The Minister of ICT Postal and Courier Services, Dr Tatenda Mavetera, hosted the Zimbabwe ICT Excellence Awards on 28th November 2024. The event was graced by the guest of honour, Hon. Kazembe Kazembe, Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage. The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of ICT Postal and Courier Services, Dr Beaullah Chirume, also participated, along with other notable figures in the Zimbabwe ICT sector.  

The 21 Awards Categories ranged from company-specific segments through to individual achievement awards. They included the Best AI Initiatives, Best International Companies, Best ICT Leadership Leader as well as ICT Lifetime Achievers.

 Lawrence Gudza, one of the founders of the Computer Society of the Zimbabwe back in 1974, and Past President, received a Lifetime Excellence Award for his significant and long-term impact across the ICT sector.

Caption: Extreme Left Hon. Minister Kazembe Kazembe, then award winner Lawrence Gudza, and extreme right Hon. Minister Dr Tatenda Mavetera

Caption: L-R Dr Beaullah Chirume. Gillian Rusike (Vice Chair), Joice Benza (Chair), Minister Dr Tatenda Mavetera, Eng. Prudence Kadembu, Rachael Chikowore and Blessmore Chinembiri

Highlights from Across Africa 

IFIP Vice President, Joice Benza had the privilege to attend the UNESCO 17th Forum of NGOs virtually on 10-11 December 2024 under the theme, “African Leadership, Experience, and Expertise in the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development”. This Open Meeting and Brainstorming platform incorporated discussions on AI and Climate Change etc. 

African Partners involved were the South Africa National Commission, Uganda National Commission, Ghana Commission for UNESCO and the Kenya National Commission.