THE #IdeasFestival2024 at Troutbeck Resort in Nyanga, was more than a conference; it was a dynamic platform for transforming ideas into action. In its third year, the festival is growing into Zimbabwe’s answer to Davos.
There, some of Africa’s brightest minds gathered to shape Zimbabwe’s future under the theme Transformative Ideas to Power Entrepreneurship and Innovation.
Seasoned leaders, young entrepreneurs and principled professionals discussed critical issues such as AI, enabling legislation for start-ups, ethical governance, entrepreneurship and sustainable development to chart a promising course for Zimbabwe’s future.
The festival’s mission centres on nation-building, emphasising that Zimbabwe’s prosperity must come from within, as individuals commit to ethical and values-driven personal transformation.
#IdeasFestival2024 was not just about dialogue, but about reshaping Zimbabwe’s narrative through actionable ideas for positive change.
The festival’s energy stemmed from a shared belief that ethical leadership, principled entrepreneurship, digital transformation and collective resilience are essential to Zimbabwe’s transformation.
Gender and generational diversity are key to broad-based economic development.
Terrence Okeke Taylor, executive chairperson of the African Academy on AI, set a compelling tone for #IdeasFestival2024 by opening the conference with his session, Shaping the Future of Africa with
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He underscored the urgency for Africa to develop strong institutions and forward-thinking policies that enable the continent to harness AI’s transformative potential.
His address sparked lively debate among delegates, who weighed AI’s immense promise against the risks it could pose if misused.
Taylor’s session left attendees with a renewed understanding of AI’s dual nature, inspiring them to advocate for an AI-driven future that prioritises Africa’s unique development needs and safeguards its communities.
Young serial entrepreneur Victor Mapunga, CEO of Shona Prince Technologies, gave a masterclass on Start-up Fundraising Challenges.
This practical session was informed by Mapunga’s own lived experience in raising funding for his business.
One of the festival’s most anticipated events is the #IdeasTank a partnership with the Eight2Five Innovation Hub powered by Old Mutual.
This is a pitch session where young entrepreneurs present innovative business ideas.
This high-energy segment highlighted the creativity, ambition and entrepreneurial spirit of Zimbabwe’s youth, reinforcing the belief that the country’s future lies in the hands of its young people.
From tech start-ups to sustainable agriculture, the participants demonstrated their potential to address local challenges with scalable solutions.
One of the festival’s defining moments was Nkosana Moyo’s session on building a “good society”.
A highly respected thought leader, Moyo, discussed how integrity, ethics and accountability are essential for nation-building.
His talk touched a live wire when he said he looked at the Bible as a novel.
Testimonies from banker Nick Vingirai and property mogul Ken Sharpe moved the session into a deep reflective mood. What is nation-building without a visit to the spirit we carry in these earthen vessels?
Ethics were a recurring theme throughout the festival, with Nyasha Zhou’s talk, Beyond AI — Ethics and Integrity, resonating well with attendees.
Zhou, a retired chartered accountant, highlighted the ethical considerations surrounding artificial intelligence and technological advancement.
He warned against unchecked technological growth, emphasising that integrity must guide innovation to ensure it serves society rather than profit-driven interests.
His insights underscored the festival’s focus on balancing progress with responsibility and reminded attendees of the broader implications of AI on Zimbabwe’s social fabric.
Sharpe delivered an engaging presentation on Re-imagining Real Estate, exploring innovative approaches to Zimbabwe’s property sector.
Sharpe emphasised the need for creative thinking to address housing shortages and urban development challenges, urging leaders and developers to focus on sustainable, community-centred solutions.
His talk served as a reminder that transforming Zimbabwe’s economy requires addressing the fundamental needs of its people, starting with housing and infrastructure.
Former Zimbabwe government minister and author, Olivia Muchena, brought her extensive experience in public service to a powerful session on Shaping Tomorrow’s Political Leaders.
