Zimbabwe’s premier annual digital media conference, the Hub Unconference, is set to make a triumphant return with an impressive lineup of speakers from across Africa.
Taking place from the 28th to the 29th of September at Moto Republik in Harare, this year’s conference promises to delve into new trends in content creation, civic tech, and progressive activism, all within the context of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
As part of the esteemed Shoko Festival program, the 2023 9th edition of the Hub Unconference will introduce an exciting new format, spanning two days. Attendees can expect a dynamic mix of fireside chats, lighting talks, panel discussions, and masterclasses. Among the distinguished speakers are Christopher Kayonga and Timothy Chemonges from Open Parly UG (Uganda), Cayley Clifford from Africa Check (South Africa), Christine Rupiah from The Continent (South Africa), Peter Kimani from CODE for Africa (Kenya), Joscar Amondi from Social Technology Movement (Kenya), Mark Kuggundu from Defend Defenders (Uganda), and renowned Zimbabwean academic Professor Admire Mare.
The masterclasses will cover a wide range of topical issues and trends, including graphic design, fact-checking, TikTok content creation, and documentary filmmaking. Simultaneously, the Africa Satire Convention will showcase the talents of leading satirists from Zimbabwe and across the continent, exploring the influential power of satire in engaging youth participation in public processes such as voter registration.
The Open Data Africa Summit, another highlight of the conference, will bring together bloggers, academics, activists, and developers from Africa’s leading open data initiatives. Participating in panel discussions on journalism in the age of AI and media innovation in a captured environment, representatives from Uganda, Kenya, South Africa, and Zimbabwe will share insights and perspectives.
The Open Data Africa Summit is made possible with support from the Consortium to Protect Human Rights, Civic Freedoms, and Media Development in sub-Saharan Africa (Charm Africa). Charm Africa, comprising esteemed members such as Wits Journalism, Réseau des Femmes Leaders pour le Développement (RFLD), Defend Defenders, Civil Rights Defenders, CIVICUS, Fojo Media Institute, and Magamba Network, aims to foster an environment conducive to human rights, civic freedoms, and media development in the region.
Past editions of the Hub Unconference have successfully hosted notable local and international speakers, including Alice McCool from The Guardian UK, Robyn Kriel from CNN, Raheela Mohammed from Al Jazeera, and Lindiwe Zulu from the ANC, among others.
The Hub Unconference, a free-to-attend event, takes place alongside the annual Shoko Festival, Zimbabwe’s longest-running festival of urban culture. Both initiatives are led by Magamba Network, an innovative creative and digital media organization at the forefront of Africa’s media landscape. With the theme #TheTakeBack, this year’s Shoko Festival and Hub Unconference aim to empower attendees to reclaim their voices and artistic expressions.
Don’t miss out on this cutting-edge gathering of minds, where digital media, technology, activism, and creativity converge to shape a brighter future. Secure your spot at the Hub Unconference and be part of the transformative conversations that will define the digital landscape of Africa and beyond.
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