Zimbabwe’s premier annual gathering of digital media, civic tech, and creative economy enthusiasts, the Hub UnConference, is set to electrify Harare from September 24th to 25th at Moto Republik. Under the theme “Level Up,” this year’s edition aims to inspire young people to harness technology for positive change amid a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

The event will feature a dynamic lineup of local and international speakers, including industry luminaries such as Kenyan comedian Justine Wanda, Senegalese musician, Makhtar Fall widely known as Xuman, Dr. Millie Phiri from Conversation Africa (South Africa), Antonio Kisemboi from Media-Challenge Initiative Hub (Uganda), Steve Horn from Politically Aweh (South Africa), Nkosinathi Mcetywa from Civic Tech Innovation Network, and leading Zimbabwean academic Professor Nehemiah Chivandikwa.

Attendees can expect a rich program of fireside chats, panel discussions, and workshops exploring the intersection of media, climate justice, civic tech, and artificial intelligence.

Hub Unconference coordinator, Takudzwa Musakasa says this year is not any different from previous editions , “This year promises some really exciting new elements to the programme,  as we investigate how, amid conflict, misinformation, and environmental crises, we can leverage digital media, civic technology, and artistic activism to ‘level up’ by amplifying the voices of youth, women, and marginalised communities, fostering impactful dialogues, and seeking solutions to significant societal and global challenges,”

A highlight of the UnConference is the Open Africa Data Summit, which brings together data experts from across the continent to discuss the role of data in governance and social impact. This year’s summit will feature speakers from Uganda, Kenya, South Africa, Senegal, and Zimbabwe, focusing on the implications of AI on journalism.

Previous editions of the Hub Unconference have featured distinguished speakers from both local and international backgrounds, such as Alice McCool from The Guardian UK, Robyn Kriel of CNN, Raheela Mohammed from Al Jazeera, and Lindiwe Zulu from the ANC, among others.

The Hub UnConference has consistently attracted a diverse audience, including students, media professionals, entrepreneurs, and tech enthusiasts. This year’s event promises to be a catalyst for innovation, collaboration, and positive change in Zimbabwe’s digital ecosystem.