Jamlab Africa and the Civic Tech Innovation Network (CTIN), both projects from the University of the Witwatersrand, will be hosting their joint hybrid annual conferences between October 3-27, 2022 under the theme #Unplugged22 .
#Unplugged will have virtual sessions and activities from 3 to 20 October 3 to 20, 2022 and the in-person event will be between October 24 to 27, 2022 at Tshimologong Precinct in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Both Civic Tech Innovation Forum (CTIF) and Jamfest promise exciting, power-packed programmes at this year’s #Unplugged22 conference that will enrich both communities of African civic tech and media innovators. “We are thrilled to connect with the global community virtually, and also reconnect in person for the first time in two years.
We have connected virtually with the rest of the world for over two years and have been online more than at any other time in our history. It is with this context that #Unplugged22 attendees can expect a hybrid experience for 2022; where the virtual and in-person sessions will have quality and stripped-down conversations about the effects of digitalisation on shared experiences,” the organisers said in a statement.
CTIF’s programme will feature plenaries with continental and international speakers, workshops, a full month exhibition, and more, all focusing on key current issues in the African civic tech space including governance, urban cities, participatory approaches, sustainability and funding, end-user experiences, the significance of a community of practice and other relevant issues.
The Jamfest component of #Unplugged22 will stimulate conversations about new approaches within the skills, product, and disruptive media innovation spheres. Some highlight Jamfest sessions are on Solutions journalism featuring Ruona Meyer; and both Tulanana Bohela and Princely Glorious from Ona Stories in Tanzania will explore the opportunities and challenges of the Metaverse for African media makers.
Organisers invite diverse African stakeholders from the current and potential civic tech user community, government, NGO, CSO, journalism, media, education, and entrepreneurship fields to attend #Unplugged22.
Tickets for the event are free as participants are expected to plug into the virtual #Unplugged sessions on the Airmeet platform, which is freely available through browser or the Airmeet App download from mobile app store.
