Hack4dev is excited to announce the Data Science Trainers’ Hackathon 2024, scheduled to take place from 23 October to 25 October 2024 at the University of the Witwatersrand (WITS) in Johannesburg, South Africa.

This exclusive event brings together selected expert trainers from across Africa and beyond for an immersive, hands-on experience. These trainers will receive training in organising and running data science hackathons, preparing them to lead similar events at their home institutions. As a key initiative within the Hack4dev project, the goal is to equip participants with the tools, resources, and networks necessary to drive innovation and data science skills development in their respective communities.

The Trainers’ Hackathon is the first phase of a larger program that will culminate in 13 regional hackathons set to take place between February and April 2025. All regional hackathons will work on the same challenge, encouraging cross-region collaboration, competition, and the development of innovative solutions.

Introducing Our Lead Trainers and Regions

After the Trainers’ Hackathon, 12 lead trainers will return to their regions across Africa and beyond to head regional hackathons between February and April 2025. Each lead trainer, supported by their local team, will drive data science education and innovation in their community. Meet the lead trainers and their regions:

1. Cephas Paul Kingori Wangari – University of Nairobi, Kenya
2. Onkabetse Sengate – Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST), Botswana
3. Lwandlolubanzi Ndebele – Nelson Mandela University, South Africa
4. Michael Munyao – Kenyatta University, Kenya
5. Ruth Muriithi – University of Ghana, Ghana
6. Ny Ando Jurice Ralitera – University of Antananarivo, Madagascar
7. Olalekan Samuel Ogunleye – University of Mpumalanga, South Africa
8. Eli Kasai – University of Namibia, Namibia
9. Ramiro Caisse Saide – Eduardo Mondlane University, Mozambique
10. Gisa Murera – The National Bank of Rwanda, Rwanda
11. Mahlet Taye – 10academy Ethiopia, Ethiopia
12. Nina Hernitschek – Universidad de Antofagasta, Chile
13. Priya Hasan – Maulana Azad National Urdu University, Hyderabad, India

Looking Ahead: Regional Hackathons in 2025

Following the Trainers’ Hackathon, each selected trainer will return to their home institution to host a regional hackathon between 3 February and 11 April 2025.  

The call for the regional hackathons will open on 25 October 2024. For more information on how to get involved, please visit the following link: https://hack4dev.org/call-dsrh-2025/

Sponsors:

We are proud to be supported by the following organizations:

Main Sponsor:

Supporting Sponsors/Organisations: