It’s common knowledge that you won’t really go far in your career journey without a team. This is working with the right set of people is essential to your own growth and development. Regardless of your strength, you require the proper people to be a part of your story and journey. This applies to those joining the tech ecosystem, particularly those at the entry-level of whatever skill set they wish to pursue. Here, we’ll give you a list of tech communities that will help you advance in your career in Nigeria.
Tech Communities In Nigeria
#1. Google Developers Group
The Google Developers Group (GDG) is one of the world’s largest tech communities. The GDG is in charge of organizing and arranging meet-ups and events for techies on a variety of issues. It is also in charge of offering opportunities for tech enthusiasts to learn new skills through workshops and events, as well as establishing an inclusive environment in which junior and senior developers may network and geek out about their hobbies.
With a growing global community, Nigeria has GDG chapters in all states, with some states having more than one chapter, such as Lagos, which has six.
The network also gave birth to Google Developers Student Clubs (DSCs), a Google effort geared toward students. This community has 47 DSCs and is focused on fostering students’ interest in programming and other Google developer technologies, whether undergraduate or postgraduate.
#2. Developer Career
The Developer Career (DevCareer) is a non-profit organization that helps anyone interested in programming by providing appropriate tools to help them become market-ready world-class developers. It is the most highly recommended community for anyone beginning a career as a developer and also provides leverage through its sizable alumni network, which both students and graduates can use.
#3. forloop Africa
forloop Africa has evolved into a community for every (and any) software developer and enthusiast in the continent. The group, which began in 2016 as a community for Nigerians, has since expanded to include chapters in Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Zimbabwe, and Zambia.
Its organizational community is made up of Prosper “unicodeveloper” Otemuyiwa, Ridwan Olalere, Christian Nwamba, Ire Aderinokun, Solomon Osadolo, and Babajide Duroshola, and it is one of the quickest and expanding communities on the African continent.
You can join the forloop Africa Slack channel, become a member, subscribe to the podcast, or plan to attend the next meetup near you.
#4. Facebook Developer Circles
The Facebook Developer Circles bring together developers to explore common interests such as open source technology, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and the internet. The network has 14 circles scattered over Nigeria, with over 15,000 members in Lagos Circle, which hosted Facebook’s Developer Summit in 2018 and the 2019 React Summit.
#5. Devcenter Square
Devcenter Square is a developer and designer community that promotes excellence and information sharing, mentoring, and cooperation among its members.
#6. Microsoft Learn Student Ambassadors
The Microsoft Student Learn Ambassadors (MLSA) are a group of young people who want to be global leaders, IT gurus, and change agents in their communities.
The curriculum allows students [undergraduates and postgraduates] to gain both technical and emotional skills, hone these talents, and establish a reputation as a tech insider.
Student ambassadors assist Microsoft in previewing Windows and benefit from exclusive privileges such as session support from the Windows team.
#7. Figma Africa
Figma Africa is a creative community that allows professional and aspiring designers to connect, network, and build their abilities. The community, which was founded in 2018, has over 500 members and has since expanded its reach across the African continent.
#8. Usable
Previously UXLagos was a designer group that organized monthly gatherings to discuss similar interests in interaction design, graphic design, user research, sketching, and prototyping. The community is open to all designers, and you are welcome to join.
#9. Interaction Design Foundation
The Interaction Design Foundation (IDF) is a non-profit organization that offers high-quality online design courses. Three of its 469 local communities are located in Nigeria: Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt. IDF communities allow designers to network and share their expertise in design.
#10. ProductTank
ProductTank is one of the world’s largest communities for product managers. Martin Eriksson created it in 2010, and its meetups bring together product managers to exchange their experiences.
Khadija Abu, Product Manager at Paystack, spearheaded the community’s growth to Lagos. It allows Nigerian product managers to share ideas and experiences on product management.
#11. Product Dive
Oluwatobi Otokiti, a former co-organizer of the Product School Lagos event, founded Product Dive to provide professional product management training and host frequent gatherings for Nigerian product managers.
#12. Ingressive For Good
The Ingressive For Good (I4G) Network is an African network for practicing and aspiring technology professionals. Maya Horgan and Sean Burrowes founded the community in 2020 to provide access to training, information, and tools required for a successful profession, business, and enhanced earning capacity.
#13. The Nigeria Testers Forum
The Nigeria Testers Forum (NTF) is a network of quality assurance and testing experts working to strengthen the Nigerian quality assurance environment.
#14. Startup Grind
Startup Grind is the world’s most important startup community, providing education, connections, and opportunities to help startups flourish. You can either launch a chapter or join the ever-expanding community with a global vision of 4 million companies in 600 cities and 125 countries.
#15. Digital Marketing Meetup Nigeria
Tobi Adekunle and Olayinka Bolaji created the Nigeria Digital Marketing Meetup Nigeria (DMM) in 2017. It aspires to be a reputable platform for forecasting digital marketing insights, to hold the largest gathering of digital marketing experts in Nigeria, and to become the go-to source for digital marketing professionals in Nigeria.
