From October 23-25, Hack4dev hosted its first Data Science Trainers’ Hackathon at WITS University in Johannesburg, South Africa, marking the initial phase of the Data Science Hackathons program, which will continue with regional hackathons from February to April 2025.

The call for trainers, launched in June 2024, attracted over 60 applicants, with 14 trainers selected to participate from countries including Kenya, Ghana, Ethiopia, Botswana, South Africa, Madagascar, Rwanda, Namibia, Mozambique, India, Brazil, and Chile. Eleven trainers, each representing their organizing teams (almost all as team leads), attended in person, while the remaining trainers participated online.

The three-day program was designed to develop core skills and foster collaborative networks. Day 1 focused on introductory and technical sessions covering data science hackathon fundamentals. On Day 2, trainers, guided by Prof. Thron, collaborated on a data science challenge. The final day included feedback discussions and concluded with a social gathering, offering trainers an opportunity to connect informally.

These three days were essential for preparing trainers both logistically and technically for the regional hackathons. The event also helped the Hack4dev team establish relationships with the trainers, who will be dedicating their time to leading regional hackathons with support from Hack4dev in the months ahead.