Tinaye Agere
Veronica Gwaze
PREPARATIONS for the 10th edition of Zimbabwe’s leading annual gathering on digital media and creative economy, the Hub Un-Conference, are at an advanced stage.
Scheduled to run between September 24 and 25 at Moto Republik, the annual event will run under the theme “Level Up”, which comes as a clarion call for young people to keep up with emerging technological trends.
The Hub Un-Conference programme will include a series of fireside chats, lightning talks, captivating showcases, panel discussions and masterclasses.
There will also be cutting-edge conversations by Kenyan comedian Justine Wanda, Senegalese musician, Makhtar Fall widely known as Xuman, Dr Millie Phiri from Conversation Africa (South Africa), Antonio Kisemboi of Media-Challenge Initiative Hub (Uganda).
Political Aweh (South Africa)’s Steve Horn will also be part of the event together with Nkosinathi Mcetywa from Civic Tech Innovation Network and local academic Professor Nehemiah Chivandikwa.
Event coordinator, Gracious Nyathi said this edition of the annual event will focus on emerging trends in media, climate justice and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
“Previous editions have featured distinguished speakers from the local and international scene, the likes of Alice McCool of The Guardian UK, Robyn Kriel from CNN, Raheela Mohammed who is with Al Jazeera and Lindiwe Zulu of ANC, among others,” Nyathi said.
“This year has some exciting new elements on the programme as we investigate how amid conflict, misinformation and environmental crises, we can leverage digital media, civic technology, and artistic activism.
“Our aim is creating ways in which we can amplify the voices of youth, women and marginalised communities, foster impactful dialogues and seek solutions to significant societal and global challenges.”
One of the two days will be reserved for an Open Africa Data Summit, meant to unite the continent’s minds to discuss the essential role of data in governance, transparency and civic engagement.
This year’s Open Africa Data Summit will highlight speakers from five African nations, showcasing innovative ideas and initiatives in the open data field.
The summit will convene influential bloggers, scholars, prominent activists and developers from Uganda, Kenya, South Africa, Senegal and Zimbabwe.
Participants will engage in panel discussions including topics like journalism in the AI era.
“The Open Data Africa Summit is being organised with assistance from the Consortium for the Protection of Human Rights, Civic Freedoms and Media Development in Sub-Saharan Africa, known as Charm Africa.
“This consortium comprises Wits Journalism, Réseau des Femmes Leaders pour le Développement (RFLD), Defend Defenders, Civil Rights Defenders, Civicus, Fojo Media Institute and Magamba Network,” said Nyathi.
Online Reporter