Female Tech Communities In Nigeria And Africa
Female tech communities in Nigeria are mostly non-profit and open to everybody. Meanwhile, they provide several options, such as free laptops, free education, mentorship, social connections, financial help, jobs, and so on.
As a woman in technology or a newcomer interested in technology, make sure you’re a part of one of these communities. Here are some examples of female tech communities in Nigeria and Africa as a whole.
- Hertechtrail – empowering and encouraging women to excel and lead in technology jobs and enterprises in Africa.
- Afrotechgirls – encouraging and educating girls and young women in STEM fields.
- Wetechofficial – Educating the future generation of female technologists
- FemcodeA – training and employing young ladies in Africa.
- BaddiesinTech – dedicated to advancing the careers of black and brown women in technology via education and empowerment.
- Empowerher.com – a female-led network dedicated to the advancement of women in technology.
- Devinvogue – an incredible community of African women who are passionate about leveraging technology to transform Africa and beyond.
- Divaloper1 – A community dedicated to training and mentoring the next generation of women in technology.
- WomeninTechAfrica – a group of African women and girls in technology who are smashing the glass ceiling.
- TechHerNG – is a platform designed to demystify technology and provide women with support, learning, and cooperation in a supportive and welcoming atmosphere.
- WomenTechmakers – giving women in technology prominence, community, and resources.
- Women_in_defi – educating women on the necessity of financial independence through the use of decentralized finance.
- @SheCodeAfrica – celebrating and empowering African women in technology.
- SheDesigns – providing young ladies in Africa with graphic design skills.
The Advantages of Becoming a Member of a Tech Community
Those wishing to better their professions will find many advantages in tech communities. Here are just a handful of the benefits of becoming a member of a tech community:
#1. Gaining access to industry knowledge
Joining a tech community can provide you with a plethora of information on the newest trends, advances, and technology in your field.
This is especially useful if you want to stay up-to-date on the latest industry news and trends or if you want to learn about new technologies that could affect your career.
#2. Business networking
Tech communities are a wonderful way to meet other people in your sector and to expand your professional network.
Connecting with other professionals in your sector can provide you with useful insights into other career pathways, job prospects, and even prospective mentors.
#3. Opportunities for professional advancement
Workshops, seminars, and training sessions are common job development possibilities in tech communities.
These activities can be a terrific way to learn new skills, progress your career, and improve your professional development.
#4. Mentorship and direction
Many computer communities provide mentorship and assistance programs, which can be especially beneficial to people who are just starting out in their careers.
Working with a mentor allows you to get advice, support, and guidance from someone who has experience and competence in your profession.
#5. Increased exposure and visibility
Joining a tech community can also help you gain attention and exposure in your field.
You may position yourself as a thought leader and promote your personal brand by attending community events, contributing to online conversations, and engaging with other professionals.
Tips and Best Practices for Getting the Most Out of Joining a Tech Community
If you want to join a tech community, here are some pointers and best practices for getting the most out of your membership:
#1. Be active and involved
To get the most out of your membership in the tech community, you must be active and engaged. Participating in online debates, visiting events, or donating to community projects are all examples of this.
#2. Provide value to others
Look for methods to provide value to others when participating in your tech community. This could include sharing your knowledge, providing comments and guidance, or assisting others in solving challenges.
#3. Make contact with others
Developing ties with other professionals is an important aspect of networking. When interacting with people, pay attention to their needs and interests and find methods to encourage and assist them in achieving their goals.
#4. Keep informed and up-to-date
It is critical to keep informed and up-to-date on the latest industry news and trends in order to be a valuable member of your tech community. Attending conferences, reading professional publications, and participating in online forums could all be part of this.
#5. Look for mentorship
Finding a mentor can be an extremely beneficial approach to obtaining direction and support while you work to advance your profession. When seeking a mentor, look for someone with experience and knowledge in your profession who can offer you useful insights and advice.
#6. Be willing to try new things
Joining a tech community can open up new experiences and prospects for you. Be willing to try new things, meet new people, and investigate new sectors of your industry.
#7. Take advantage of resources
Many tech communities provide members with valuable resources and tools such as job boards, instructional materials, and networking events. Use these tools to help you reach your career objectives.
#8. Follow up with contacts
If you meet someone new in your IT community, make a point of following up with them. Send them an email or message, and search for methods to stay in touch and create a relationship with them over time.
#9. Please be patient
It takes time and effort to build a solid network. Be persistent and patient with your networking activities, and don’t give up if you don’t get quick benefits.
Tech Communities In Nigeria: Conclusion
The communities listed below can assist you in advancing your profession as a tech enthusiast or expert.
This exposes you to sound advice, career openings and chances, work on community projects to improve your portfolio, and a large network.
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