Celebrating Codenight's Impact

Codenight: A Community That Builds More Than Code

On February 22, 2025, I had the privilege of speaking at Developer Meetup V3, sharing the journey of Codenight from an administrator’s perspective. Standing before an audience of over 300 tech enthusiasts, I couldn’t help but reflect on how far we’ve come—from a handful of developers meeting informally to a thriving network of over 9,000 active members.

From Small Gatherings to a Thriving Ecosystem

Codenight started as a simple idea: a space where software developers, coders, and hobbyists could exchange ideas freely. What began as a few casual meetups quickly grew into something much larger. Over the past five years, this grassroots initiative has become a cornerstone of Ethiopia’s tech scene, fostering collaboration, mentorship, and innovation at an unprecedented scale.

More Than Just a Meetup—A Movement

The impact of Codenight reaches far beyond its immediate members. It has evolved into a launchpad for innovation, a place where developers refine their skills, showcase their projects, and forge valuable connections. More than just a community, Codenight is actively shaping Ethiopia’s digital economy—nurturing new talent, supporting startups, and driving forward the country’s technological growth.

Keeping the Community Connected

One of the most powerful aspects of Codenight is its ability to keep developers engaged. A weekly newsletter highlights emerging projects, upcoming events, and success stories, ensuring that members stay connected even when they’re not physically together. This steady stream of engagement has turned Codenight into more than just a networking space—it’s a movement built on shared learning and mutual support.

Developer Meetup V3: A Celebration of Collaboration

Developer Meetup V3 was a testament to this shared commitment. The event featured insightful panel discussions led by Simon Asnake and brought together some of Ethiopia’s most influential tech leaders, including Abenezer Seifu, Yebeltal F., Beek Kefyalew, Seid Yassin, Yafet Getachew Teffera, Rehana Abdulber, Birhan Nega, Cherinet Hailu, and Tesfamichael Molla. Their conversations reinforced an important truth: collaboration, not competition, is what will push Ethiopia’s tech industry forward.

This milestone event was made possible through the support of our generous sponsors: ALX Ethiopia, Yegara Host, Iceaddis, Convex Technologies, Chapa, Kuraztech, Horan Software, and individual contributor Dagmawi Esayas. Sticker Guy also added a touch of creativity, making the event all the more memorable.

The Road Ahead

Codenight isn’t just growing—it’s evolving. As we continue to expand, our goal remains clear: to inspire the next generation of developers, provide more opportunities for knowledge exchange, and contribute meaningfully to Ethiopia’s economic development.

But at its heart, Codenight stays true to its roots: bringing people together in the spirit of learning and innovation. Its success is proof that when passionate individuals unite, they don’t just build code—they build something far greater: a thriving, supportive, and forward-thinking tech community.