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MozFest House Zambia 2024 Recap: A Celebration of Solidarity

MozFest House Zambia took place on November 20-21, 2024 at the Lusaka International Conference Center. Over 500 technologists, activists, funders, and creators gathered to explore the transformative potential of collective action towards ethical, open, and equitable AI that serves communities across Africa.MozFest House Zambia was a testament that joy, imagination, and solidarity are a critical part of the equation of how we get there. In today’s interconnected and complex systems, the process of creating solutions is as important as the solutions themselves. MozFest House Zambia exemplified this, showcasing how impactful work and discussions about AI are thriving in community-led spaces rather than confined to exclusive boardrooms.Angela Odour Lungati’s keynote resonated deeply, a reminder that technology is a tool—not the solution itself. “Technology alone will not change the world,” she emphasized. “How it is used is what is going to change the world.” MozFest House Zambia reinforced the idea that the power to create meaningful change lies with diverse, cross-industry, engaged communities working collaboratively toward shared goals.Mainstage Highlights:Angela Odour Lungati, Executive Director of Ushahidi, delivered a compelling keynote on empowering communities through data, tracing the transformative journey of Ushahidi. Her fireside chat with Koliwe Majama expanded on this vision for data equity in Africa. Key word to remember: collective intelligence lies in us first, not in the machines we create.Dialogues & Debates: Working Open to Advance Transparent & Trustworthy AI explored how open-source approaches can empower local communities to shape AI technologies that reflect diverse needs.Dialogues & Debates: Harnessing South-South Solidarity: explored how the solidarity of efforts across the Global South is most urgent to challenge the current technology ecosystem.The Data Futures Showcase spotlighted innovative projects revolutionizing data ownership, offering insights into protecting cultural heritage and fostering self-determination.On the main stage, a series of compelling lightning talks wove together themes like climate justice and philanthropy, highlighting the critical role of cross-sector collaboration in shaping sustainable solutions for the future.Community Sessions and WorkshopsMozFest House Zambia brought workshops and sessions that exemplified the festival’s commitment to co-creating and building an equitable, just, and sustainable digital world. Across two days, participants engaged with community-led sessions around urgent and local issues:Responsible AI for AgricultureDuring this session, participants explored the role of AI in transforming African agriculture and unpacked strategies for equitable tech adoption.African Intelligence for Artificial IntelligenceThis workshop delved into community-driven approaches to developing AI models that support African languages and art. It highlighted how collaboration and creativity can ensure trustworthy, inclusive AI.Protecting Human Rights DefendersCo-hosted by Meta, this session shared regional strategies to safeguard activists and journalists in high-risk environments. It emphasized collaboration in creating robust protections against surveillance and digital threats.Tech and Gender Justice in ElectionsFocused on combating gendered disinformation in African political campaigns, this session spotlighted the systemic challenges women face online. It also offered tools and strategies to create safer, more equitable digital spaces for political participation.Art, Interactive Booths, and Collective CareAttendees enjoyed art installations, film screenings and different interactive booths by Common Voice, Firefox, The Engine Room, and CNN. The art installations and experiences were all active moments where attendees were encouraged to participate.KeyZazi Art InstallationParticipants during the two days experienced this digital collage which c

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