“#AfricaFlows builds on a series of exciting themes over the years, this time commenting on the advent of AI and its possibilities – good, bad, or neutral. It’s a great place to be, should you want to connect with other dynamic, African grassroots and media technologists who are building towards their own better futures.”
Conference key focus areas:
• Digital rights and threats, digital agency in the age of corruption
• Sustainable financing strategies for the industry
• Latest and impactful innovations in media and civic technology in Africa
Jamlab Africa and Civic Tech Innovation Network invite you to the 2023 Civic Tech Innovation Forum (CTIF) and Jamfest, a three-day showcase of the hottest innovations in media and civic technology taking place across the continent.
This year’s jointly-held conference, taking place from 16 to 19 October at the Tshimologong Precinct in Braamfontein, Johannesburg, carries the theme #AfricaFlows, a tribute to the innovators and media makers who are taking Africa forward.
“Our call to action at CTIF and Jamfest 2023 is that Africa must flow,” said Civic Tech Innovation Network Coordinator, Associate Professor Geci Karuri-Sebina. The concept of “flow” is presented in an active conference social media campaign to mean a state of mind, creativity, and dynamic readiness. #AfricaFlows speaks to our ability to create new pathways when old ways have failed. It is understanding that we are never alone, and that there are others like us who are ready to collaborate and create solutions with us to generate greater possibilities.”
CTIF23 will explore thought-provoking topics such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the changing nature of work and play, digital rights and threats, digital agency in the age of corruption, and sustainable financing strategies for the industry.
We curated great pan-African speakers such as Kavisha Pillay from Corruption Watch, Bosun Tijani of ccHub, Ofentse Mokwena of Uber, Richard Gevers of Open Cities Lab, Aidan Eyakuze of the Open Governance Partnership (OGP), and Angella Ndaka from Kenyatta University. Also featured on the programme are Adam Oxford from Area of Effect, Thabiso Sekhula, co-founder of 1000LimpopoSecrets, Zelalem Tesfaye, Director of Broadcast Media, Bahir Dar University, and Julia Evans from Daily Maverick.
Jamlab Coordinator Lindokuhle Nzuza said, “Jamfest23 promises engaging and insightful panel discussions that will explore a variety of topics like Artificial Intelligence in journalism, TikTok journalism, media sustainability, as well as a special masterclass on how to spot misinformation and disinformation in social media.
Karuri-Sebina and Nzuza add that the conference is growing tremendously, and the swelling conference numbers each year show the need for media and civic innovators to continually connect and share ideas.
“The continuation and growth of CTIF/Jamfest is a testament to the vibrant innovation that is happening across Africa in media and civic spaces, and to the desire of the innovators and supporters to convene so that we can learn and share and grow together,” said Karuri-Sebina.
“#AfricaFlows builds on a series of exciting themes over the years, this time commenting on the advent of AI and its possibilities – good, bad, or neutral. It’s a great place to be, should you want to connect with other dynamic, African grassroots and media technologists who are building towards their own better futures.”
Registration for the in-person #AfricaFlows:
Tickets are free.
Click here and book your ticket for the in-person #AfricaFlows conference. We look forward to having you at #AfricaFlows #Jamfest23 #CTIF23
ABOUT THE ORGANISERS:
Jamfest is a media and journalism festival hosted by the Jamlab, a project by the Wits Centre for Journalism. The festival is directed at a diverse set of African media makers, journalists, and stakeholders. It presents an opportunity for media makers and practitioners to gain an overview of some of the innovations and changes occurring within newsrooms across Africa. Jamfest also allows industry leaders to connect and network with one another.
CTIF is hosted by the Civic Tech Innovation Network at the Wits School of Governance. The annual conferences are intended to enable the civic tech community and ecosystem actors to engage face-to-face, learn about innovations, tools, and techniques, share experiences, and meet potential collaborators.
