Online Reporter
ZIMBABWE is on the cusp of a digital transformation, and at the heart of this movement is the Evolve ICT Summit, a bold platform that brings together technology leaders, policymakers, innovators and young people to shape a smarter, more sustainable future.
This July, the country’s flagship ICT (information and communication technology) event returns, placing innovation and inclusive development at the forefront of the national conversation.
This landmark event will take place from July 3 to 4, 2025 at the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC) under the timely theme “Sustainable ICT Solutions for the Future”. Now in its second year, the summit is a Compulink Holdings-led initiative, created to bridge the gap between policy, innovation and implementation in the technology sector.
It offers a dynamic platform for collaboration across industries and generations, bringing together thought leaders, entrepreneurs, students, investors and officials of public institutions.
This year’s edition is expected to elevate conversations around digital sustainability, inclusion and infrastructure, as Zimbabwe and Africa confront urgent challenges such as climate change, energy access and technological inequality.
With a strong focus on impact and action, the summit aims to inspire concrete solutions that are context-specific, locally built and globally aligned.
The event will be officially opened by Dr Tatenda Mavetera, the Minister of ICT, Postal and Courier Services, who will serve as guest of honour. Dr Mavetera continues to play a leading role in shaping Zimbabwe’s digital economy through visionary policy and inclusive strategies. The keynote address will be delivered by Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) director-general Dr G.K. Machengete, whose insights into regulation, connectivity and innovation are expected to guide the summit’s direction.
These headline sessions will be followed by an exciting line-up of speakers from across the Government, the academia and industry, offering attendees diverse, practical perspectives on Zimbabwe’s digital journey.
In line with this year’s theme, one of the key sponsors of the 2025 summit is Dandemutande, a leading ICT solutions provider.
The company is currently planning to build a US$15 million, 1.5 megawatt (MW) Tier III carrier-neutral data centre in Zimbabwe.
Designed as part of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU)’s Partner2Connect programme, this facility will incorporate green energy and sustainability at its core, reinforcing the summit’s focus on long-term, climate-conscious digital infrastructure.
Once completed, it will serve as a major hub for the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region, addressing the digital needs of small businesses, healthcare institutions, Government agencies, financial institutions and content providers.
To amplify the reach and impact of the summit, Zimpapers, Zimbabwe’s largest integrated media group, is also a partner.
Following its successful hosting of the AI (artificial intelligence) Conference in Manicaland, Zimpapers brings robust ICT credentials and extensive media infrastructure to the table, helping promote Evolve 2025 across multiple channels and ensuring the summit resonates widely with national and regional audiences.
At its core, Evolve is more than a conference. It is a movement, rooted in the belief that sustainable development must be driven by digital inclusion, innovation and partnerships.
In 2025, this mission is clearer than ever. As the world faces the intersecting challenges of climate change, rising energy costs and growing digital divides, Zimbabwe has an opportunity to lead with technology that is ethical, adaptive and scalable.
This year’s theme, “Sustainable ICT Solutions for the Future”, reflects the urgency to build systems and infrastructure that are both forward-looking and grounded in real local needs. Be it rural connectivity, e-governance, energy-efficient infrastructure or youth upskilling, the conversations at Evolve 2025 will focus on impact and sustainability.
The programme will feature high-impact panel discussions, insightful presentations and a vibrant technology exhibition.
Topics include AI, digital governance, cybersecurity, ICT in health and education, broadband infrastructure, smart cities and the future of work.
The summit is open to a wide range of participants: ICT professionals, public servants, developers, engineers, entrepreneurs, business leaders, academics, students, investors and NGO staff.
In a deliberate effort to empower the next generation of digital leaders, this year’s summit will feature a dedicated student innovation day — Friday, July 4. This half-day experience will highlight student-led innovations, mentorship sessions and inspiring presentations from industry experts.
Participants will gain access to thought leadership, technical knowledge and high-impact networking. Whether attending to learn, partner, showcase or invest, the Evolve ICT Summit provides a meaningful platform for engaging with Zimbabwe’s digital future. Registration is now open at www.evolveictsummit.com
The delegate fee for full summit attendance is US$200. For learners attending the student day, the fee is US$30 (including lunch) or US$10 (without lunch). Organisers are also welcoming partners, sponsors and exhibitors who wish to align their brand with Zimbabwe’s digital transformation.
Sponsors benefit from strong visibility through branding, media coverage and engagement with national and international stakeholders. Exhibitors will have the opportunity to showcase products, services and innovations to a targeted audience of professionals, policymakers and future leaders. Exhibition access will be free to all summit attendees. Exhibition access will be free to all business people on Thursday July 3, 2025, and free for the general public on Friday July 4, 2025.
For participation, sponsorship or exhibition opportunities, contact the organisers at [email protected] or call +263 (242) 494 407/+263 8677 105 028. As Zimbabwe charts its path towards a knowledge-based economy, the Evolve ICT Summit 2025 serves as a catalyst for collective progress — and a clear signal that the future of ICT is here, and it is sustainable.
Tinaye Agere
Online Reporter