WordCamp News

Bridging Africa’s Digital Gaps: The PayDel Summit 2024 (A WordPress Event)

Posted by on August 20, 2024 with 2 replies

The digital landscape of Africa is evolving rapidly, but significant challenges remain, particularly in the realms of online payments and product delivery. Stunning web applications have become the norm, showcasing products and services with visual brilliance. Yet, the journey from browsing to a successful transaction often encounters roadblocks, leaving many websites on the continent struggling to complete the checkout process or ensuring seamless delivery to customers.

This is where the Online Payments & Delivery Summit – Kampala 2024 comes in. Set for October 18th, 2024 at The Innovation Village, Ntinda – Kampala, this one-day summit is designed for those who are passionate about technology, web development, digital payments, and the broader fintech industry, as well as delivery services in Africa. It promises to be a convergence of professionals eager to delve into the latest trends, policies, and innovations that will shape the future of digital transactions on the continent.

Why Attend?

1. Hear from Experts
At the PayDel Summit 2024, you’ll have the chance to learn from industry experts who have navigated the challenges of digital payments and delivery. These seasoned professionals will share their experiences, both the successes and the lessons learned from failure, providing invaluable insights that you can apply to your own projects.

2. Network with Peers
The summit is not just about learning; it’s also about connecting. You’ll have the opportunity to meet like-minded professionals, expand your network, and forge relationships that could lead to future collaborations. Whether you’re a developer, a web designer, an eCommerce manager, or a fintech professional, this event is a prime opportunity to grow your network in the tech community.

3. Collaborate and Innovate
Innovation thrives on collaboration, and at PayDel Summit 2024, you’ll have the chance to exchange ideas and work together with others to drive the next wave of innovation in Uganda and Africa’s tech scene. Whether it’s a new approach to online payments or an innovative delivery solution, the summit is a breeding ground for fresh ideas.

4. Showcase Your Innovations
For those with groundbreaking innovations in digital payments and delivery, the summit provides the perfect platform to showcase your work. Whether you’re a startup looking for investors or an established company seeking new customers, your biggest opportunity could be at this event.

Bridging the Digital Divide in Africa

The PayDel Summit 2024 emerged from a critical need within our WordPress Community to address a key challenge in Africa’s digital ecosystem. Although many web applications across the continent are beautifully designed, the obstacles of processing payments and ensuring seamless product delivery continue to stifle the growth of online businesses. Unlike other parts of the world where integrating services like PayPal, Stripe, DHL, or Aramex is straightforward, the reality in Africa is much more complex. Solutions tailored to the continent exist, but integrating them into our web applications remains a significant hurdle. Our mission is to close this gap by uniting passionate professionals from various sectors of technology and business to explore and implement the latest trends, policies, and innovations.

Empowering Businesses and Innovators

Our vision for the PayDel Summit 2024 is clear: to empower businesses and organizations across Uganda and Africa by addressing the unique challenges faced in digital payments and delivery. We believe that by providing a platform for experts to share their experiences, facilitating networking opportunities, and showcasing innovative ideas, we can drive innovation and uncover untapped ideas that have the potential to transform the region’s tech landscape.

Join the Digital Revolution

Whether you’re a web developer, eCommerce manager, entrepreneur, industry leader, or simply someone passionate about the future of digital transactions, the PayDel Summit 2024 offers something for everyone. This is your opportunity to gain valuable insights, connect with industry peers, and showcase your innovations to potential customers and investors.

Join us on October 18th, 2024, at The Innovation Village, Ntinda – Kampala, and be part of the movement that’s shaping the future of digital payments and delivery in Africa. 

Register here: https://bit.ly/paydel

Categories Events, General, News | 2 replies

WordCamp Netherlands 2024 rescheduled

Posted by on August 2, 2024 with 1 reply

WordCamp Netherlands 2024 has been rescheduled from its initial dates of September 27 and 28, 2024, to the new dates of November 29 and 30, 2024.

