Bootcamp Cohort 2 | Open Source & Open Payments: Building the Future of Modern Software

Modern software is built on collaboration. Whether we look at Artificial Intelligence, Cloud Computing, Cybersecurity, Mobile Development, Web Applications, Data Engineering, or Financial Technology, one principle continues to shape innovation across every field: Open Source.

Today, some of the world's most influential technologies—including Linux, Python, Kubernetes, TensorFlow, PostgreSQL, VS Code, and countless developer tools—are the result of global communities working together to create software that is open, transparent, and accessible to everyone. Open Source has transformed not only the way software is developed but also how developers learn, collaborate, and build careers across the world.

As part of the GDG on Campus Université Catholique de Bukavu (UCB) Bootcamp Cohort 2, we are excited to host a special learning session dedicated to exploring how open collaboration is shaping modern software engineering while introducing participants to one of the most promising areas of innovation in digital finance: Open Payments.

This event has been designed for university students, software developers, technology enthusiasts, startup founders, researchers, and anyone interested in understanding how open technologies are creating more inclusive, interoperable, and innovative digital ecosystems.

Rather than focusing solely on theory, the session combines technical insights, practical examples, career guidance, and community engagement. Participants will discover how contributing to Open Source projects can accelerate their professional growth while also learning how Open Payments are creating new possibilities for developers building the next generation of the web.

Session 1 — How Open Source Shapes Modern Software Engineering

The first session will explore the fundamental role that Open Source plays in today's software industry. Modern applications, cloud platforms, artificial intelligence frameworks, mobile operating systems, and developer tools are all powered by open-source technologies. Understanding how these projects are created, maintained, and governed has become an essential skill for every software developer.

Participants will discover the philosophy behind Open Source, the importance of collaboration within global developer communities, and how tools such as Git and GitHub enable thousands of contributors to build software together regardless of geographical boundaries.

The session will also explain how contributing to open-source projects helps developers strengthen their technical abilities, build a professional portfolio, gain real-world experience, and create career opportunities within the global technology ecosystem. Whether participants are just beginning their programming journey or already contributing to projects, they will leave with practical guidance on becoming active members of open-source communities and understanding how collaborative software development continues to shape the future of technology.

Session 2 — Open Payments: Building the Internet's Payment Layer

Our second session will be delivered by Marian Villa, Developer Relations at the Interledger Foundation and Google Developer Expert (Web Technologies).

Open Payments are redefining how value moves across the Internet by introducing an open, interoperable standard for digital payments. Instead of relying on proprietary payment systems and isolated financial platforms, Open Payments enable applications and services to exchange payments seamlessly across different providers and networks.

In this session, participants will explore the core concepts behind Open Payments, understand how the standard fits within the Interledger ecosystem, and discover why it represents an important building block for the future of the web.

The session will also demonstrate how developers can integrate interoperable payment capabilities directly into their web applications without depending on proprietary payment flows. Participants will learn about emerging use cases including micropayments, API monetization, creator economies, subscription services, and machine-to-machine payments, illustrating how Open Payments unlock entirely new business models for developers and digital platforms.

Whether you are a software engineer, entrepreneur, or student interested in FinTech, this session will provide a practical introduction to the technologies that are enabling a more open, connected, and inclusive financial ecosystem.

Why This Event Matters

Across many African countries, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, digital financial services continue to expand through mobile money, fintech solutions, and digital banking platforms. At the same time, software engineering is evolving rapidly through open collaboration and community-driven innovation. Yet many students have limited opportunities to understand both the technologies that power modern software and the open standards shaping the future of digital payments.

This event bridges these two worlds by bringing together Open Source and Open Payments in a single learning experience. Participants will gain practical insight into collaborative software development while discovering how interoperable payment technologies can improve financial accessibility, stimulate innovation, and create new opportunities for developers, entrepreneurs, startups, creators, and local communities.

Beyond technical knowledge, the event encourages participants to think critically about how technology can solve real-world challenges, contribute to digital financial inclusion, and inspire them to become active contributors to global open technology communities rather than simply consumers of technology.