Hello everyone, my name is Joao Futi Muanda, and this article is based on my first experience attending PyCon Africa 2025.
This was not just a tech conference for me—it was a personal journey filled with uncertainty, last-minute decisions, long travel, learning moments, and meaningful connections with people from different parts of the world.
In this article, I will walk you through my experience from the very beginning: from applying, almost giving up, to finally attending and making the most of this incredible opportunity.
Before the Conference: The Decision to Apply
Before attending PyCon Africa, I had to decide how I wanted to participate. Like many tech conferences, there are different ways to be involved:
- As a speaker
- As a volunteer
- As an attendee
For me, I had two main interests:
1. Volunteering
I was especially interested in volunteering because I believed it would allow me to:
- Learn how conferences work behind the scenes
- Understand how large tech events are organized
- Meet people from different countries and backgrounds
Since it was my first time attending PyCon Africa, I did not feel ready to speak. I wanted to first experience the environment from the inside.
2. Learning and Networking
Another motivation was the opportunity to connect with the global Python community. Coming from Angola, I knew this would be a rare and valuable experience.
The Challenge: Funding and Visa Uncertainty
After applying, I also applied for grants to support my travel. Unfortunately, I was not selected in the first round.
As the event date approached, I still had no confirmation. Only a few days remained before the conference, and I began to lose hope completely.
At that point, I even shifted my focus to other volunteer work, assuming I would not be able to attend PyCon Africa this year.
The Turning Point: A Last-Minute Email
Just when I had given up, something unexpected happened.
I received an email from the organizers: I had been selected in the second round for a grant to attend PyCon Africa 2025.
Everything changed instantly.
With only a couple of days left, I had to prepare quickly:
- Pack my bag
- Prepare my laptop
- Arrange basic travel essentials
- Book my bus ticket
There was no time to think twice. I had to go.
The Journey: From Angola to South Africa
The journey from Angola to South Africa was long and challenging, but also memorable.
I traveled by bus—the most accessible option for me. The route went through multiple countries, including Namibia, before reaching Johannesburg.
Key points of the journey:
- Around 2 days of travel
- Very little sleep
- Multiple bus changes
- Continuous movement across borders
Despite the exhaustion, there was something special about the experience. It felt like a transition—not just physically, but mentally as well.
Arrival in Johannesburg
I arrived in Johannesburg on the first day of the conference, which was also the Beginner’s Day.
This timing was perfect because I had also registered as a volunteer and as a coach for beginner sessions.
I immediately went into the event environment and started participating.
Understanding PyCon Africa Structure
The conference was structured into three main parts:
1. Beginner’s Day
This day was designed for:
- People new to Python
- Beginners learning programming fundamentals
- Workshops and guided sessions
It was also where I participated as a coach, helping others learn and guiding them through beginner-friendly content.
2. Conference Days
These were the main days of the event, featuring:
- Technical talks
- Workshops
- Community discussions
- Company showcases
- Networking sessions
This is where most of the learning and networking happened.
One of the most valuable aspects was seeing how companies and developers from across Africa and the world contribute to the Python ecosystem.
3. Sprint Day
The sprint day is focused on collaboration.
Participants work on:
- Open-source projects
- Group coding sessions
- Real-world contributions
- Team-based development
Unfortunately, I could not attend this part because my return travel was already scheduled.
What I Learned from the Experience
Even though I did not attend every single day, the experience was extremely valuable.
Here are some key takeaways:
1. Community is powerful
Being surrounded by people contributing to Python showed me how strong and global the community is.
2. Opportunities come unexpectedly
At one point, I thought I would not attend at all—but a last-minute email changed everything.
3. Volunteering is a learning experience
Helping others during Beginner’s Day gave me a deeper understanding of teaching, communication, and collaboration.
4. Networking matters
Meeting developers, organizers, and community leaders opened my eyes to new possibilities in tech.
A Message About Challenges and Visa Issues
One important reality, especially for many African developers, is the challenge of visas and travel restrictions.
Sometimes:
- You get accepted but cannot travel
- You prepare everything but get rejected
- Opportunities are blocked by external systems
I have experienced this frustration myself in the past.
But my message is simple:
Do not stop trying.
Even if one opportunity fails, another may come unexpectedly—just like it did for me.
Final Thoughts
Attending PyCon Africa 2025 was one of the most meaningful experiences in my tech journey so far.
It reminded me that:
- Persistence matters
- Community matters
- Opportunities can appear at the last minute
- Growth often comes from stepping outside your comfort zone
I am deeply grateful to the organizers, volunteers, and everyone I met during the event.
As someone once said during the event:
“If you want to grow in tech, invest in the community. Show up, support others, and keep learning.”
This experience proved that to me.
No matter where you are from, keep trying, keep learning, and keep showing up. One day, the opportunity will come—and you just have to be ready for it.