In early February, a new organizing team began preparations for WordCamp Netherlands 2024. Despite some setbacks, the team has continued with enthusiasm and optimism. Most of the delays have been overcome, and nearly everything is in place to make this edition a success. However, one crucial aspect beyond our control has become a major obstacle: attendee registration.

Additional time is needed to allow more people the opportunity to register for the event. After consulting with WordCamp Central, it was decided to move this edition to November 29 and 30, 2024. This extra time will ensure an even better and more inspiring event in November.

Attendees who have already purchased tickets can request a refund.
For assistance, please contact the organizing team.
Refunds are available until September 30.

Tickets for the new dates in November are now available for purchase.

We look forward to welcoming all attendees in November.

The WordCamp Netherlands 2024 Organizing Team

Categories News, Schedule, WordCamps | 1 reply

Announcing the Shortlisted Projects for Uganda Website Projects Competition 2024

Posted by on June 25, 2024 with 1 reply

We are thrilled to announce the shortlisted projects for the Uganda Website Projects Competition 2024, where creativity, innovation, and digital prowess take center stage, under the theme, “Problem Solving With WordPress“. Out of the 16 exceptional submissions received, 10 projects have been selected by our esteemed adjudicators through a rigorous vetting process.

Shortlisted Projects – Rising Stars Category:

  • Provok – St. Mark’s College Namagoma
    Provok is a dynamic platform aiming to democratize IT education globally, offering a variety of courses and hands-on learning experiences.
  • Big Green – St. Edward’s SS Bukuumi
    Big Green is an environmental conservation and awareness website dedicated to educating global audiences on environmental protection and pollution control through informative articles and blogs.
  • STEGS Smart Study – St. Elizabeth Girls’ Secondary School
    STEGS Smart Study Project provides academic resources such as eBooks, educational videos, and links to online courses, aimed at bridging the gap in access to traditional learning materials.
  • Skyray – Iganga Secondary School
    Skyray offers educational resources and support for students, parents, and teachers to navigate Uganda’s new lower secondary curriculum effectively.
  • News Shelf – New Jerusalem Mixed Junior School
    News Shelf features a kids’ news portal, an art gallery, and interactive quizzes, all created by students to enhance learning and engagement.

Shortlisted Projects – Explorers Category:

  • Local Farmers’ Market Website – Kampala International University, KIU
    The Local Farmers’ Market Website promotes local agriculture by connecting consumers with fresh produce and handmade goods through an online marketplace.
  • Afrinova Creations Website – Makerere University Kampala
    Afrinova Creations showcases African culture through a curated collection of clothing, crafts, and foods, supporting African artisans and entrepreneurs.
  • Diving into WebDesign and WordPress in Luweero Diocese – CoU Anglican Luweero Diocese Education ICT
    This project empowers ICT teachers within Luweero Diocese to teach web design and create active websites for schools using WordPress.
  • Innovative Tune and Watch Pitch Awareness Wave – Makerere University Jinja Campus
    Innovative Tune and Watch Pitch Awareness Wave aims to provide entertaining media resources and informative community connections through an intuitive user interface.
  • Edutech Blog – Kyambogo University / EduTech Club
    The Edutech Blog addresses the challenge of accessing educational technology awareness, offering valuable insights and resources through WordPress.

For those who did not make it to the finals:

To all participants whose projects did not advance to the finals, we extend our sincere appreciation for responding to our call for projects. Your have showcased remarkable commitment to leveraging WordPress for positive change. We encourage you to view this as a stepping stone in your journey of innovation. Register to attend via bit.ly/websitecompetitionug and join us at the Uganda Website Projects Competition 2024 to learn from presentations, gain valuable insights, and network with fellow enthusiasts. Let this experience fuel your determination to excel, and we look forward to seeing your continued growth and success in future competitions. Be sure to try again at the Uganda Website Projects Competition 2025!

Event Overview:

The Uganda Website Projects Competition 2024 is a next gen WordCamp that challenges students to solve real-world problems using WordPress, fostering innovative thinking and essential skills in web development and design. Participants will present their projects to a panel of judges, honing their communication and presentation skills.

