ConTech: One Year of Supporting Creators in Tech

Exactly one year ago, we launched ConTech Africa, a community for African creators looking to transition and grow in tech. Since then, we’ve connected hundreds of aspiring tech professionals with scholarships, mentors, resources, and opportunities, fostering growth in the tech ecosystem. 

It's been an exciting journey. When we started, we had little to no experience running a community and had to figure out several things on the fly. Thanks to an amazing community, our partners and sponsors, it’s been a rewarding ride. 

 “I didn’t expect ConTech to grow as rapidly as it did in a year, but it’s been an amazing experience. Getting to help other people find their footing in an industry that changed my life has been very fulfilling. I look forward to doing so much more with our incredible community.” - Daniel Orubo, Co-founder, ConTech. 

What started as a passion project has had a significant impact on over 4,000 creators across Africa. We’ve awarded over 200 full scholarships to members, empowering them to pursue a career in tech. We’ve also sponsored 50 CV revamps through our partnership with CV Loft, because we understand the importance of putting your best foot forward.

ConTech helps everyone find their footing 

At ConTech, we run several initiatives that are designed to help early-stage and mid-level professionals get grounded in their chosen path. In our Slack community, we created specific subgroups for marketers, designers, product managers and those in operations. So, no matter your interests, ConTech gives you room to explore.

“I think one of my favourite things about ConTech is how we’re fostering communities within communities. There’s something for you if you’re unsure where to start or are looking to build on existing skills. The community provides you with a space for people who are just like you—where you can network, ask questions and even share your work.” - Ope Adedeji, Co-founder, ConTech.  

Temitope Olowosile, a community member, acknowledges the impact of this subcommunity approach on her career. “Joining ConTech Africa was a thrilling step for me, fresh from my product marketing course at Treford. As someone shifting careers, I figured it would sharpen my marketing skills. But ConTech took me even further. Here, I've dived into product management and design, too. ConTech has truly been a gift. I'm eager to watch it change even more lives in the year ahead.”

Here’s a snapshot of the impact of other initiatives

• Free webinars and podcasts: We’re proud to have hosted over a dozen webinars and podcasts featuring professionals across industries, equipping our members with essential skills and knowledge.  According to Toke Odebode-Osinowo, a member who found Contech at a point of career uncertainty, the community has been a source of invaluable knowledge to her, particularly, the webinars. “I was most inspired by the sessions on Daniel Abayomi's design journey and Chowdeck's founding story, which added a unique dimension to my experience within the community. I’m looking forward to what ConTech Africa has in store for us in the next year.” 

• Bootcamps: Halfway into the year, we launched our first-ever bootcamp, and it was successful, awarding successful participants prize money and certificates. “I proudly show off my ConTech bootcamp certificate in my portfolio,” said Marian Sobowale, a social media marketer who completed the Digital Marketing bootcamp. “Loved every bit of learning.”

• Members connected with mentors: One of our core missions is to foster meaningful connections. We successfully paired members with experienced mentors, giving them the guidance they need to grow and excel in their careers. Tamilore Oyegun, leader of the design subgroup says that the lessons he’s learning at Contech are making a difference in his career. “I remember a ConTech corner session with Daniel Abayomi that proved to be a game-changer for me because there were some insights that I took from that session that have carried me through my career. I was also able to get a one-month mentorship with him and the things that I learnt through that mentorship with Daniel are beginning to bear fruit in my career.”

Build new connections at ConTech

ConTech is not just about the initiatives that radically upskill members, it’s also a place to build lifetime connections and friendships. Tamilore Oyegun says the friendships are a key part of his growth. “The community has provided me with new friendships, and the impact has been transformative, both professionally and personally,” he says. 

According to Seun Longe, a participant at the Product Marketing bootcamp, “One of the highlights of the ConTech boot camp was the opportunity to collaborate with my fellow teammates while working on our presentations. Many late nights were spent brainstorming and supporting each other as we worked on our group project. We all plan to hang out soon.”

As we move into another year, we are dedicated to:

• Expanding our existing initiatives. We’re looking to award even more scholarships, revamp even more CVs and run more bootcamps, webinars and programmes. 

• Develop new initiatives to support team members.

• Provide more opportunities for members to network with each other.
  

  “It's been deeply heartwarming to see, in real-time, this community's growth, and this is only the beginning. ConTech will continue to make it even easier for more African creators to access all the resources they need to transition into tech, find their footing, and build the most ambitious careers. There’s plenty of work ahead, and the past one year makes me very optimistic about how much of it we can take on and successfully execute.” - Bolu Akindele, Community Manager, ConTech.

  Get involved

  • Join our community: If you haven't yet, you can join our community today. Engage in discussions, participate in events, and let your voice be heard.

  • Spread the word: Help us reach more creators. Invite someone who needs to be at ConTech.

  • Sponsor the community: If you or your organisation are passionate about supporting tech learning and community growth, consider sponsoring ConTech. Your support can make a significant difference.