BarCamp is an open format of conferences that has been used around the world to discuss technology where participants not only listen, but share ideas and lead conversations of interest to them. On the continent of Africa there have been multiple countries that have already created their own BarCamp for those interested in the newest innovations in technology, to come together and discuss topics of technology. On 19th December 2009, BarCamp Lusaka '09 will be the first BarCamp in the country.
BarCamps have officially been around since August 2005, when a group of friends decided to hold a participant-powered conference in Palo Alto, California, USA from 19 – 21 August 2005, as an open opportunity for those interested in technology to meet as a response to the invitation-only O’Reilly conference happening at the same time.
The idea was to have an ‘unconference’ conference that anyone could host and where everyone could present on topics they were passionate about. Since then barcamps have been held in over 350 cities around the world, including cities and communities in Africa fostering discussions, initiatives and ideas that might not have come to light before. While originally a very technical event in focus, they have evolved to cover any manner of topics from programming code to cupcakes.
BarCamp Lusaka '09 will be an all day event held on the 19th of December, 2009 at the Mulungushi Village along Lusemfwa Rd in Kalundu, Lusaka. This will be a not to be missed opportunity for all those enthusiastic about Zambian development in the context of technology. The exchange ideas for BarCamp will seek actual day-to-day application for the various technologies discussed. This will also be a great place to build connections.
Due to the limited capacity of the venue, reservation for those who are attending will be required. You are encouraged to register to attend BarCamp Lusaka at http://www.barcamplusaka.org/
Attendance for this event is FREE.
We'd love for you to come - if you're creative, a technologist, an artist, a writer, blogger, or a developer, geek, entrepreneur, academic researcher, gamer or investor with a passion for using technology in the context of Zambian Development please join us. If you're just curious and interested - we'd love to meet you too. Come and demo, talk, share or just hang out!
Confirmed participants at this year’s event include:
- Eve Andersson and Misha Seltzer (Google)
Google is the world's most popular online software development company. In our current era Google can be likened to IBM and ICL in the mainframe computer era or Microsoft in the desktop era. Google have been keen participants in BarCamp events across the continent including the very first BarCamp Africa that they hosted at the Googleplex in Mountain View, California, USA in October, 2008. Google will be making presentations on the Google Maps API, Google Apps, Google Analytics and Google Adsense.
- Mary Tembo (MD and founding of Media 365)
Mary is an entrepreneur with a passion for media and how it is used to promote solutions to social challenges. Mary and her sisters founded Youth Media that published the TrendSetters, a magazine that won numerous international awards for encouraging honest discussion on matters of lifestyle and health among the youth. She was co-owner of the Spar at Cross Roads before she started Media 365 who recently produced the popular mini-series Club Risky Business on ZNBC and Muvi TV. Mary Tembo will be part of a panel discussion on online content in Zambia
- Vaezi Chima (Management Consultant based in the UK)
Formerly a Productivity Development Engineer and Project Manager with Nokia and Motorola. Vaezi has consulted with companies like Cable and Wireless Global Market, Mizuho Corporate Bank, and GE Healthcare and more. His core area of expertise is strategic programme delivery. Vaezi intends to propose a point of view on how we can implement a framework to nurture talent of Zambian software developers.
Please register to attend as there is limited sitting available for the event. Reserve your spot for BarCamp Lusaka at http://blog.barcamplusaka.org/
Attendance for this event is FREE.
