On 7 March 2025, in Harare, Zimbabwe, the Women in ICT Zimbabwe Conference brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators to explore critical themes shaping Africa’s digital future. The event highlighted the continent’s growing role in the world of data, cybersecurity, digital transformation, and citizen development, while also addressing the challenges and opportunities that come with these advancements.
With the presence of Honourable Minister of ICT, Tatenda Mavetera, the conference was the ideal platform for recognising the significance of women’s contributions in technology and to outline strategic initiatives for Africa’s digital future.
Hon. Tatenda Mavetera,
Bianca Pasipanodya,
Viola Dondo
The event featured powerful insights from influential speakers across various sectors:
Beyond career development, the conference tackled key issues in research, ethics, and security:
The active participation of both men and women at this event also highlighted a few key focus areas for the entire industry throughout the continent.
One of the conference’s most pressing themes was cybersecurity, as Africa has increasingly become a top target for cyberattacks. With rapid digital transformation across the continent, businesses, governments, and individuals are at heightened risk of cyber threats.
However, Africa is not merely a victim in this space – it is also at the forefront of championing cybersecurity on the global stage. The African Union’s digital security strategies aim to strengthen cybersecurity frameworks, ensuring that African nations are not only securing their digital economies but also setting global standards in cybersecurity governance.
This is critical for Africa’s economic and digital sovereignty. Robust cybersecurity measures will protect financial systems, critical infrastructure, and personal data, ultimately enabling sustainable digital growth.
Another major focus of the conference was the push to transition subject matter expertise into technical subject matter expertise through citizen development.
This movement is gaining traction with low-code and no-code technologies, which allow professionals with minimal programming experience to develop applications, automate processes, integrate artificial intelligence (AI) and introduce data analytics into business operations. By empowering non-technical users to create digital solutions, Africa is democratising technology, fostering innovation across industries, and accelerating digital adoption.
The emphasis on citizen development aligns with the continent’s broader goal of bridging the digital skills gap. With women playing a key role in ICT, the rise of low-code tools provides them with an opportunity to lead digital transformation efforts, reducing traditional barriers to technology careers.
The presence of Minister of ICT Tatenda Mavetera reinforced the Zimbabwean government’s commitment to technology-driven innovation. The Minister emphasised that digital transformation is central to national development, underlining the need for policies that support technological innovation, cybersecurity, and inclusive digital growth.
This government backing is significant as it signals increased investment in infrastructure, skills development, and digital policies that will shape the country’s ICT sector.
Strong governmental support, throughout Africa, is essential to ensuring sustained digital progress and fostering a thriving technology ecosystem that includes women-led initiatives.
Joice Benza,
Jaqui Muller,
Bianca Pasipanodya
While connectivity remains a challenge in many African countries, the conference shed further light on other barriers that hinder digital transformation, such as:
Yet, despite these challenges, Africa is finding creative ways to accelerate digital transformation. Innovative problem-solving techniques, coupled with increased investment in ICT, are helping the continent bypass traditional limitations and develop tailored solutions for its unique challenges.
The role of women in ICT is also crucial in shaping these solutions, as they bring diverse perspectives to problem-solving and drive inclusivity in the tech sector.
As Africa continues to position itself as a global leader in digital innovation, the insights shared at the 2025 Women in ICT Zimbabwe Conference will play a crucial role in shaping policy, education, and industry development.
Now, the challenge lies in translating these insights into tangible actions, ensuring that Africa’s digital transformation is not just a vision, but a reality.
The Organization seeks to empower society to master emerging technologies as essential tools and catalysts for sustainable development and independently watch-dogging the impact of ICTs on the environment and society for the good of the people and our planet.