Session Details

Date: 29 October 2024

Time: 09:00 – 11:00am

Format: Plenary

Venue: iClub, Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct

Host: Mqondisi Mavundla, Programme Coordinator, Civic Tech Innovation Network (CTIN)

Speakers

Opening Address: Mark Harris, CEO, Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct

Keynote Address: Prof. Lynne Morris, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Wits University

Panel Speaker: Angela Minayo, Article 19 Eastern Africa

Panel Speaker: Hamid Khayar Oumar Defallah, Chad Innovation Hub

Panel Speaker: Yvonne Eweka, Cc-Hub

Interactive Activity: Ubuntu Lab Institute (Mutsa Samuel and Thabani Mlilo)

Session Overview

The Opening Plenary for the Civic Tech Innovation Forum will set the stage for CTIF24 with a dynamic exploration of the year’s theme: #UnderTheHood. This session will delve into the layers beneath the surface of technology, community, and personal engagement within the civic tech ecosystem. It aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current landscape and inspire participants to consider the deeper implications and opportunities present in the field of civic technology.

Session Objectives

1. Illuminate the Theme:

• Introduce the #UnderTheHood theme and its multi-layered focus on technology, community, and self. Explain how this theme will guide the discussions and activities throughout the conference.
• Set the context for the conference by outlining the major questions and areas of exploration, including the technology “black box,” community resources and creativity, and personal capabilities within the civic tech ecosystem.

2. Showcase Innovations and Insights

• Present key innovations, tools, and techniques that are driving change in the civic tech sector. Highlight examples from Africa and around the world that illustrate how technology is being harnessed for positive impact.
• Share insights on how these innovations are reshaping civic engagement and empowering communities

3. Inspire Reflection and Engagement:

• Encourage participants to reflect on their own roles within the civic tech ecosystem. What hidden talents, skills, and passions can they bring to the table? How can they leverage their unique capabilities to contribute to positive change?
• Facilitate an interactive discussion on the collective capacity of the ecosystem. What are the strengths and resources within our communities, and how can they be better utilized?

4. Set the Stage for Collaboration:

• Foster a sense of collective purpose and collaboration among attendees. Highlight opportunities for networking, knowledge sharing, and collaboration that will be available throughout the conference.
• Provide an overview of the conference agenda, including key sessions, workshops, and discussions that will further explore the #UnderTheHood theme.