Are you a Computer Science or Engineering student in Africa who hopes to work at Google one day? Google is hosting the free Virtual Africa Algorithms Workshop 2026, a two-hour online session where Google engineers explain how technical interviews work and how to solve algorithm problems under pressure. The workshop takes place on Saturday, 31 October 2026, and registration closes the same day.
Workshop at a Glance
- Organiser: Google
- Format: Online (virtual)
- Date: Saturday, 31 October 2026
- Time: 12:00–14:00 GMT (13:00–15:00 WAT, 14:00–16:00 SAST, 15:00–17:00 EAT)
- For: Computer Science and Engineering students and recent graduates across Africa
- Cost: Free
- Registration deadline: 31 October 2026
Why This Workshop Matters
Software engineering interviews at big tech companies focus heavily on data structures and algorithms. Many talented African graduates have the skills but have never seen how these interviews actually run. In this workshop, Google engineers who have been through the process themselves walk you through what to expect, so your first Google interview isn’t also your first time facing this kind of question.
Benefits
- Learn from Google engineers who have passed the same interviews
- Core data structures and algorithms that come up often in coding interviews
- Problem-solving strategies for unfamiliar questions under time pressure
- Insight into what interviewers look for, beyond just getting the right answer
- Communication tips for explaining your thinking clearly while you code
- A chance to meet Google employees and ask about the hiring process
- Completely free, and you can join from anywhere with an internet connection
Eligibility
- You are a student or recent graduate in Africa.
- You are studying for a bachelor’s, master’s or PhD in Computer Science, Engineering or a related technical field, or recently graduated from one.
- You are thinking about applying for technical roles, such as software engineering, at Google in the coming months.
- You are 18 or older.
What You Need
- A laptop or computer with a stable internet connection
- Basic programming knowledge in at least one language (for example Python, Java or C++)
- Some familiarity with arrays, strings and loops will help you follow along
Tips to Get the Most Out of It
- Register early. Don’t wait until the morning of the event, as online spots can fill up.
- Check your time zone. The session starts at 12:00 GMT, which is 13:00 in Lagos, 14:00 in Johannesburg and 15:00 in Nairobi.
- Test your connection beforehand. Read the joining instructions in your confirmation email and try the link a few minutes early.
- Warm up. Solve a few easy practice problems on sites like LeetCode or HackerRank in the days before.
- Prepare questions. Write down what you want to know about Google’s interview and hiring process.
- Take notes and keep practising. The workshop is a starting point. Regular practice is what makes the difference in real interviews.
How to Apply
- Go to Google’s official registration page for the Virtual Africa Algorithms Workshop.
- Fill in the RSVP form with your details, school and course.
- Look out for a confirmation email with your joining link and instructions.
- Join online on 31 October 2026 at 12:00 GMT.
Register for the Google Virtual Africa Algorithms Workshop 2026