She stressed that Zimbabwe’s prosperity relies on young leaders who are both capable and committed to ethical principles.
Muchena’s presentation underscored that genuine transformation requires leaders who prioritise the public good, not personal gain.
Her talk resonated deeply with the audience as she outlined the qualities required to lead with integrity.
Entrepreneur Chad Mhako contributed valuable insights on the structural support needed to foster entrepreneurship in Zimbabwe.
In his session, Building Blocks for Legislation to Create the Ideal Start-up Ecosystem, Mhako discussed policies that can encourage start-up growth, such as tax incentives and simplified regulations.
Mhako’s insights reaffirmed the festival’s goal of fostering a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem and illustrated that systemic support is essential for innovation.
The #IdeasFestival2024 aims to contribute to creating strong guardrails for young entrepreneurs.
London-based economist professor Keyu Jin joined the festival virtually, offering a unique perspective on economic development through a discussion of her book, The New China Playbook: Beyond Socialism and Capitalism.
Jin’s talk explored how Zimbabwe might benefit from a hybrid economic approach similar to China’s, blending of market dynamics with State-led initiatives.
Her insights inspired attendees to consider adaptive strategies that reflect Zimbabwe’s unique needs rather than replicating foreign models.
Jin’s presentation underscored that Zimbabwe’s growth requires a balanced approach, tailored to local contexts and opportunities.
Janet Zhou’s talk on women’s economic empowerment emphasised the importance of private sector support for inclusive growth.
She highlighted that empowering women entrepreneurs is not only a moral imperative but also a strategic move for economic resilience.
Zhou’s presentation reminded attendees that gender inclusivity is essential to sustainable development, and her insights resonated deeply with those advocating for a more equitable Zimbabwe.
A panel discussion that followed emphasised the importance of dismantling gender barriers to build a prosperous society that values all contributions.
Dynamic and passionate Precious Nyika led a session on preparing the next generation of corporate leaders.
She highlighted the need for innovation and ethical decision-making, sharing practical advice on resilience and integrity in corporate environments.
Nyika’s talk reinforced the festival’s commitment to cultivating principled, visionary leaders capable of navigating complex business landscapes.
Her session offered a roadmap for young professionals aspiring to lead with purpose.
She shared powerful insights on strategies of dealing with generational differences in the workplace.
Renowned branding expert Thebe Ikalafeng presented Africa is Not a Country — How to Turn Africa into a Country for Start-ups.”
Drawing from his experiences across all African nations, Ikalafeng urged attendees to see Africa as a united space for innovation.
His insights encouraged delegates to support a collaborative African ecosystem that fosters start-up growth and cross-border entrepreneurship, reinforcing the festival’s vision of a thriving, interconnected continent.
In her session Breaking the Glass Ceiling, Gloria Zvaravanhu spoke passionately about the challenges women face in leadership roles.
She emphasised persistence, self-belief and supportive networks as key to overcoming barriers.
Zvaravanhu’s message underscored the festival’s theme of transformation and resonated with young women aspiring to leadership roles, underscoring the essential role of gender equity in sustainable development.
Yvonee Mtengwa, founder and Editor-in-chief of Travel Essence magazine, gave a lively talk on the The Importance of Travel and Tourism.
She emphasised the fact that tourism creates jobs and contributes significantly to economic development.
Vingirai, the pioneering banker and entrepreneur, gave an impassioned talk on restoring trust in Zimbabwe’s financial sector.
He emphasised the importance of transparency and accountability, especially at the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe.
His personal story of resilience and ethical commitment inspired attendees, reminding them that a sustainable economy relies on integrity in both business and governance.
As delegates left Troutbeck, they carried with them not only insights but also a renewed commitment to personal and national transformation.
The #IdeasFestival2024 was a powerful reminder that building Zimbabwe begins within each individual, through the reformation of values and principles.
The festival’s message is clear: Zimbabwe’s transformation will only be realised when we commit to ethical leadership and collaborative nation-building.
