Hey there, blockchain enthusiasts! If you're building onchain projects in Africa, you've probably heard the buzz about the Based Founders Fellowship (BFF). Recently, Dami.base.eth, the West-Africa Lead for Base, dropped an update on X that's got everyone talking. Due to massive demand, they're extending the application deadline to September 26, 2025. That's great news if you've been on the fence about applying!

What's the Based Founders Fellowship All About?

For those new to this, the BFF is Africa's premier program for onchain founders, sponsored by Base, Coinbase's Ethereum Layer 2 blockchain. It's designed to supercharge ventures that are already live with at least 1,000 onchain users and serving the African market. Whether your project is fully deployed on Base or you're open to integrating it, this fellowship is chain-agnostic but with a strong preference for Base builders.

The program packs a punch with a 10-day in-real-life (IRL) bootcamp in Nairobi, Kenya. Think immersive workshops, expert mentorship, and real growth hacks to scale your project. It culminates in a Demo Day where you pitch to top global venture capitalists (VCs), potentially unlocking funding and post-program support.

Key Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, your team needs to check these boxes:

• Have a launched product with 1,000+ onchain users.
• Focus on the African market.
• Be deployed onchain (bonus if on Base or willing to integrate).
• Commit to the full 10-day IRL program in Nairobi.
• Be actively fundraising.
• Have a "BASED" team vibe – passionate, innovative, and ready to level up.
• Team size: 1 to 5 members.

They're eyeing projects in hot areas like prediction markets, stablecoin applications, onchain identity, AI-integrated smart contracts, reward systems, self-custodial crypto solutions, SACCOs (Savings and Credit Co-operatives), and other creative Base use cases. If your meme token or DeFi project fits into these, you might be a perfect match!

Why the Extension and What's New?

The original deadline was August 22, but with applications pouring in, the team decided to give more founders a shot. This extension aligns with the high interest in Base's ecosystem, which has seen explosive growth in memecoins and onchain apps. In the update tweet, Dami highlighted key perks: 10 days of hands-on growth in Nairobi, actual unlocks for your project, and direct connections to capital.

A promotional video attached to the post features testimonials from builders and Base leaders like Jesse Pollak, emphasizing how the fellowship helps ship products, attract users, and scale impact. Note that while early announcements pointed to September 1-10, recent materials suggest the program might run from October 20-30, 2025 – keep an eye on official channels for confirmation.

How to Apply and What to Expect

Ready to dive in? Head over to the application page on Devfolio and submit before September 26. There's no registration fee – it's all about bringing the best African onchain talent together.

If selected, expect a transformative experience: networking with peers, learning from industry pros, and that all-important VC pitch. Post-program, top performers get ongoing support to keep the momentum going.

Why This Matters for Meme Tokens and Blockchain Practitioners

At Meme Insider, we're all about the fun side of crypto, but programs like BFF are crucial for turning viral memes into sustainable onchain economies. Base has become a hotspot for memecoins, and this fellowship could help African creators build the next big thing. Whether you're into dog-themed tokens or innovative DeFi plays, getting "based" with resources like this can make all the difference.

Stay tuned for more updates, and if you're applying, good luck – Africa's onchain revolution is just getting started! 🚀