Zimbabwe is preparing for its premier annual event focused on digital media, civic tech, and the creative economy: the Hub UnConference. Set to take place from September 24 to 25 at Moto Republik, the conference celebrates its 10th edition with an impressive lineup of local and international speakers.
Themed “Level Up,” the Hub UnConference aims to inspire young people to engage with emerging trends like artificial intelligence and encourage the adoption of technology for social good.
“The 10th edition of the Hub UnConference is running under the theme ‘Level Up,’ a clarion call for young people to keep up with emerging trends such as AI and adopt technology for the positive good,” the statement said.
This year’s Hub UnConference programming will include a series of fireside chats, lightning talks, captivating showcases, panel discussions, and masterclasses. Attendees can look forward to insightful talks from notable speakers including Kenyan Comic Justine Wanda, Senegalese musician Xuman, Dr. Millie Phiri from Conversation Africa (South Africa), Antonio Kisemboi from Media-Challenge Initiative Hub (Uganda), Steve Horn from Politically Aweh (South Africa), Nkosinathi Mcetywa from Civic Tech Innovation Network, and leading Zimbabwean academic Professor Nehemiah Chivandikwa.
Hub UnConference coordinator Takudzwa Musakasa expressed excitement about this year’s event, stating, “This year promises some really exciting new elements to the program, as we investigate how, amid conflict, misinformation, and environmental crises, we can leverage digital media, civic technology, and artistic activism to ‘level up’ by amplifying the voices of youth, women, and marginalized communities, fostering impactful dialogues, and seeking solutions to significant societal and global challenges.”
In addition to the Hub UnConference, attendees can participate in the Open Africa Data Summit, which aims to unite some of the continent’s brightest minds to discuss the vital role of data in governance, transparency, and civic engagement.
This year’s summit will feature speakers from five African nations, highlighting innovative ideas and initiatives in the open data space.
Influential bloggers, scholars, activists, and developers from Uganda, Kenya, South Africa, Senegal, and Zimbabwe will engage in discussions on topics including journalism in the AI era.
“This year’s edition of the Open Data Africa Summit will convene influential bloggers, scholars, prominent activists, and developers from Africa’s foremost open data initiatives, representing nations such as Uganda, Kenya, South Africa, Senegal, and Zimbabwe. Participants will engage in a variety of panel discussions, including topics like journalism in the AI era,” the statement said.
The Open Data Africa Summit is organized with the support of the Consortium for the Protection of Human Rights, Civic Freedoms, and Media Development in Sub-Saharan Africa, known as Charm Africa.
The Hub UnConference is part of Zimbabwe’s longest-running urban culture celebration, the Shoko Festival, and is organized by Magamba Network, a pioneering organization within Africa’s creative and digital media landscape.
With a focus on emerging trends and the power of technology, this year’s event promises to be a landmark occasion for innovation and dialogue in the region.
