Abigail Afi Gbadago, a Senior Associate and Software Engineer, took center stage as the first keynote speaker at the 2024 Python Conference, held from October 25-26.

Abigail Afi Gbadago delivered a compelling address titled "Collaboration and Open Source Contributions: Lessons from Building and Sustaining a Python Community," highlighting the critical role of open source in the evolution of the Python programming language.

During her keynote, Abigail Afi Gbadago provided an insightful overview of Python and its open source contributions, drawing from her extensive experience in the tech community.

She shared valuable lessons learned over the years and showcased inspiring case studies of Python leaders from across Africa, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in the tech landscape.

Abigail Afi Gbadago explained that open source contributions have been important in sustaining the Python programming language, acting as a key solution for its growth and adoption.

She differentiated between various types of open source contributions—both technical and non-technical—and explored how these efforts can foster community building. Additionally, she addressed common myths about open source while grounding her discussion in the realities faced by contributors.

Among the key lessons Abigail Afi Gbadago shared were:

The importance of bringing everyone together to strengthen community ties.

Prioritizing collaboration over competition within the tech ecosystem.

The vital role of mentorship and effective onboarding processes.
Challenges associated with scaling open source programs and communities.

The necessity of recognizing and celebrating the contributions of Python developers.

As she concluded her keynote, Abigail Afi Gbadago urged attendees to actively participate in shaping the future of Python’s open-source ecosystem, asking,

“What will be your role in shaping the future of Python’s open-source ecosystem—whether as contributors, maintainers, or community builders?”

The 2024 Python Conference brought together Python enthusiasts, developers, and industry leaders for two days of networking, learning, and community engagement. The event serves as a platform for users to discuss innovations in software development, data analysis, machine learning, and more, all under the expansive umbrella of the Python programming language.

With her inspiring message, Abigail Afi Gbadago has undoubtedly motivated the next generation of Python developers to embrace the spirit of collaboration and open source, reinforcing the foundation upon which the Python community stands.