Local Coding Events and Hackathons in Nigeria: A Roundup

Last Updated on November 8, 2023

Introduction

Coding events and hackathons are gatherings or competitions where developers come together to collaborate and build innovative solutions.

Nigeria has experienced significant growth in its tech industry, making it an important hub for such events.

The purpose of this blog post is to provide a detailed roundup of local coding events and hackathons happening in Nigeria.

Overview of the Nigerian tech scene

Nigeria, known as the “Giant of Africa,” is not only a leader in population size but is also making giant strides in the tech industry.

In recent years, the country has witnessed tremendous growth and development in its tech scene, with notable startups gaining global recognition.

One of the key factors contributing to the growth of the tech industry in Nigeria is the increased interest in coding and programming among Nigerian youths.

As technology continues to permeate various aspects of life, young Nigerians are recognizing the importance of acquiring skills in these areas.

Some Nigerian Startups and Their Success Stories

Several Nigerian startups have emerged as success stories, making waves not just in Nigeria but also globally.

Paystack

For example, Paystack, a Nigerian online payment processing company, was acquired by Stripe, a global fintech giant, for $200 million.

This acquisition showcased the potential and viability of Nigerian startups in the global market.

Flutterwave

Another Nigerian unicorn, Flutterwave, has made significant strides in the fintech industry.

The company provides a payment infrastructure platform that enables businesses to make and receive payments seamlessly.

With its recent $170 million funding round, Flutterwave has solidified its position as a major player in the global financial technology ecosystem.

Andela

Andela, a Nigerian-founded talent accelerator, has also made a significant impact on Nigeria’s tech scene.

The company recruits and trains software developers, providing them with the skills necessary to excel in the tech industry.

Andela’s developers have worked with top-tier companies like Google and Microsoft, showcasing the talent pool that exists in Nigeria.

These success stories have served as inspiration for many young Nigerians, fueling the growing interest in coding and programming.

With the availability of online resources and coding boot camps, more Nigerian youths are delving into the world of technology and honing their skills.

The Nigerian government has also recognized the importance of developing the tech industry and has implemented initiatives to support its growth.

Programs such as N-Power Tech, a job creation and empowerment initiative, have provided training opportunities for young Nigerians interested in tech-related fields.

Furthermore, local coding events and hackathons have been organized across Nigeria, providing platforms for aspiring coders to showcase their skills and network with industry professionals.

These events foster a sense of community and collaboration among Nigerian developers.

In short, the Nigerian tech industry has witnessed impressive growth and development in recent years.

The success of Nigerian startups such as Paystack, Flutterwave, and Andela has put Nigeria on the global tech map.

With the increasing interest in coding and programming among Nigerian youths, the future of the Nigerian tech scene looks promising

Read: Navigating Python’s Community and Events in Nigeria: Tips

Benefits of participating in coding events and hackathons

Participating in coding events and hackathons offers numerous benefits to individuals in Nigeria.

These events provide valuable learning and networking opportunities, boost coding skills and problem-solving abilities, and can lead to job opportunities and professional growth.

Valuable Learning and Networking Opportunities

• Coding events and hackathons bring experts and enthusiasts together, creating a rich learning environment.
  
  
• Participants can learn new coding languages, frameworks, and techniques from experienced professionals.
  
  
• Interacting with like-minded individuals allows for knowledge sharing and collaboration on innovative projects.
  
  
• Networking with industry professionals can open doors to mentorship, internships, and future collaborations.

Boosting Coding Skills and Problem-Solving Abilities

• Participating in coding events and hackathons challenges participants to think creatively and find innovative solutions.
  
  
• Working on real-world projects within a limited timeframe enhances problem-solving skills.
  
  
• Collaborating with team members from diverse backgrounds improves communication and teamwork abilities.
  
  
• Receiving feedback and guidance from experienced mentors helps individuals refine their coding skills.

Job Opportunities and Professional Growth

• Companies often scout for talented individuals at coding events and hackathons, offering job opportunities on the spot.
  
  
• Participating in these events allows individuals to showcase their coding abilities and stand out among their peers.
  
  
• Increase visibility in the tech community, making it easier to discover job openings and career advancements.
  
  
• The projects created at these events can serve as valuable additions to one’s portfolio, impressing potential employers.

In summary, coding events and hackathons in Nigeria offer valuable learning, networking, and growth opportunities.

By participating, individuals can enhance their coding skills, and problem-solving abilities, and increase their chances of securing job opportunities.

