Emerging Technologies Award

● Purpose:

This award honors a social activist, business leader, or entrepreneur who has championed the use of emerging technologies to drive transformative and measurable impact in Southern and East African communities. For business leaders or entrepreneurs, the recognised work must be undertaken beyond their routine business operations. To qualify, nominees must have demonstrated consistent commitment over a span of at least five years, with clear and sustained impact. Whether through direct innovation, in fields
such as fintech, agritech, edtech, healthtech, AI, or renewable energy—or through advocacy and resource mobilisation for digital inclusion, this award celebrates individuals advancing community well-being through technology. It also recognises efforts to expand basic technological access, particularly in underserved or marginalised areas, helping to bridge the digital divide and foster inclusive growth.

● Criteria:

• Demonstrated use or sustained advocacy of innovative and emerging technologies to solve real community challenges, including improved digital access and inclusion.
• Proven, quantifiable impact on communities through tech-based solutions, skills development, and digital literacy over a minimum of five years.
• Mobilisation of financial, policy, or community support with a focus on sustainability, scalability, and relevance to Zimbabwe’s and the region’s development priorities.