Chronicle Editor
14:33
In conclusion, I urge you to visit the magnificent Vic Falls and we also have ZITF in Bulawayo. Our people are hospitable and nice. Thank you
14:28
In the past, we relied on Germany for e-passports and today we now produce locally.
Capacity building through e-commerce remains critical.
We showcase our technological capabilities to uplift our people from poverty.
Renewable energy remains a sustainable source of power for ICT.
In conclusion, I urge you to visit the magnificent Vic Falls and we also have ZITF in Bulawayo. Our people are hospitable and nice. Thank you
14:26
Africa diaspora should promote viable startups. Zimbabwe is taking steps towards ensuring food security, riding on technology. We summoned our young talented scientists and we are now producing medical oxygen.
We are determined to boost agriculture through ICT usage. Enabling policies are being improved in ICT, and telecommunications among others.
Notably we launched our own space and the satellite will assist in disasters early warning.
14:23
It is my singular honour to host you in the magnificent city of Vic Falls. As patriots of Africa, we would have wanted to have the natural wonder named in a local name. On behalf of Zim, I express profound gratitude that we have been afforded this opportunity to host this event.
Africa actually had civilisation earlier, when we exchanged diplomacy. It has taken Africa some time to immediately promote science and technology soon after our independence. We should move fast and outpace the Western world.
The startups by our youths require support from governments and the private sector. This summit is held at a time we had Covid-19 restrictions.
Young innovators are challenged to produce goods and design software that benefit Africa, says President Mnangagwa
14:20
President kagame says Transforming Africa means digitising our economies. Everyone has to be connected to broadband and more 60 percent of those with access to broadband do not utilise it. We need to use digitalise platforms to reduce barriers to trade. Artificial intelligence has made headlines in recent weeks.
We should move quickly to embrace artificial intelligence and make it work
He concludes the speech and President Mnangagwa takes to the podium to address delegates at the ongoing 6th edition of Transform Africa Summit in Victoria Falls running under the theme: “Connect, Innovate, Transform”
13:55
Smart Africa Director General and chief executive officer, Mr Lacina Koné, on the podium with president Kagame of Rwanda, says the organisation has grown in leaps and bounds in the last 10 years from a modest capital of US$600 000 to US$23 million taping in from 1.1 billion people from 37 member states.
Speaking at the official opening ceremony of the 6th edition of the Transform Africa Summit in Victoria Falls, Mr Kone chronicled the progress made by Smart Africa from an original seven member states in 2013 to 36.
The summit also marks the 10th anniversary of Smart Africa Alliance.
He thanks Zimbabwe’s President Mnangagwa for his personal sponsorship of the organisation of the Transform Africa Summit 2023 and the celebration of the ten years anniversary of the Smart Africa Alliance.
13:50
Rwanda President Paul Kagame and chairman of Smart Africa takes to the podium to address delegates at the ongoing 6th edition of Transform Africa Summit in Victoria Falls running under the theme: “Connect, Innovate, Transform”
May I start by saying am happy to be in Zim, Vic Falls enjoying the country’s hospitality.”
13:44
In conclusion President Hichilema says the continent needs to deal with bureaucracy which has helped interests that hinge on corruption.
He encourages ministers and senior government officials from various countries to network and strengthen synergies.
13:42
President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia begins his address by saying at one-point Zambia, Malawi and Zimbabwe used to be one country.
“This is a very key summit that drives Africa towards a single digital continent and as Africans, we must set our ambitions at a higher level to develop the continent.
We must achieve accelerated economic growth to create employment for the youth.
Without big ambitions, we cannot take care of the aspirations of the youth, which is the largest population of our continent,” said President Hichilema
He adds that the continent cannot avoid digitalisation from households and workspaces. There is great need to invest more and it’s not a debatable matter.
He says as the continent has been exposed by the war in Ukraine on food production, it has to invest in technology to boost production.
“We need to also use digitalisation in our movement of goods across our borders. We should have Non-Border posts unlike one stop border posts,” he says
There is no need to stop trucks destined for Zimbabwe or Malawi at border posts and that can be achieved through technology.
