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Mthabisi Tshuma, [email protected]

Zimbabwe’s premier annual gathering on digital media, civic tech, and the creative economy, Hub UnConference, is returning this year with a two-day event scheduled for September 24 and 25 at Moto Republik in Harare.

The 10th edition of the Hub UnConference, themed “Level Up” will focus on emerging trends such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the importance of technology in fostering positive change. This year’s event aims to inspire young people to stay ahead of the curve and embrace these advancements for the betterment of society.

Event coordinator Gracious Nyathi highlighted the diverse programming line-up, which will feature fireside chats, showcases, panel discussions, and masterclasses.
“We’re excited to host a stellar line-up of local and international speakers, including industry leaders from various sectors,” said Nyathi.

Speakers at the conference will include Kenyan comic Justine Wanda, Senegalese musician Makhtar Fall (also known as 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 Zimbabwean academic Professor Nehemiah Chivandikwa.

In previous editions, the Hub UnConference has attracted a wide range of participants, including students, media practitioners, tech enthusiasts, and new media startups. This year’s event will continue that tradition, with a focus on media trends, climate justice, civic tech, and AI.

Takudzwa Musakasa, another Hub UnConference coordinator, emphasised the event’s continued relevance.
“This year’s programme will explore how we can leverage digital media, civic technology, and artistic activism to address challenges like conflict, misinformation, and environmental crises,” Musakasa said.

One of the event’s highlights will be the Open Africa Data Summit, where some of the continent’s brightest minds will discuss the role of data in governance, transparency, and civic engagement. The summit will feature speakers from five African nations and explore innovative ideas in the open data field.

The summit will bring together influential bloggers, scholars, activists, and developers from Uganda, Kenya, South Africa, Senegal, and Zimbabwe. Panel discussions will cover topics like journalism in the AI era, with support from the Charm Africa consortium, which includes organizations such as Wits Journalism, Defend Defenders, and Magamba Network.

The two-day event is free, but attendees are required to RSVP at bit.ly/hub-unconference2024 for logistical purposes. Scholars, educators, tech enthusiasts, climate activists, and journalists are encouraged to attend.

The Hub UnConference is part of Zimbabwe’s longest-running urban culture celebration, the Shoko Festival, organised by Magamba Network, a pioneering force in Africa’s creative and digital media landscape.

@mthabisi_mthire