Online Reporter
Business Reporter
PROFESSOR Arthur Mutambara, who is a robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) expert, is set to headline the Econet E-novate Expo, which runs from tomorrow up to Wednesday at the Harare International Conference Centre.
The technology exhibition, held under the theme “Future-Ready Tech Synergies”, forms part of Econet Wireless Zimbabwe’s drive to accelerate digital transformation by bringing together leading innovators, entrepreneurs, business leaders and industry players from across the continent.
Prof Mutambara currently serves as director and full professor at the Institute for the Future of Knowledge (IFK), University of Johannesburg.
He is expected to set the tone for the expo with an address exploring Africa’s readiness for the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the strategic role Zimbabwe can play in emerging digital ecosystems.
Other keynote speakers and technology experts include Africa Innovation Fund chief executive officer Ms Natalie Jabangwe, Stanbic Bank chief technology officer Dr Alfred Musarurwa, Dr Whisper Rukanda, Mr George Nheweyembwa, Ms Brenda Matanga, Mr Patrick Maseko and Ms Tofara Audrey Nyoni.
Additional speakers expected at the three-day event include Ms Sicelo Dube, Mr Trust Nhokovedzo, Mr Ivan Craig, Mr Simbarashe Nyamadzawo, Mr Kudzai Tinago, Mr Tino Kambasha, Ms Audrey Chidawanyika, Mr George Munengwa and Mr Pedzi Chimbwanda.
The telecoms giant said the expo is a deliberate initiative to turn Zimbabwe’s digital potential into real opportunities through hands-on engagement, learning and active collaboration between top minds and practitioners in the digital and innovation space.
The event is billed as an intersection of cutting-edge technology exhibitions, educative presentations and insightful conversations led by some of the continent’s top and emerging voices in tech and innovation.
It will blend keynote addresses, masterclasses, hackathons, fireside chats, gaming tournaments and youth-focused innovation challenges.
Technologies on display will include AI, the internet of things (IoT), 5G and cloud services, showcasing solutions shaping both local and global digital landscapes.
The expo will also feature two business-focused days and one public day, and is expected to attract corporates, start-ups, entrepreneurs, regulators, academics, tech investors, students and digital creators.
It is also expected to create a platform for shaping Zimbabwe’s digital future while forging partnerships that will drive national economic growth and innovation in Zimbabwe and across the continent.
