Online Reporter
Martin Kadzere
ZIMBABWE’s acclaimed real estate mogul and chief executive of WestProp Holdings, Mr Ken Sharpe, will be among the distinguished speakers at the upcoming Tech & AI International Expo 2025 in Zanzibar this August.
Mr Sharpe’s participation highlights a growing focus on integrating smart infrastructure and urban development with Africa’s accelerating digital revolution.
Recognised for transforming Harare’s skyline with projects like Pomona City and Millennium Heights, Mr Sharpe will present his vision for “Smart African Cities.”
These urban ecosystems, as he describes them, aim to merge artificial intelligence, sustainable infrastructure, and human-centric design to unlock the continent’s economic potential.
“We cannot speak of Africa’s digital future without designing the spaces where that future will live, work, and grow,” Mr Sharpe said in a pre-event release.
“Smart cities are the blueprint for inclusive prosperity—and we must build them now.”
A vocal proponent of Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG)- aligned development, Mr Sharpe’s presence at the expo signifies a critical convergence of infrastructure and innovation.
He is expected to lead discussions on critical topics, including future-ready cities designed to absorb rapid urbanisation while ensuring digital inclusion, the mobilisation of public-private partnerships for smart city deployment, and making tech-integrated housing accessible, particularly for Africa’s burgeoning middle class.
He will also address digital equity, emphasising that no citizen should be left behind in Africa’s urban and digital transformation.
Mr Sharpe’s message would underscore the belief that Africa’s digital sovereignty hinges not only on technological advancements but also on the physical spaces that empower innovation.
Zimbabwe’s influence at the continental event will be further bolstered by the participation of two other prominent national figures.
Minister of Skills Audit and Development, Professor Paul Mavima, will deliver a keynote on strategic skills mapping for digital sovereignty, fresh from contributing to continental AI policy at the Global AI Summit in Rwanda.
He will be joined by Professor Quinton Kanhukamwe, vice chancellor of the Harare Institute of Technology (HIT), who will highlight the institution’s role as a national incubator for Fourth Industrial Revolution talent through its applied engineering and innovation ecosystems.
Hosted by Africa Business Inc in partnership with the Government of Zanzibar and the Zanzibar Startup Association, the Expo, scheduled for August 22-23, 2025, at the Golden Tulip Airport Hotel and Spa, is expected to draw over 1,000 global leaders.
A key highlight will be the launch of a US$50 million venture capital fund dedicated to transforming African startups into global successes.
“Ken Sharpe doesn’t just develop real estate—he develops futures,” said Mr Stephene Chikozho, CEO of Africa Business Inc.
“His commitment to tech-integrated living makes him a cornerstone voice as Africa defines its urban and digital destiny.”
