The Ideas Festival (IF) Conference is upon us

By Trevor Ncube

The 2023 (ICWT) Ideas Festival (IF) edition takes place next week in Nyanga, Troutbeck Hotel from November 22-24. This annual event is a gathering of ICWT alumni, entrepreneurs, innovators, creators and those in the start-up space.

In December last year we had a successful launch of the IF in Harare. The highlight of the luncheon, graced by entrepreneurs and executives, were powerful presentations from technology entrepreneur and former Google (SA) executive Stafford Masie and Tinashe Nyamudoka, sommelier and founder of Kumusha Wines. Yvonne Chaka Chaka gave an inspiring speech and spellbinding performance.

All societies that have prospered have been propelled by a robust marketplace of ideas. The best ideas from a competitive marketplace drive the creativity and ingenuity of entrepreneurs with a positive impact on wealth creation and job opportunities.

Zimbabwe has a lot of challenges and yet many entrepreneurs are not daunted by the doom and gloom. I believe that Zimbabwe’s fortunes will be changed by these creative citizens changing their spheres of influence. Their courage against all odds and their enterprise will affect our future in a positive way.

We are passionate about nation building and IF is an important part of this heavy lifting. Nation building is multifaceted. It is our collective ideas, efforts and dreams that contribute to the Zimbabwe we want. The biggest role of our government is to create an enabling environment for our ideas and enterprises to flourish and then get out of the way.

So, we gather in Nyanga next week to share the ideas that have sparked our creativity. We will learn from each other’s stories of success and failure. The lessons from our lived experiences form a tapestry that is an important part of our narrative. The toxicity in our society is not who we are. Who we are is to a large extent what we do, first individually and then collectively.

We have prepared an exciting programme of Masterclasses, panels, fire-side chats, an Ideas Tank for entrepreneurs to pitch their exciting business ideas. There will be golf and great entertainment. All work and no play is never a good idea.

IF is an annual get-together to share ideas that help build a good society that we aspire to. It will be a gathering to feast on fresh ideas for shaping our collective destiny. IF takes the #InConversationWithTrevor show to a LIVE platform. Nation-building quality conversations, broad-based economic development, and prosperity can only be powered by a vibrant marketplace of ideas.

To join us please drop an email to olga@heartandsoul.co.zw or tncube@alphamedia.co.zw. To register to be considered for the #IdeasTank2023 please go to convowithtrevor.com/events/ #icwt23

In Conversation with Dr Matthew Wazara

Dr Matthew Wazara is a Specialist Surgeon,entrepreneur and a Pastor who is making a difference through his medical work and the work of God. He shares his journey of how he found God,why he chose medicine and why he is on a mission to create affordable quality health care in Zimbabwe. Watch his episode here..

Audience Responses

From the Dr Matthew Wazara episode, our community had this to say:

@talenthwingwiri62:

Dr Wazara, a role model humble man and a great teacher a blessing to have interacted with him and worked as his junior
13

@fadzayimaposah3283:

wonderful conversation. I loved how your mum and grandmother came to visit you when you had decided to become a vet! Those are powerful women who contributed to you in a great way!Thank you for the prayer ! I also went to Mupamombe Primary Sch grade 1 and grade two!
2

@michombazo1862:

Great interview, what a pleasure to listen to Matthew, a humble man full of so much wisdom. Still cherish the good times we shared during our short stint in Chiredzi in the early 90s. Huge respect!

Coming Next: In Conversation with Paula Mazvita Marowa

Don’t miss the next episode with Internationally Celebrated Founder & Executive Director, Rukanda Paula Mazvita Marowa In Conversation with Trevor.

Podcasts

• Dr Olivia Muchena: Zimbabwe Ex-Cabinet Minister
• Mo Ibrahim: Founder & Chairman of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation
• Winky D: Musician and Songwriter