As many already know, a Barcamp is a sort of intense event (an “unconference”) with discussions, demos, and interaction from participants. Although a Barcamp itself is not a super-defined entity, a loose network has formed. To-date, more than 70 Barcamps have been held in more than 20 African countries. Momentum behind the Barcamps Africa hosted from 2009-2012 has waned in favor of other hackathons and developer events.

Barcamps can really complement tech hubs, hackathons, and developer contests. After all, great ideas and passion are key elements to creating successful businesses that improve upon a facet of daily life. Google recently brought some life to the Barcamp concept. In April and May 2013, Google sponsored Barcamps for its developer groups (GDGs). The free “community-developer-driven” events focused on Android and Google Apps API. Many of the Barcamps celebrated a country winner of the Africa Android Challenge.

Africa GDG Barcamp 2013 locations:

• Algeria – Constantine
• Senegal – Dakar
• Burkina Faso – Ouagadougou
• Cote d’Ivoire – Abidjan
• Ghana – Accra
• Togo – Lomé
• Benin – Cotonou
• Nigeria – Akure
• Cameroon – Douala & Yaoundé
• DR Congo – Kinshasa & Goma
• South Africa – Johannesburg
• Uganda – Kampala & Mbale
• Kenya – Nairobi
• Ethiopia – Addis Ababa

Yes, the events featured Google products, but the fact is that Android and Google Apps API are extremely relevant and useful tools for African developers.

Be sure to check out some of the Google+ event pages for photos and recaps.

{Google}