackling, and their plans for growth. As we continue to support founders and innovators, we’re excited to share how these startups are shaping the future.

Venture Studio Spotlight: Send Me – Transforming E-Commerce in Sierra Leone

At Christex Foundation’s Venture Studio, we are committed to turning ideas into impactful businesses, and Send Me is a prime example of a company we invested in.

As one of our standout startups, Send Me is reshaping e-commerce and logistics in Sierra Leone, making deliveries seamless for individuals, businesses, and international partners.

With nearly five years in operation, Send Me has built a reputation for fast, reliable service through its ride-hailing delivery, courier solutions, and e-commerce platform—accessible via web and mobile apps.

Key Milestones in 2024

  • 266% growth in monthly recurring revenue

  • 25,000+ deliveries completed

  • 8,000+ active customers

  • Support for 100+ women-led businesses

  • 66% fleet expansion

What’s Next? Expanding Technology & Global Recognition

Now, Send Me is scaling further with three new apps to enhance user experience and efficiency:
📱 Consumer App – Simplifies ordering and delivery
🚴‍♂️ Rider App – Introduces live tracking for real-time updates
🏪 Business App – Empowers merchants with better order management

Beyond national impact, Send Me is making waves internationally. The startup was shortlisted for the West African Startup World Cup Semi-Finals, competing for a $1M investment in Silicon Valley.

As we drive innovation through the Christex Venture Studio, startups like Send Me prove that local solutions can create global impact. With technology at its core, Send Me is not just delivering packages—it’s delivering the future of commerce in Sierra Leone.

Venture Studio Spotlight: Mocha – Transforming Financial Services with Blockchain

As part of Christex Foundation’s Venture Studio, Mocha is pioneering blockchain-driven financial services in Sierra Leone, offering a faster, more affordable alternative to traditional money transfer. With a mission to improve financial accessibility, Mocha enables cross-border payments, online transactions, and micro-loans at a fraction of the usual cost.

Key Achievements in 2024

  • $2 million USD in transactions processed, highlighting strong market demand

  • 1,063 unique customers, reflecting a growing user base

  • Strategic partnerships with local startups, forex traders, and money transfer agents to expand reach

  • Invited by ANDE to collaborate with financial regulators, including the Bank of Sierra Leone and commercial banks

  • Selected for the Startup World Cup, competing for a $1M investment in partnership with the Sierra Leonean government and The Fele Tech City

Looking Ahead to 2025

Mocha is preparing for a major product launch in Q1, rolling out its WhatsApp-based financial service to enhance accessibility. A full-scale marketing campaign is also planned to drive adoption and expand its customer base.

With its blockchain-powered solutions, Mocha is redefining financial services in Sierra Leone, creating a more inclusive and efficient digital economy. Through Christex Venture Studio, the company continues to receive the resources and support needed to scale and drive lasting impact.

Community Stories:

At the heart of our mission is the community we serve. Whether it’s an intern landing their first job, a participant launching a startup, or someone gaining financial independence through our bounty program, these stories remind us why we do what we do. This section will highlight the journeys of individuals whose lives have been positively transformed by the Christex Foundation.

We have a simple yet powerful belief: access to the right opportunities can change lives. Time and again, we have seen individuals step into our workshops, hackathons, and programs with uncertainty—only to emerge with new skills, career-paths, and confidence in their own potential. Their journeys remind us why we do what we do.

A Mind Opened to Possibilities: Alex Pratt’s Story

From Curiosity to Career: Nematulai Barrie’s Journey

A Community That Empowers

Nematulai and Alex’s stories are just two examples of the countless lives being shaped by the Christex Foundation. Every workshop, every hackathon, every session is designed to do more than just teach, we aim to empower.

By giving young people access to education, mentorship, and opportunities to earn, we are helping them see beyond limitations and step into their full potential. The real impact of Christex isn’t measured in programs, it’s measured in people. In careers launched, dreams pursued, and lives changed.

And this is just the beginning.