In 2024, Python Togo did not exist.

There was no structured Python community.
No regular meetups.
No national conference.

Just a small group of individuals who believed something had to change.

That belief started to take shape after attending PyCon Africa 2024, where we saw firsthand what a strong, connected, and empowered tech community looks like.

We came back with a simple question:

Why not Togo?

A Context That Makes the Mission Urgent

Togo is a small West African country of about 9 million people.

Access to technology and structured learning opportunities remains limited.
For many young people, entering tech is not just difficult — it is inaccessible.

Yet, the demand is there.
The talent is there.
The curiosity is there.

What’s missing is structure, access, and opportunity.

This is where Python Togo comes in.

Starting from Scratch

In 2024, we began rebuilding from zero.

We created Python Software Community Togo (PyTogo) — a volunteer-driven initiative focused on:

• Introducing people to programming through Python

• Creating learning spaces and events

• Connecting local talent to global opportunities

Everything we do is community-driven.

No full-time staff.
No guaranteed funding.
Just commitment.

PyCon Togo 2025: A First Milestone

In 2025, we organized the first-ever PyCon Togo.

Despite limited resources, the results exceeded expectations:

• 200+ participants

• Attendees from 8+ countries

• A strong mix of students, developers, and professionals

More importantly, it proved something critical:

A Python community in Togo is not only possible — it is needed.

Now: Preparing PyCon Togo 2026

We are currently preparing the second edition of PyCon Togo, scheduled for August 2026.

This time, we are thinking bigger and more intentionally.

Based on the lessons learned from our first edition:

• The event will run over 3 days

• We are expanding the number of speakers and sessions

• We aim to create deeper learning and networking experiences

This is not just about growth in size.

It is about growth in impact.

Why This Matters Beyond Togo

Python Togo is part of a broader movement.

Across Africa, communities are working to:

• Democratize access to technology

• Build local ecosystems

• Create pathways into global tech

But these efforts need visibility, collaboration, and support.

An Invitation to the Global Community

We are still early in this journey.

And that is exactly why collaboration matters.

We are open to:

• Partnerships with communities and organizations

• Knowledge sharing and mentorship

• Sponsorship and support

• Speakers and contributors

If you are part of a community like PyCon Austria, or any global tech ecosystem, there is an opportunity to build something meaningful together.

Join Us

PyCon Togo 2026 is already in motion.

If you want to learn more or support the initiative:

→ https://pycon.pytogo.org/
→ https://donate.pytogo.org/

In short: we are not asking for money, we are offering opportunity.

Start Local, Then Expand

Beyond strategy, we were also guided on where to look first.

A strong recommendation was to prioritize local companies and ecosystems before expanding globally.

This includes:

• Local tech companies and startups

• Telecom operators

• Banks and fintechs

• Universities and training institutions

Building strong local partnerships:

• Increases sponsorship success rates

• Builds long-term trust

• Strengthens the local tech ecosystem

As we are preparing PyCon Togo 2026, this approach is already shaping how we identify and engage potential partners.

Building with Financial Discipline

Another lesson: sustainability requires structure.

From PyCon Colombia’s experience:

• ~50% of funding comes from sponsors

• ~50% from ticket sales

Budgets are carefully allocated across:

• Logistics and catering

• Speaker support (travel, accommodation)

• Media and streaming

• Community experiences

They also plan for contingencies.

As we are preparing PyCon Togo 2026, we are applying the same level of discipline to ensure long-term sustainability.

Rejection Is Part of the Process

Outreach to sponsors comes with uncertainty.

Not every company will say yes.

What matters:

• Staying professional

• Following up

• Learning from feedback

• Iterating on the approach

Each interaction improves the next one.

Start Early, Move Intentionally

A practical recommendation we are actively applying:

Start sponsor outreach 5–6 months before the event.

This creates time to:

• Build relationships

• Refine proposals

• Secure commitments

Why This Matters

This exchange confirmed something important:

PyCon Togo is not being built in isolation.

It is part of a broader global ecosystem where communities share knowledge, support each other, and grow together.

Acknowledgment

We sincerely thank PyCon Colombia and John Roa for their openness and willingness to share practical, experience-driven insights.

Their support is helping shape PyCon Togo 2026.

Join Us

PyCon Togo 2026 will take place in August 2026.

As we are preparing this second edition, we invite:

• Companies

• Developers

• Students

• Community builders

to be part of the journey.

→ Learn more: https://pycon.pytogo.org/

→ Support the conference: https://donate.pytogo.org/