Get Guardian on GoogleCalabar-born technology evangelist takes African expertise to one of America’s foremost web-development stages
Nigerian software engineer and technology ecosystem builder Amani Kanu will join leading international developers and innovators at React Summit US 2026, one of the largest React-focused conferences in the United States.
The hybrid conference will take place on November 17 and 20, 2026, at the Liberty Science Center in Jersey City, near New York, and online. Kanu is scheduled to present a session titled “Building Fast Apps for Slow Networks and Low-End Devices.”
His selection places a Nigerian perspective at the centre of an important global conversation: how to build modern digital products that work not only on premium devices and high-speed internet connections, but also under the challenging conditions experienced by millions of users across Africa and other emerging markets.
In his presentation, Kanu will argue that the performance of a React application cannot be measured by Lighthouse scores alone.
He will explore how developers can create React and Next.js applications that remain fast, reliable and accessible on slow networks, low-end smartphones and devices with limited processing power.
The session will examine practical techniques for reducing the amount of JavaScript delivered to users, preventing unnecessary component re-renders, improving data loading, applying smarter caching strategies and designing dependable experiences for people whose network speed or device quality cannot be guaranteed.
These issues are particularly relevant to Nigeria, where digital services are expanding rapidly but users continue to encounter expensive data, inconsistent connectivity and a wide range of device capabilities.
Kanu’s presentation will bring lessons shaped by these realities to an international audience of frontend engineers, technology leaders and open-source contributors.
React Summit US describes itself as the biggest React conference in the United States. Its 2026 edition is expected to bring together prominent voices working across React, artificial intelligence, full-stack development, application security, software architecture and engineering leadership.
Kanu is a Senior Frontend Engineer, Solution Architect, Technology Evangelist and Tech Career Coach with more than eight years of experience designing and delivering scalable software solutions.
At MUST Company, he contributes to strategic initiatives involving product architecture, partnerships, developer ecosystems and Africa market expansion.
His technical experience covers software engineering, frontend architecture, developer relations, artificial intelligence adoption and technical leadership.
He has worked on enterprise applications, led cross-functional teams and supported collaborations involving startups, universities, government institutions and developer communities.
His work focuses on translating technology into measurable business and social outcomes.
Beyond his corporate career, Kanu has played an influential role in developing Nigeria’s technology talent pipeline.
He founded the Calabar Tech Community and the Decadev Alumni Network, as well as the Tech Evangelist Skillup Initiatives (TESI) and Tech in School (TiS) initiative.
Through these platforms, mentorship programmes and career-development events, he has supported thousands of aspiring and established developers.
His initiatives help participants strengthen their technical skills, navigate career transitions, build professional networks and gain access to opportunities within the global technology industry.
Kanu has also spoken at technology gatherings including Google I/O Extended, Web3 Lagos Conference, ETHSafari in Kenya, DevFest, Sailsconf Africa and RubyConf Africa.
His forthcoming React Summit US appearance represents another significant step in that international journey.
It also highlights the growing contribution of African engineers to global discussions about how software should be designed.
While developers in highly connected markets may treat slow networks and low-powered devices as exceptional cases, these conditions are part of everyday life for a large share of the world’s population.
Kanu’s work challenges technology teams to recognise those users from the beginning of the product-development process.
For Nigeria’s technology community, his appearance is more than a personal achievement.
It demonstrates that engineering knowledge developed in response to African conditions can provide valuable lessons for the wider world.
As global companies seek to reach their next billion users, the ability to build efficient, inclusive and resilient applications will become increasingly important.
At React Summit US 2026, Amani Kanu will carry that message from Nigeria to the global stage.