13:38
Up next is Malawi President Lazarus Chakwera.
He begins by saying Africa’s development has for a long time been held back by wars.
There is a new scramble for Africa by the West and East as they fight to control strategic minerals.
We have been left behind in development as a continent in areas of agriculture, mining etc and to catch up with the West we have to take ‘short cut’ as a continent.
He stresses the need for the continent to work extra hard through taking advantage of technology to develop the continent.
President Chakwera praises President Mnangagwa for hosting the summit that will be a catalyst to rise as a continent.
He concludes by saying Africa must rise as a continent together and now.
13:27
King Mswati III says it is an honour for him to participate for the first time at the Transform Africa Summit.
“Africa has to be united in promoting the Africa we want, a united force in terms of trading among ourselves.”
King Mswati III says it is an honour for him to participate for the first time at the Transform Africa Summit.
“Africa has to be united in promoting the Africa we want, a united force in terms of trading among ourselves.”
13:20
Minister Minister of ICT, Postal and Courier Services Dr Jenfan Muswere says the success of Africa digital transformation requires collaboration and partnerships.
Africa’s digital transformation requires holistic approach from everyone including citizens and governments.
Dr Muswere concludes his address and introduces HOS starting with King Mswati whose introduction is done by a poet from the kingdom of ESwatini
13:10
Official proceedings have started at the Transform Africa Summit with five heads of States
Malawi President Lazarus Chakwera, Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema and Rwandan President Paul Kagame interact at the TAS2023 summit in Victoria Falls
Rwandan President Paul Kagame, President Mnangagwa and Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema at the TAS 2023 Summit in Victoria Falls
President Mnangagwa welcomes Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema
12:13
President Mnangagwa has arrived at the conference venue
Information Minister Monica Mutsvangwa interacts with some Ministers from the region as they wait for arrival of Heads of State at the Transform Africa Summit in Victoria Falls
11:40Some of the delegates attending the ongoing 6th edition of the Transform Africa Summit in Victoria Falls
10:06 President Mnangagwa has arrived at the Victoria Falls International Airport where he is due to attend the 6th edition of the Transform Africa Summit here. President Mnangagwa touched down at aboard Airport Zimbabwe plane at 9:23 am. He was received by Ministers Monica Mutsvangwa, Minister July Moyo, Mr Muswere, Minister Richard Moyo and several services chiefs. Also on hand to receive the President where scores of jubilant Zanu PF members. He took time to meet and great the crowd.
09:51Malawian President Lazarus Chakwera accompanied by Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development Felix Mhona
09:31 Next to arrive at 9:20 am at the Victoria Falls International Airport for the prestigious 6th Transform Africa Summit is President Lazarus Chakwera of Malawi On hand to receive him was Minister Felix Mhona Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Richard Moyo and Service Chiefs.
09:30 Delegates have started trickling into the venue
09:27: All set for the official opening of the 6th edition of the Transform Africa Summit in Victoria Falls where President Mnangagwa is set to host four Heads of State from Eswatini, Malawi, Rwanda, and Zambia
09:23Minister of state for provincial affairs and devolution Richard Moyo also received the Rwandian President
09:21 President Paul Kagame of Rwanda has touched down at the Victoria Falls International Airport for the prestigious 6th Transform Africa Summit. He landed at 8:59 am and he was received by Minister Amon Murwira and and service chefs. He is the chairman of the Smart Africa Board.#tas 2023
Zimbabwe is hosting the sixth edition of the continent’s prestigious Transform Africa Summit (TAS) kicks off this morning, 26 April, here in Victoria Falls with over 3 000 local and international guests due to attend.
The summit is Africa’s leading annual forum bringing together global and regional leaders as well as digital experts to collaborate on new ways of shaping, accelerating, and sustaining Africa’s ongoing digital revolution.
Its being held under the theme: “Connect, Innovate, and Transform.” President Mnangagwa is due to host King Mswati III who arrived on Tuesday evening, Presidents Paul Kagame of Rwanda, Lazarus Chakwera of Malawi, Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia, and Faure Essozimna Gnassingbe of Togo at the conference.
Online Reporter