Date and Venue:

  • Date: Friday, July 5th, 2024
  • Venue: National ICT Innovation Hub, Uganda Institute of ICT (UICT), Nakawa, Kampala

Join us as we celebrate the ingenuity and dedication of these young minds at the Awards Ceremony, where outstanding projects will be recognized and awarded prizes in each category. Tickets can be purchased online using PayPal or bank cards. Alternatively, you can reserve tickets via the Google form to pay in Ugandan Shillings using Mobile Money. Here are the ticket categories:

  • Discounted Attendee Ticket: $5 or UGX 20,000. Includes access to all activities, attendee tag, swag, workshop resources, internet access, breakfast, and lunch coupons.
  • Actual Cost (Microsponsor) Ticket: $26 or UGX 100,000. Includes all benefits of the discounted ticket, plus a VIP treat, an event-branded T-shirt, and publicity.
  • Community Sponsorship Ticket: $130 or UGX 500,000. Helps to discount tickets for more students to learn, innovate, and collaborate with WordPress! Includes two attendee tickets, two event T-shirts, a dedicated sponsor table, and logo publicity.

Get your ticket today!

NB: 3 free tickets will be given to each of the shortlisted project representatives!

Categories Events, General, News | Tags , | 1 reply

From WordCamps to NextGen Events: Uganda’s Turn to Pilot Innovative WordPress Events is Here!

Posted by on March 28, 2024 with 2 replies
Iganga (Girls) Secondary School Students present a WordPress project during WordCamp Jinja - Uganda 5th Sept 2023

Iganga (Girls) Secondary School Students present a WordPress project during WordCamp Jinja – Uganda 5th Sept 2023

In May 2023, the global WordPress community embarked on an exciting new venture called the “Next Generation WordPress Events” pilot project. This initiative was designed to break the mold of traditional WordCamps and meetups, introducing innovative event formats that cater to a wider audience and foster a fresh engagement within the community. As the year unfolded, various countries trialed these novel events, each contributing uniquely to the vibrant tapestry of the WordPress ecosystem.

Now, WordPress Meetup Chapters in Uganda are stepping into the spotlight to pilot the NextGen WordPress events formats, marking a significant milestone in the country’s tech community. These upcoming events, including the WordPress in Education Showcase 2024 and the Uganda Website Projects Competition 2024, are not just gatherings but a celebration of innovation, creativity, and the future of web development in Uganda.

The WordPress in Education Showcase 2024, set to take place at the Masaka Social Center on April 6th, is dedicated to uncovering the potential of WordPress in education. This event will shine a light on the extraordinary projects developed by secondary school students, ranging from dynamic websites to interactive educational tools, showcasing the immense talent and creativity of Uganda’s youth.

Following this will be the Uganda Website Projects Competition 2024 on July 5th, 2024 at the National ICT Innovation Hub in Nakawa, Kampala. Under the theme, Problem Solving with WordPress, high school & university students will pitch website projects, addressing real-world challenges, to a panel of adjudicators who will provide feedback and select winners for in-kind awards and cash prizes.

These pioneering events represent more than just the evolution of WordPress gatherings in Uganda; they signify a commitment to advancing the digital landscape and fostering a new generation of WordPress users and developers. By embracing innovative formats and focusing on content that resonates with specific audiences, Uganda is setting a new standard for WordPress events globally.

As Uganda takes this bold step with the WordPress in Education Technology Showcase and the Uganda Website Projects Competition, an invitation is extended to all students, educators, tech enthusiasts, and professionals to join in this transformative journey. These events are catalysts for change, providing a platform for innovation, learning, and community building.

For those keen to explore more about these and other upcoming NextGen events and WordCamps in Uganda, including the Online Payments and Delivery Summit, WordCamp Jinja and WordCamp Lira, be sure to check out the WordCamp Central schedule at WordCamp Central.

Join us as we embark on this exciting new chapter in the WordPress community. The future is here, and it’s brimming with possibilities.

Categories Events, WordCamps | Tags , | 2 replies

Thanks for sponsoring global WordPress community events across the globe, Bluehost!

