The University of Nairobi's Department of Computing and Informatics opened its doors to 217 participants from seven African countries on July 14, 2025, marking the commencement of the Computer Science Academy (CSA) Africa 2025 Python Workshop. The three-week intensive programme represents a significant milestone in African digital capacity building, drawing from an impressive pool of 437 applications.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Enterprise Prof Mulaa emphasized the workshop's transformative potential during the opening ceremony. "This three-week workshop is more than a training event; it is a bold statement that talent knows no borders and that opportunity should never be limited by geography, circumstance or gender," he stated, highlighting the programme's commitment to inclusive technology education.
The partnership between the University of Nairobi and the University of Glasgow has been instrumental in bringing this initiative to fruition. The DVC RIE expressed sincere gratitude to Glasgow colleagues for their "unwavering commitment to nurturing computing talent across Africa," underscoring the collaborative spirit that drives the programme forward.
The DVC RIE acknowledged the substantial support from sponsors, noting that "your support signals to every participant that the marketplace values the skill sets they will acquire in this workshop." This endorsement from industry partners validates the programme's relevance to current market demands and career prospects for participants.
Africa's digital transformation presents both opportunities and challenges. The DVC RIE noted that while digital technologies are redefining agriculture, health, finance, and governance across the continent, "millions of brilliant young minds still lack access to the skills, resources and mentorship that can turn ideas into impact."
The CSA Africa workshop directly addresses this gap by providing hands-on Python programming training, real-world computing applications, and mentorship opportunities. The DVC RIE urged participants to "approach this opportunity with curiosity, confidence, and courage," emphasizing the transformative potential of the skills they will acquire.
The programme's structure includes lectures, coding sessions, and group projects, culminating in participant presentations and an awards ceremony. Participants will be housed at Qejani Student Residences and will attend sessions at the Cisco4Development (C4D) Lab.
Prof. Kahonge, representing the Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology as Chair of the Department of Computing and Informatics, emphasized the programme's remarkable diversity achievements. "In just a few years, you have trained more than 500 young people across 11 African countries. I'm especially proud to note that nearly half of these beneficiaries are women," he remarked, highlighting CSA Africa's commitment to gender inclusion in technology education.
The competitive selection process, which saw 217 participants chosen from 437 applications, demonstrates the high demand for quality technology education across Africa. Prof. Kahonge noted that participants are "not just representing yourselves, but your communities and countries as well," emphasizing the broader impact of their participation.
He encouraged participants to fully engage with the learning opportunity: "Over the next three weeks, I encourage all participants to dive in, ask questions, try new things, and connect with each other. Python is a fantastic language to learn, and the skills you gain here will open doors you may not have even imagined yet."
Prof. Kahonge emphasized that the programme extends beyond technical training: "Beyond the technical skills, I hope you'll also find inspiration, friendship, and the confidence to dream big." This holistic approach to development reflects the programme's commitment to nurturing well-rounded technology leaders.
Both speakers acknowledged Dr. Sofiat Olaosebikan, founder of CSA Africa, whose vision and leadership have made the programme possible. The DVC RIE celebrated her as "the founder and driving force behind CSA Africa," while Prof. Kahonge recognized her designation as a Future World Changer by the University of Glasgow, noting that "her passion and leadership have made all of this possible."
The workshop aligns with the University of Nairobi's mission to serve as a hub for research, innovation, and technology. The DVC RIE emphasized that hosting the programme demonstrates the university's "commitment to nurturing digital skills, advancing computational thinking, and fostering international partnerships that deliver real impact."
Prof. Kahonge reinforced this vision, stating that the university's mission "aligns closely with CSA's: to give young Africans the skills, knowledge, and support they need to thrive in today's digital world." He expressed confidence in the participants' potential impact: "Africa's future is bright, and it's in the hands of young innovators like you. Let this workshop be the start of something amazing, not just for your careers, but for the communities and countries you'll go on to impact."
The University of Nairobi's Faculty of Science and Technology demonstrates its commitment to educational transformation through partnerships like CSA Africa. As Prof. Kahonge noted, "At the University of Nairobi, we believe in the power of education to transform lives," reinforcing the institution's dedication to accessible, quality technology education.
The three-week programme runs until July 31, 2025, at the Cisco4Development (C4D) Lab within the Department of Computing and Informatics at the University of Nairobi's Chiromo Campus. Participants will engage in intensive Python programming instruction, collaborate on group projects, and receive mentorship that may shape their career trajectories.
The DVC RIE's message to participants encapsulates the programme's transformative mission: "In the coming weeks, you will be immersed in Python programming, gain exposure to real-world computing applications, and receive mentorship that may shape the trajectory of your careers."
As Prof. Mulaa concluded during the launch: "We are not just launching a programme; we are launching futures. We are investing in ideas, in talent, and in a better, more connected Africa."
The CSA Africa 2025 Python Workshop represents more than technical training—it embodies a continent's commitment to empowering its youth with the tools necessary for digital leadership and innovation.
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