Facebook hosts its first ‘Facebook iD8 Nairobi’ conference aimed at celebrating and growing the tech ecosystem across Africa
“Facebook iD8 Nairobi” created a space for developers and startups to showcase
and celebrate talent from across the continent, while sharing their
developer journey
NAIROBI, Kenya, November 22, 2019/ -- Today, Facebook (www.facebook.com) brought together over 400 developers, startups and businesses from across
Sub-Saharan Africa in a first of its kind conference dubbed “Facebook
iD8 Nairobi”. As part of its effort to create opportunities for
innovation, community building and education throughout the continent,
“Facebook iD8 Nairobi” created a space for developers and startups to
showcase and celebrate talent from across the continent, while sharing
their developer journey.
Highlights from the conference and activities included:
A keynote speech from Emeka Afigbo, Facebook’s
Global Head of Developer Programmes – highlighted Facebook’s plan in
partnership with Andela to train and equip thousands of developers from
its Developer Circles across 10 countries in Africa with technical and
non-technical skills in 2020. This follows Facebook's successful
three-month training programme with Andela across Nigeria and Kenya in
2019.A career fair - aimed at connecting this year’s
top developers from Facebook's and Andela's three-month training
programme in Nigeria and Kenya with employment opportunities through
meet ups with potential employers.The 2019 Facebook SSA Developer Circle Leads Summit, bought together 60 Developer Circle leaders, who represented 45 circles in 17 countries across the continent in a two-day networking event.
Facebook iD8 Nairobi also highlighted the latest insights from Facebook, with new technologies and products for attendees to build and
experiment with, and programmes to help them at any stage of their
journey. There were hands-on demonstrations and discussions with
Facebook product experts who provided guidance and help to unlock
challenges developers face in their development process. The conference
also provided an opportunity for developers and startups to learn how
technology such as AR/VR, Messaging and Open Source can offer tangible
solutions for businesses in Africa.
Speaking at the conference Emeka Afigbo, Facebook’s Global Head of Developer Programs said, “We look forward to reconnecting with the ecosystem to share the latest
technology , product and program updates. Facebook iD8 is a two-way
dialogue where we also have a chance to hear from our developer and
startup community’ about their experiences and roadblocks as well as
provide an opportunity for members of our community to connect with
others who share their challenges and aspirations.”
Fatma Ali a Developer Lead for a Facebook Developer Circle in Eldoret stated, “This opportunity has enabled me to connect and get mentorship to build my
career while equipping me with leadership skills to work with the
developer community. Through my Facebook Developer Circle I have gotten
exposure and recognition in the Developer ecosystem. The experience has
been enlightening and I am confident that I will have a successful
career in technology.“
Sewagodimo Matlapeng a Developer Lead for a Facebook Developer Circle in Cape town concluded, “My experience leading a Developer Circle in Cape town has enabled me to
advocate for the inclusion of women in the developer community in Cape
town with my circle having the highest female members in Africa. Through Facebook iD8, I gained insights on how we as developers, male and
female can seize opportunities and curb challenges in the developer
community.”
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