Posted by on January 19, 2024 with Comments are off for this post

We can’t thank Bluehost enough for renewing their support as a global sponsor for the global WordPress community in 2024! Their support of WordPress community events at our Gold level worldwide goes a really long way. They support WordPress communities all over the world!

Bluehost logo
Bluehost logo

Bluehost has been a WordPress partner since 2005 and powers over 1 million WordPress sites worldwide. Their objective is to help customers, whether novice or pro, create a thriving online presence at an affordable price. With a team of in-house tech experts available 24/7, Bluehost dedicates time and resources to providing the best support and services in the industry. Join millions of other site owners and see what Bluehost can do for you and your online presence.

Categories Sponsors | Comments are off for this post

Thanks to Woo for sponsoring community events worldwide

Posted by on January 18, 2024 with 1 reply

We couldn’t be happier to welcome Woo to the WordPress global community sponsorship program in 2024! This year, they’re sponsoring at the Gold level in all regions, supporting official WordPress community events across the globe.

Woo logo 2024
WooCommerce logo

Woo is the leading open-source ecommerce platform, powering 31.4% of the top million online stores.* Built on WordPress, Woo empowers anyone, anywhere, to sell anything with truly unlimited extensibility, flexibility, and control over how they build and evolve their business.

* StoreLeads, StoreLeads.app, January 2024.

Categories Sponsors | 1 reply

Automattic sponsors WordPress community events across the globe

Posted by on January 17, 2024 with Comments are off for this post

We’d like to welcome Automattic to the 2024 Global Sponsorship program! By sponsoring at the Gold level across the globe, Automattic helps make local community events better for WordPress enthusiasts and easier to organize for our wonderful group of hardworking volunteers.

Automattic logo
Automattic logo

At Automattic, we are passionate about making the web a better place.

We are the people behind WordPress.com, WooCommerce, Jetpack, WordPress VIP, Simplenote, Longreads, WPScan, Akismet, Gravatar, Crowdsignal, Cloudup, Tumblr, Day One, Pocket Casts, and more. We believe in making the web a better place.

We’re a distributed company with 2,007 Automatticians in 97 countries speaking 123 different languages. We’re committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and our common goal is to democratize publishing and commerce so that anyone with a story can tell it, and anyone with a product can sell it, regardless of income, gender, politics, language, or where they live in the world.

We believe in Open Source and the vast majority of our work is available under the GPL.

We strive to live by the Automattic Creed.

Automattic is a Most Loved Company and Disability Confident Committed. (Here’s what that might mean for you.) Come work with us.

Categories Sponsors | Comments are off for this post

WPBeginner joins the WordPress global community sponsorship program in 2024

Posted by on January 16, 2024 with 2 replies

Please join us in welcoming WPBeginner to the 2024 WordPress global community sponsorship program! WPBeginner’s pledge to sponsor all official WordPress community events (WordCamps, Meetups, and more) all around the world provides support and stability to our hardworking crew of volunteer event organizers. Thanks for everything, WPBeginner!

WPBeginner logo

At WPBeginner, we provide cutting-edge, helpful WordPress tutorials that are easy to understand for small businesses, bloggers, and non-techy WordPress website owners. Since 2009, our free WordPress video courses and tutorials are watched by over 56 millions WordPress users worldwide.

Whether you’re looking to learn how to build a WordPress website, decide which WordPress plugins to pick, or just learn the WordPress best practices to grow your website, WPBeginner’s free resources can help:

Over the last 14 years working closely with WordPress users and listening to their feedback, we have also created some of the most popular WordPress plugins including WPForms, AIOSEO (All in One SEO for WordPress), OptinMonster, MonsterInsights, and dozens more. Collectively over 25 million websites are using our free and premium WordPress plugins.

WPBeginner is part of the Awesome Motive family, and we’re on a mission to help small businesses grow & compete with the big guys using the power of open source. 

If you’re a WordPress professional looking for a remote role, we’re hiring. Come join our team.

If you’re a WordPress product owner looking for an investment or selling your WordPress business, check out the WPBeginner Growth Fund.

Categories Sponsors | 2 replies