GDG Cape Town, in collaboration with the University of the Western Cape Department of Computer Science and our sponsors, is proud to present DevFest Cape Town 2026.

DevFest Cape Town is one of GDG Cape Town’s flagship annual events, bringing together developers, students, technology professionals, entrepreneurs, designers, researchers and aspiring builders from across the community.

It creates an inclusive space where people can explore modern developer technologies, learn from experienced speakers, discover practical tools and connect with others in the technology ecosystem.

This year marks the ninth edition of DevFest Cape Town hosted by GDG Cape Town.

Event Information

Date: Saturday, 10 October 2026
Time: 08:00–16:00
Format: Full-day technology conference
Location: University of the Western Cape, CAMS Building
Organised by: GDG Cape Town
Academic Partner: University of the Western Cape Department of Computer Science

The final programme, venue access instructions and important event updates will be shared with registered participants through the official event platform and email.

About This Year’s Theme

The theme for DevFest Cape Town 2026 is:

Build, Secure, Scale: Developers and Builders in the Agentic Era

The developer landscape is changing rapidly.

Professional developers are increasingly moving beyond writing every line of code themselves. Their work now includes reviewing AI-generated code, designing reliable systems, selecting suitable models and platforms, evaluating automated outputs, coordinating intelligent tools and building applications that use autonomous agents.

At the same time, AI and modern developer tools are making it possible for more people to become solution builders.

Developers, designers, product managers, entrepreneurs, students and professionals from different industries can use these technologies to create applications, automate processes, improve workflows and solve meaningful problems.

As more people gain the ability to build technology, it becomes increasingly important to consider:

• Security and user protection

• Responsible and ethical development

• The accuracy and reliability of AI-generated outputs

• Privacy and data protection

• Appropriate model and platform selection

• System performance and maintainability

• Safe and reliable scalability

• Human oversight and accountability

DevFest Cape Town 2026 will explore how developers and builders can use modern tools to create solutions more efficiently while ensuring that those solutions remain secure, responsible, dependable and capable of scaling.

What to Expect:

DevFest Cape Town 2026 will offer a full day of technical learning, practical insights and community connection.

The programme includes:

• Technical talks led by experienced speakers

• Practical demonstrations and hands-on sessions

• Discussions about current and emerging technologies

• Opportunities to meet developers and technology professionals

• Community and career-development conversations

• Sponsor and exhibitor experiences

• Networking with speakers, volunteers, organisers and attendees

Participants planning to attend practical sessions should bring a laptop and charger.

Any additional software, account or installation requirements will be communicated through the relevant session information.

Tickets:

Tickets cost R60 per attendee and are payable once during registration.

All ticket purchases are non-refundable.

A ticket confirms your place at the event and provides access to:

• The DevFest Cape Town 2026 programme

• Technical talks and practical sessions

• Community and networking opportunities

• Sponsor and exhibitor activities

• The full in-person conference experience

Tickets do not guarantee entry into every individual session, as room capacities differ.

Spaces are limited, and early registration is strongly encouraged.

Registration and Event Updates:

Registered participants should monitor the email address used during registration for important announcements, programme updates and venue instructions.

The official event platform will contain the latest event information and announcements.

Code of Conduct:

DevFest Cape Town is committed to providing a welcoming, respectful and inclusive experience for everyone.

All attendees, speakers, volunteers, organisers, sponsors and exhibitors are expected to behave professionally and respectfully throughout the event.

Harassment, discrimination, intimidation, threatening behaviour, disruptive behaviour and inappropriate conduct will not be tolerated.

If you experience or witness behaviour that may violate the Code of Conduct, please report it to a member of the organising team as soon as possible.

You do not need to determine whether an incident officially constitutes a violation before reporting it. If you are unsure, report the concern and allow the organising team to assess it.

Reports may be made to an organiser or designated event team member in person during the event.

The organising team will handle reports as appropriately and sensitively as possible and may take action to protect the safety and wellbeing of participants. This may include asking an individual to leave the event where necessary.

Photography and Recording:

Photography and video recording may take place during DevFest Cape Town for community, promotional and reporting purposes.

We want everyone to feel comfortable participating in the event.

Photo and Video Opt-Out:

Participants who do not wish to be photographed or recorded can request a photo opt-out sticker at registration.

The sticker should be placed visibly on the participant's event lanyard. This provides a simple visual indication to photographers, videographers and event staff that the participant does not wish to appear in event photography or video.

The organising team will make reasonable efforts to avoid intentionally photographing or recording participants displaying the opt-out marker.

Attendees may not record complete presentations or practical sessions without permission from the speaker and organising team.

Join Us

Join us for a full day of learning, technical insights, practical conversations and meaningful community connection.

Whether you are an experienced developer, a student beginning your technology journey, a professional exploring AI and cloud technologies, or a builder using technology to solve real-world problems, DevFest Cape Town 2026 is an opportunity to learn, collaborate and grow together.

We look forward to welcoming you to DevFest Cape Town 2026.