ZIMBABWE’S premier annual gathering on digital media, civic tech and the creative economy, the Hub Unconference, is set to return this September with a focus on empowering youth and leveraging on technology for social good.
Under the theme Level Up, the 10th edition of the event will be held on September 24 and 25 at Moto Republik.
In an interview, Hub Unconference co-ordinator Takudzwa Musakasa said this year was not any different from previous editions.
“This year promises some really exciting new elements to the programme, as we investigate how, amid conflict, misinformation and environmental crises, we can leverage on digital media, civic technology and artistic activism to ‘level up’ by amplifying the voices of youth, women and marginalised communities, fostering impactful dialogues and seeking solutions to significant societal and global challenges,” Musakasa said.
Key speakers include Kenyan comic Justine Wanda, Senegalese musician Xuman, South African academic Millie Phiri and Ugandan media expert Antonio Kisemboi, among others.
The event will delve into emerging trends in media, climate justice, civic tech and artificial intelligence (AI).
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A highlight of the conference is the Open Africa Data Summit, which will bring together leading data experts from across the continent to discuss the critical role of data in governance, transparency and civic engagement.
With a strong track record of attracting students, media practitioners, startups and tech enthusiasts, the Hub Unconference is poised to once again be a catalyst for innovation and collaboration in Zimbabwe's digital ecosystem.
“Previous editions of the Hub Unconference have featured distinguished speakers from both local and international backgrounds, such as Alice McCool from The Guardian UK, Robyn Kriel of CNN, Raheela Mohammed from Al Jazeera and Lindiwe Zulu from the African National Congress, among others,” Musakasa said.
The Hub Unconference is part of the larger Shoko Festival, an annual celebration of urban culture organised by Magamba Network.