Overview

ChamaDAO is a blockchain-based platform that enables chama groups (community-based savings groups) in Kenya to operate more efficiently through decentralized governance, mobile money integration, and AI assistance. This repository contains the server-side component of the ChamaDAO application. The server handles critical backend operations after users have created their accounts or imported wallets on the frontend using account abstraction and wallet SDKs.

Key Features

1. User and Identity Management

• Profile Management: Associates wallet addresses with user profile data including:

  • Full names
  • Mobile numbers (for m-Pesa integration)
  • Email addresses (optional)

• KYC/AML Compliance: Handles collection, storage, and verification of identity documents for regulatory compliance.

2. Financial Operations

• m-Pesa Integration: Facilitates deposits and withdrawals between Kenyan Shillings (KES) and USDT.
• Currency Conversion: Manages on-ramping (KES to USDT) and off-ramping (USDT to KES).
• Balance Display: Converts on-chain USDT balances to KES for familiar currency presentation.

3. Data Management

• Off-Chain Storage: Securely stores sensitive and supplementary data:

  • User profiles
  • Proposal texts and metadata
  • Media assets

• Database System: Utilizes efficient database technology for data storage and retrieval.

4. Communication and Notifications

• Alert System: Sends automated notifications for:
  • Loan repayment deadlines
  • Voting deadlines
  • Proposal updates
  • Loan extension reminders

5. Governance Support

• Proposal Management: Enables chama admins to create and store proposal details off-chain.
• Voting Support: Provides data and interfaces for proposal review within the mobile app.

6. Reputation and Credit System

• Score Calculation: Computes user reputation based on:

  • Loan repayment history
  • Chama contributions
  • Meeting attendance

• Creditworthiness API: Exposes reputation scores to enable loan guarantor assessments.

7. AI and Automation

• Intelligent Features:
  • Proposal summarization
  • Voting assistance
  • Governance chatbot
  • Treasury optimization recommendations
  • Natural language processing support

8. Analytics and Reporting

• Data Insights: Analyzes on-chain and off-chain data for performance tracking.
• Report Generation: Creates detailed reports for transparency and decision-making.

9. Blockchain Interaction

• Data Retrieval: Reads on-chain data from Base Layer 2 blockchain.
• Transaction Execution: Submits blockchain transactions when required.

10. Security and Compliance

• Access Control: Uses wallet addresses for authentication with role-based permissions.
• Data Protection: Encrypts sensitive information and ensures secure storage.
• Regulatory Compliance: Adheres to Kenyan financial regulations and data protection laws.

Technical Architecture

• API Layer: RESTful/GraphQL APIs for mobile app communication
• Database Layer: Secure data storage and retrieval system
• Blockchain Interface: Communication with Base Layer 2 blockchain
• m-Pesa Integration: Secure mobile money transaction handling
• AI Services: Machine learning models for intelligent features
• Security Layer: Encryption, authentication, and authorization

Getting Started

Prerequisites

• Java SDK 23
• Spring Data JPA
• Spring MVC
• Database (PostgreSQL/MongoDB recommended)
• Access to m-Pesa API credentials
• Access to Base Layer 2 node

Installation

1. Clone the repository:

   git clone https://github.com/Chama-DAO/chamadao-server
   cd chamadao-server

1. Configure environment variables:

    # Ignore this for now
   cp .env.example .env
   # Edit .env with your specific configuration

1. Build the project:

   ./mvnw clean install -DskipTests

1. Run the server:

   ./mvnw spring-boot:run -DskipTests

API Documentation

The server exposes APIs for the mobile application to interact with. Documentation can be accessed at:

http://localhost:8080/swagger-ui.html

Key API endpoints include:

• /api/profiles - User profile management
• /api/financial - m-Pesa transactions and currency conversions
• /api/governance - Proposal and voting operations
• /api/reputation - Credit scoring and reputation management

Deployment

Production Deployment

1. Build the production package:

   ./mvnw clean package -DskipTests

1. Deploy using Docker:

   docker-compose up -d

Scaling Considerations

• Implement load balancing for increased user traffic
• Consider database sharding for large data volumes
• Utilize caching for frequently accessed data
• Monitor blockchain interaction for bottlenecks

Security Considerations

• All sensitive data must be encrypted at rest and in transit
• KYC documents require special handling for compliance
• API endpoints must validate wallet signatures
• Regular security audits should be conducted

Contributing

1. Fork the repository
2. Create a feature branch (git checkout -b feature/amazing-feature)
3. Commit your changes (git commit -m 'Add some amazing feature')
4. Push to the branch (git push origin feature/amazing-feature)
5. Open a Pull Request

License

This project is licensed under the MIT License

Contact

ChamaDAO Team - ## Project Link: https://github.com/Chama-DAO/chamadao-server