In 2023, I initiated the AWS User Group Addis Ababa with a humble dream: facilitating cloud learning in Ethiopia.
Like most emerging technologists in emerging economies, I had limited access to cloud training, hands-on practice, and guidance. However, I believed that with hard work, collaboration, and the right tools, we could collectively reverse that reality.
Over the past year, we’ve built a grassroots AWS community from scratch. This post shares our journey: what we’ve learned, what worked (and what didn’t), and how we’re creating local cloud builders in a growing ecosystem.
🚀The Starting Point
As we began, AWS was still relatively new in the local developer community. While the world was quickly developing a taste for cloud computing, local events not being there, thin bandwidth, and expensive training meant that it was not easy for new learners in Ethiopia to get started.
We set out to fix that by developing simple, hands-on, and community-led events that made AWS accessible and possible.
🛠️ Our Approach
We made it simple and focused on real value:
Held monthly events on topics like IAM, EC2, S3, Lambda, and Serverless
The AWS Free Tier was used to show that anyone could start for free
Incorporated live demos with open Q&A
Promoted events through Telegram, Meetup.com, and LinkedIn
Used borrowed venues and community spaces to be low-cost and accessible
We also turned Telegram into a key part of our comms strategy — since it's the most widely-used platform among students and devs in Ethiopia.
🌱 What Worked
The traction has been incredible:
Over 400+ community members (one of Ethiopia's largest tech Meetup groups)
Healthy attendance at in-person events despite logistical issues
Repeat attendees turning into peer mentors and repeat speakers
Universities and local startups showing more interest
The key? Keep it consistent, keep it pragmatic, and make people feel like they belong.
⚡ Challenges (and How We Overcame Them)
1. Limited Internet
Not everybody has stable connections. So we:
Provided presentation slides and resources upfront
Used offline or low-bandwidth demos when possible
-
Followed up with recordings and downloadable content
2. Budget Constraints
We did not have big sponsors in the beginning. So we:
Partnered with community co-working spaces
Reused materials and focused on content, not flash
Leveraged AWS support programs for small-scale funding
🌍The Impact So Far
We’ve seen:
Dozens of developers starting AWS learning journeys
Local speakers contributing to events
Teachers introducing cloud to students
A community that’s eager, resourceful, and growing every day
Google even recently included us in the top Meetup communities in Ethiopia. That award is for the whole community.
🎯 What's Next
We are now preparing for AWS Community Day Addis Ababa 2025 — our biggest event yet, happening on August 2. It will bring builders, educators, students, and startups together under three tracks:
DevOps on AWS
AI/ML and Innovation
Startups & Cloud Adoption
We’re also expanding outreach to universities and youth programs, and exploring collaborations with global mentors.
💡 Final Thoughts
You don’t need perfect infrastructure to build community.
You need:
- A clear mission
- A platform for learning
- And the courage to start small and grow together
My leading AWS UG Addis Ababa has been the most fulfilling experience of my cloud journey. I hope this inspires other builders — especially from underrepresented regions — to create something for themselves. The next AWS hero could be from anywhere.
Let's connect!
If you're building or looking to build a cloud community, I'd love to collaborate with you, exchange resources, or learn from your experience. Feel free to reach out anytime.
Top comments (0)