The Hub UnConference, Zimbabwe’s leading annual gathering on digital media, civic tech, and the creative economy, returns for its 11th edition on September 24–25 at Harare Gardens.
This year’s theme, “Decolonize the Internet,” challenges Africans to confront Western biases online and create alternative digital spaces.
Running in the build-up to Shoko Festival, the free-entry event will bring together more than 30 speakers from seven countries across Africa, including academics, activists, journalists, artists, and innovators shaping the continent’s digital and creative future.
The two-day program will focus on pressing questions around data ownership, algorithm bias, digital storytelling, AI’s impact on journalism, and Africa’s role in shaping global internet governance.
Sessions include fireside chats, lightning talks, skill-share workshops, debates, live podcast recordings, and interactive showcases.
Speakers include Goitse Kwada (Botswana), Martial Panucci (Burkina Faso), Antonio Kisemboi (Uganda), Kikaawa Nantume (Uganda), Willson Chivhanga (Malawi), Dean Bhebhe (South Africa),
Mufasa Poet (Kenya), Justine Wanda (Kenya), King Kandoro (Zimbabwe), ProBeatz (Zimbabwe), and keynote speaker Takura Zhangazha (Zimbabwe).
“We’re thrilled to host the 11th Hub UnConference at Harare Gardens as a free event that uses talks and edutainment to tackle pressing global issues,” said Hub Coordinator Takudzwa Musakasa.
“This year’s theme challenges colonial legacies embedded in internet infrastructure, biased AI, and foreign misinformation while calling on Africans to reclaim our digital narratives.”
A major highlight will be the Open Data Africa Summit, which gathers bloggers, activists, developers, and academics from across the region. Panels such as “Africa’s Data Goldmine: Who Profits, Who Loses?” will examine how countries can reclaim ownership of data for transparency, advocacy, and innovation.
Other sessions will explore integrating AI into education and building Africa-centered digital governance frameworks.
Musakasa noted that the UnConference is also designed to connect Zimbabwe’s media and tech colleges with broader African networks:
“One of our visions has been to create a space where universities and young innovators can collaborate and give birth to new ideas that will drive forward Africa’s alternative digital and media sectors.”
The Hub UnConference is organized by Magamba Network, the trailblazing creative and digital media organization behind Shoko Festival.
The event is held in partnership with CHARM Africa, a consortium that promotes human rights, civic freedoms, and media development.
Partners include Wits Journalism, Defend Defenders, Civil Rights Defenders, Civicus, Réseau des Femmes Leaders pour le Développement (RFLD), and Fojo Media Institute.
Previous editions have featured speakers from global media outlets such as The Guardian, CNN, and Al Jazeera. This year’s edition continues that legacy of bringing together local and international voices to explore Africa’s place in the digital future.
Entry is free, with RSVP required for planning purposes.
For details and registration: The Hub UnConference
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