The organisers of the Tech and Artificial Intelligence (AI) International Expo, which is set to be held in Zanzibar in August this year, have come up with an impressive list of speakers who will present on various issues during the event.
The event, which is slated for 22 and 23 August, is being spearheaded by the Africa Business Inc (South Africa), Parem Solutions (UK), and Unique Touch (Zanzibar), aligns with the growing momentum of Africa’s digital revolution.
When Business Events spoke with Africa Business Inc Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Stephene Chikozho, he was very upbeat about the success of the event. He indicated that his company hoped to use the event to position Zimbabwe as a player in Africa’s innovation transformation.
“We expect this Expo to spotlight Zimbabwe’s innovation potential and open new doors for collaboration, investment, and tech-driven development. It’s a powerful platform to position Zimbabwe as a serious player in Africa’s digital revolution.
In particular, we’re excited about the growing convergence between higher education and technology. Zimbabwe’s universities and research institutions are becoming hubs of innovation—incubating start-ups, advancing AI and blockchain research, and driving local solutions through academic-industry partnerships. These knowledge ecosystems are essential for building the skilled talent base that will power our future digital economy,” Chikozho said.
Chikozho paid tribute to the various developments being registered in putting up smart infrastructure solutions in Zimbabwe.
“On the infrastructure front, Zimbabwe is making strides toward smart, sustainable urban development. From sensor-driven energy management systems to intelligent water usage and connected living spaces, we’re seeing a new wave of innovation in how buildings and homes are designed and operated. These smart infrastructure solutions are not just about convenience—they’re about resilience, sustainability, and inclusive access to quality living. The Expo provides a critical platform to showcase these breakthroughs and to attract the partnerships and investment needed to scale them across cities and communities,” he said.
Chikozho revealed that 10 speakers of diverse backgrounds and from different parts of the world had confirmed their availability to speak at the event. These include distinguished speakers, innovators, and policymakers that are redefining Africa’s place in the global technology economy.
Three Zimbabweans, namely WestProp Zimbabwe CEO, Kenneth Raydon Sharpe, Zimbabwe’s Minister of Skills Audit and Development, Professor Paul Vurayayi Mavima, and the Harare Institute of Technology (HIT) Vice Chancellor, Quinton Kanhukamwe, form part of the event’s speakers.
One outstanding speaker slated for the event is Princess Azola Mabinza (pictured), a South African technological innovation expert and businessperson. She is expected to speak on crucial topics such as leveraging data and infrastructure to humanise African urbanisation, building digital ecosystems that honour culture, preserve heritage, and promote mental wellness, advancing sustainability through community-based renewable energy and waste management models, and uniting indigenous leadership to drive ethical tech and global solidarity.
Other speakers at the event include Global Policy House CEO and Advisor to AfCFTA and Global Governments (UK, Zambia), Michelle Chivunga, and ARED Group (Rwanda) Founder and CEO, Henri Nyakarundi. ZanLink (Zanzibar) CEO, Sanjay Raja and Zanzibar Startups Association (Zanzibar) CEO, Ikram Soraga are also set to speak during the event. Founder and CEO of maFfy and Creative Corner Foundation (Cameroon), Lyonga M. Mbesa. FinTechStage, Timepledge, Breaking Banks Europe, Elevandi (Portugal) cofounder, Matteo Rizzi is another speaker, while Benjamin Owusu-Ansah of Ghana is set to be the exhibition’s moderator.