The first-ever pan-African PyCon — University of Ghana, Accra • 6th–10th August 2019. A comprehensive look back at the sessions, the community, the impact, and the numbers that tell our story.
This included 181 tickets issued at the special lower rate for students and those of limited financial means, and 48 free tickets. 35 of the free tickets were funded through the generosity of members of the international Python community. 29 were allocated to Django Girls attendees and coaches.
Three of the eight organising committee members were women. A Django Girls workshop helped 21 women make their start in Python web programming. A PyLadies meeting established plans for supporting female programmers in Africa, including a dedicated PyLadies Africa Slack channel.
Topics included data science, machine learning, web, robotics, security, GIS, core Python, careers, community building, testing, medicine, accessibility, payment systems, education, and frontend technologies. Keynote speakers: Anna Makarudze, Ewa Jodlowska, Moustapha Cisse, and Kojo Idrissa.
Most attendees came from Ghana. Around 70 travelled from other African nations including Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and more. The conference also welcomed 14 international visitors from the US, UK, Germany, Netherlands, Italy, India, Greece, and Brazil.
Free accommodation for 58 attendees, 48 wholly free tickets, numerous discounted tickets, long-distance bus travel for 16 regional travellers, and air travel for 12 travellers from across Africa — made possible through a community GoFundMe campaign that raised nearly US$4000.
The Python Software Foundation, Django Software Foundation, and Django Society UK provided foundation support. Britecore and Andela contributed with large team presences. Individual community members donated via GoFundMe, raising €3586.09 after fees — including an unexpected €500 from GoFundMe themselves.
On most days this included breakfast, lunch, dinner and refreshments. Though these rates are a fraction of those charged for a similar conference in the west, they remained beyond the financial means of many who wanted to attend.
Finding a way to price tickets that is financially viable for the organisers and affordable for all who should be able to attend remains a problem without an obvious solution.
The conference and social activities were covered by a formal code of conduct.
During the event, one instance of an impolite joke of a sexual nature was reported. The matter was resolved to the satisfaction of all parties involved.
Organised by: Marlene Mhangami (Chair), Aaron Yankey, Aisha Bello, Michael Young (Treasurer), Abigail Mesrenyame Dogbe, Noah Alorwu (Talks lead), Mannie Young, Daniele Procida.
Additional contributors: Chukwudi Nwachukwu, Edison Abahurire, Jessica Upani, Michael Perry and others.
Special thanks to Abuanor Joseph, Daniele Joey Darko, Francis Billa, Jacob Mensah Zigli, Kafui Alordo, and medical team Precious Yankey & Atutonu Crystabell Sefakor.
The organising committee agreed to run PyCon Africa 2020 in Accra, with a 2021 edition to be held in another African capital — building on lessons learned from 2019.
We would like to bring prospective hosts of a future PyCon Africa to be part of the team for 2020, to provide continuity and vital first-hand experience.
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