These events serve as platforms for aspiring coders to shine and connect with industry professionals, leading to professional growth and advancement.

Whether one is a beginner or an experienced coder, participating in these events can contribute to their personal and professional development.

Read: Exploring the Coding Ecosystem: Events in Nigeria 2024

Popular Coding Events in Nigeria

1. Devcenter CodeCamp

• Date: November 10-12, 2023
  
  
• Location: Lagos
  
  
• Devcenter CodeCamp is a three-day coding event aimed at equipping developers with cutting-edge skills.
  
  
• Renowned speakers and mentors who have participated in previous editions include Mark Essien and Ire Aderinokun.

2. PythonNigeria Conference

• Date: February 15-17, 2024
  
  
• Location: Abuja
  
  
• The PythonNigeria Conference brings together Python enthusiasts to share knowledge and network.
  
  
• Notable speakers who have graced the event include Oluwafemi Sule and Adora Nwodo.

3. She Code Africa Hackathon

• Date: April 5-7, 2024
  
  
• Location: Lagos
  
  
• The She Code Africa Hackathon aims to promote gender equality in technology fields.
  
  
• Previous editions have seen mentors such as Oreoluwa Lesi and Prosper Otemuyiwa.

4. GDG DevFest Lagos

• Date: October 13-14, 2023
  
  
• Location: Lagos
  
  
• GDG DevFest Lagos is a community-led event that focuses on the latest technology.
  
  
• Notable speakers at the event have included Chuka Ofili and Ifeanyi Okuma.

5. CcHub Pitch Drive

• Date: August 1-5, 2024
  
  
• Location: Multiple cities in Nigeria
  
  
• CcHub Pitch Drive is a coding event that showcases innovative startups across Nigeria.
  
  
• Previous editions have featured mentors like Bosun Tijani and Christina Sass.

6. StartConFest

• Date: June 20-22, 2024
  
  
• Location: Lagos
  
  
• StartConFest is a coding event that focuses on entrepreneurship and startups.
  
  
• Notable speakers in previous editions include Jason Njoku and Iyin Aboyeji.

7. Blockchain Nigeria User Group Conference

• Date: September 28-29, 2023
  
  
• Location: Abuja
  
  
• Blockchain Nigeria User Group Conference explores the significance of blockchain technology.
  
  
• Mentors and speakers who have participated include Lucky Uwakwe and Abubakar Umar.

8. Laravel Nigeria Conference

• Date: November 24-25, 2023
  
  
• Location: Lagos
  
  
• The Laravel Nigeria Conference focuses on the Laravel PHP framework and web development.
  
  
• Renowned speakers in previous editions include Dara Oladosu and Olusegun Adeleye.

9. Flutterwave Tech Summit

• Date: March 8-9, 2024
  
  
• Location: Lagos
  
  
• Flutterwave Tech Summit aims to ignite conversations about the future of finance and technology.
  
  
• Notable speakers who have participated in previous editions include Iyinoluwa Aboyeji and Olugbenga Agboola.

10. Facebook Developer Circles Summit

• Date: November 15-16, 2023
  
  
• Location: Lagos
  
  
• The Facebook Developer Circles Summit brings together developers creating social change.
  
  
• Previous editions have featured mentors such as Prosper Otemuyiwa and Emeka Afigbo.
  
  
• These coding events in Nigeria provide valuable opportunities for learning, networking, and fostering development within the tech industry.

Read: Women in Tech: Breaking Barriers in Nigeria’s Coding Scene

Noteworthy hackathons in Nigeria

1. DevC Lagos Hackathon

• Date: 10th-12th May 2022
  
  
• Venue: Lagos Innovation Hub, Lagos

The DevC Lagos Hackathon is a yearly event that focuses on driving innovation and collaboration among developers.

Participants come together to work on projects addressing various challenges, including health, education, and agriculture.

Notable projects from past editions include a mobile app for farmers to track crop growth and a platform for virtual learning.

2. CodeLagos Hackathon

• Date: 20th-22nd July 2022
  
  
• Venue: University of Lagos, Lagos

CodeLagos Hackathon is an initiative aimed at promoting coding and technology skills among the youth.

The hackathon provides a platform for participants to showcase their coding abilities and develop innovative solutions to societal problems.

Previous themes have covered areas such as smart cities, cybersecurity, and financial technology. Notable solutions include a blockchain-based voting system and a waste management app.

