By 
Facebook has 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.
“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,” said Afigbo
“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,” said Developer Lead for a Facebook Developer Circle in Eldoret, Fatma
Ali
“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,” said Developer Lead
for a Facebook Developer Circle in Cape Town, Sewagodimo Matlapeng.
