PyCon Namibia: A Decade of Growth, Innovation, and Community

Reflecting on a Decade of Growth, Community, and Innovation at PyCon Namibia

In the land of endless skies and golden sands,
Where innovation blooms and the future expands,
PyCon Namibia stands, a beacon so bright,
A decade of code, connection, and light.

A Decade of Open Source Community

This year, PyCon Namibia celebrated its 10th anniversary, marking a decade of fostering growth in Namibia’s tech ecosystem from the 24 -27 February 2025. Since 2015, the conference has connected local programmers with global opportunities, helping them expand their skills and advance their careers. Many have gone on to work internationally, contributing to the growing tech scene in Namibia.

The 2025 edition was especially significant, bringing together developers and tech enthusiasts from around the world, solidifying PyCon Namibia’s role in shaping the country’s tech landscape.

The Spirit of PyCon Namibia

What sets PyCon Namibia apart is its spirit of resilience and collaboration. Despite challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, the community has thrived, adapting to virtual formats and returning stronger than ever. Through perseverance and a shared passion for open-source technology, PyCon Namibia continues to inspire innovation and unite tech enthusiasts.

Django Day at PyCon Namibia

This year, we launched Django Day, a special initiative for Django developers, as part of our broader Django Namibia program aimed at building local expertise. Django Day brought together passionate developers for a day of talks and workshops.

A highlight was the Django Day - Girls Code Workshop, which saw over 50 women participating. The success of this event marks the beginning of Django Day’s evolution into a dedicated, one-day event open to all genders, continuing as a key part of PyCon Namibia and Python Namibia.

Thanks to local organizations and mentors, and a special thank you to PyLadies Namibia for bringing us together, Django Day has become an important milestone. We look forward to expanding it with more sessions in the future.

Education Day

Another highlight of PyCon Namibia 2025 was Education Day, designed to inspire young learners in high schools and university. It introduced students to programming, robotics, and IoT through hands-on workshops and career guidance.

Skilled mentors and volunteers led the workshops, sparking curiosity and passion for technology. Discussions on careers in software development, data science, and AI were eye-opening, and many students left the event inspired to pursue careers in tech.

Talks and Workshops

All the talks this year were truly inspiring. While I couldn’t stay in one room for long, as I was helping coordinate the conference with other organizers, I was fortunate to catch sessions by Sakaria Ndadi, who spoke about developing consistent and reusable frontend components in Django, as well as talks from Robbins Kariseb who spoke about the software that's built in Namibia, Niek Mereu, Andreea Munteanu, Shaun De Ponte, Luděk Matyska, Wiza Msuku, Sheena O'Connell, and Ditiro Rampate, who shared insights on tackling malaria with Python. And there were many more!

I also had the opportunity to attend workshops by Saurav Jain and Katerina Hronikova, where participants were awarded certificates, a great way to recognize their engagement and learning.

You can view the full programme here: https://na.pycon.org/programme/

A Night to Remember

For the first time, I had dinner at Joe Beer House with the speakers and local attendees. It was a great opportunity to meet Kateřina Hroníková and Jain from Apify, both of whom have been incredible supporters of PyCon Namibia. I also had the pleasure of meeting Uetusuvera Kuhanga, Daniele Procida, Niek Mereu, Andreea Munteanu, Aaron Muti, Tinomudaishe Ndhlovu, and Wiza Msuku.

At Pepata, we enjoyed traditional Namibian dishes like kapana (grilled meat), potjiekos (a slow-cooked stew), and mahangu porridge (a dish made from pearl millet). The flavors were rich and comforting, showcasing Namibian hospitality. Later, we spent the night at Joe Beer House, sharing stories and enjoying each other's company.

The evening was full of laughter, tech jokes, and great conversations. From sharing meals at Pepata to relaxing at Joe Beer House, the night reflected the strong sense of community that PyCon Namibia creates. These moments of togetherness are what make PyCon Namibia special, a family united by a shared love for programming and technology.

Amazing Namibian Nature

Namibia never fails to amaze its guests. Watching our guest speakers enjoy themselves before and after the conference is a breathtaking experience. It’s a testament that PyCon Namibia is not just a conference but a window into the beauty of Namibia, its landscapes, wildlife, and deserts.

My Journey with PyCon Namibia

My journey with PyCon Namibia began in 2015 as a university student. Juggling academics with programming activities was challenging, but my passion for the community kept me motivated. My first international conference, PyCon UK 2018, was a turning point. Eager to learn and gain experience, I left my studies behind to attend, hoping to build connections that would help grow the community I cared about.

For the past ten years, I’ve had the privilege of being part of the organizing team for PyCon Namibia. What started as a small gathering of programming enthusiasts in 2015 has grown into one of Africa’s most significant tech conferences. Organizing PyCon Namibia has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, shaping me both personally and professionally.

The Early Years: Building the Foundation

In the early days, organizing PyCon Namibia was a labor of love. We were a small team with big dreams, working tirelessly to create a platform where Namibian developers could learn, connect, and grow. I remember the long nights spent brainstorming ideas, reaching out to sponsors, and convincing speakers to join us. It wasn’t easy, but our passion and commitment kept us moving forward.

One of the most memorable moments from those early years was seeing the first group of attendees light up during workshops. Their enthusiasm reminded me why we started this journey, to create opportunities for others and to build a community that would last.

Over the years, PyCon Namibia has reached many important milestones. From initiatives like Django Day and Education Day, which are incorporated into the main conference, to hosting international speakers and attracting global sponsors, each success reflects the hard work of our team.

One of my proudest moments as an organizer was seeing how PyCon Namibia impacted people’s lives. From students landing their first tech jobs to developers launching their own startups, the stories of success are what motivate me.

Lessons Learned

Organizing PyCon Namibia for ten years has taught me many valuable lessons. I’ve learned the power of collaboration, the importance of persistence, and the impact of empowering others, contributing to open-source community. It has also given me a deeper appreciation for the role of community in creating change.

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is the value of mentorship. Over the years, I’ve mentored new organizers and volunteers, passing on the knowledge I’ve gained. Seeing them grow and take on leadership roles has been deeply fulfilling.

Thank You to Our Sponsors

None of this would have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors. Their commitment to fostering innovation and empowering the Namibian tech community has been instrumental in making PyCon Namibia a success year after year.

We are deeply grateful for your partnership and look forward to continuing this journey together.

Looking Ahead

As we reflect on a decade of PyCon Namibia, we’re filled with pride and gratitude. The journey has been one of resilience, growth, and community.

Stay tuned for my journey in the open-source community and how Laloka Labs, the company behind the AI platform Kafkai, has shaped my life.

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