3. Abuja Developers Hackathon

• Date: 5th-7th September 2022
  
  
• Venue: Innovation Hub Abuja, Abuja

The Abuja Developers Hackathon brings together developers, designers, and entrepreneurs to collaborate on projects that address specific challenges in Nigeria’s capital city.

Themes covered in the past include transportation, urban planning, and citizen engagement.

Remarkable projects include a mobile app for reporting road accidents in real time and a platform for citizen feedback on government policies.

4. Start Innovation Hackathon

• Date: 14th-16th November 2022
  
  
• Venue: Innovation Growth Hub, Uyo

Start Innovation Hackathon is a platform for young entrepreneurs and tech enthusiasts to showcase their skills and develop innovative startups.

The hackathon focuses on solving challenges related to unemployment, poverty, and inclusive growth.

Noteworthy projects include a job-matching platform for skilled workers and a digital marketplace for locally made products.

5. Google Developer Groups (GDG) Hackathon

• Date: 2nd-4th December 2022
  
  
• Venue: Google Developer Space, Lagos

The GDG Hackathon organized by Google Developer Groups aims to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing among developers.

Participants work on projects using various technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and cloud computing.

Significant projects from previous editions include a voice-controlled home automation system and a personalized medical diagnosis app.

These hackathons provide a platform for Nigerian developers to showcase their skills, collaborate with peers, and address societal challenges.

The innovative solutions that have emerged from these events demonstrate the immense talent and potential within the Nigerian tech ecosystem.

Read: How to Start a Coding Career in Nigeria: A Beginner’s Guide

Tips for finding and participating in local coding events and hackathons

Are you interested in coding events and hackathons in Nigeria? Here are some helpful tips:

1. Stay updated with upcoming events

• Follow relevant social media accounts and websites that focus on tech and coding in Nigeria.
  
  
• Subscribe to newsletters or mailing lists of local tech communities or organizations.
  
  
• Join online groups and forums dedicated to coding and technology in Nigeria.

2. Join relevant online communities and tech forums:

• Participate actively in online coding communities to network with fellow developers and enthusiasts.
  
  
• Engage in discussions and ask questions about upcoming events and hackathons.
  
  
• Contribute to the community by sharing your experiences and knowledge.

3. Prepare and make the most out of attending these events:

• Research the agenda and theme of the event to understand its focus and goals.
  
  
• Check if there are any prerequisites or requirements for participation.
  
  
• Prepare your laptop or coding tools beforehand to ensure smooth participation.
  
  
• Bring necessary supplies like chargers, notebooks, and business cards.
  
  
• Arrive early to network with other participants and event organizers.
  
  
• Engage in discussions, workshops, and activities during the event.
  
  
• Participate in team formations or find potential collaborators for hackathons.
  
  
• Take breaks and hydrate yourself to maintain focus and energy.
  
  
• Ask questions, seek guidance, and learn from experienced mentors.
  
  
• Participate actively in project presentations, demos, and competitions.
  
  
• Collect feedback and connect with people who share similar interests.
  
  
• Share your experience on social media and contribute to event coverage.
  
  
• Follow up with new connections after the event to continue networking.

Attending local coding events and hackathons can be a great way to expand your network, learn new skills, and showcase your talent.

By staying updated, joining relevant communities, and being prepared, you can make the most out of these opportunities in Nigeria’s vibrant tech scene.

Conclusion

In conclusion, local coding events and hackathons in Nigeria play a significant role in fostering innovation and collaboration in the tech industry.

These events provide a platform for aspiring programmers and developers to showcase their skills and learn from each other.

By actively participating and engaging in these events, readers can broaden their knowledge, gain practical experience in coding, and build a strong network within the tech community.

Attending hackathons can also help individuals enhance their problem-solving abilities and think creatively.

The impact of these events goes beyond personal growth. They have the potential to boost Nigeria’s tech ecosystem as a whole.

By creating an environment that encourages innovation and supports startups, these events contribute to the growth of the local tech industry and attract investments.

Moreover, local coding events and hackathons can provide opportunities for participants to connect with potential employers and showcase their talent.

This can lead to career advancements in the field of technology. These events also offer a platform for collaboration that can result in the development of innovative solutions to local challenges.

Therefore, it is essential for readers to actively participate and engage in these local coding events and hackathons.

By doing so, they can contribute to their personal and professional growth while also making a positive impact on the tech industry in Nigeria.