We’re thrilled to announce that Mozilla Festival is coming to Zambia! This is most exciting as it is our second event led by Mozilla in the African region and the third MozFest on the continent, following successful gatherings in Uganda (2014), and Kenya (2023). MozFest House Zambia is a regional adaptation of the Mozilla Festival, an annual convening for technologists, researchers, policymakers, activists, and others to explore topics related to a healthy internet and trustworthy AI.

Our Journey in Africa: From Uganda to Kenya

Our journey started in 2014 with MozFest in East Africa in Uganda, a groundbreaking event that was entirely community-led. This was more than just a gathering; it was a powerful moment where people came together to explore, challenge, and shape the future of technology in their communities. It set the stage for what MozFest would become—a movement rooted in solidarity, togetherness, and a shared vision of a healthier, more inclusive internet.

Fast forward to 2023, and we brought MozFest House to Kenya. This time, Mozilla took the lead through the Africa Mradi program, took the lead. The Africa Innovation Mradi aims to leverage Mozilla’s role as stewards of the open web to promote innovation models grounded in the unique needs of users in the African continent, specifically in East and Southern Africa. The heart of the event remained the same: community-driven and focused on building a future where technology serves everyone. The response was incredible. We saw artists, technologists, activists, policymakers, and everyday citizens come together to tackle some of the biggest challenges facing the digital world today.

Why Zambia?

The journey has moved from the East and now we are in the South of the continent. The African continent is meeting the AI moment through the development of a continental policy strategy and emerging national AI policy frameworks such as in South Africa and our host Zambia. This moment needs to be more than just talk—it needs to lead to real, collective action and be met with solidarity and togetherness from African civil society, tech builders, media, artists, policymakers, and regulators to ensure that trustworthy AI is built with agency and care for people at its core.

By bringing MozFest House to Zambia, we aim to create a space where African voices are not just heard but are central to shaping the future of trustworthy AI. This event is about more than just technology; it’s about ensuring that AI and other emerging technologies are developed in ways that prioritize the well-being and agency of people across the continent.

What to Expect at MozFest House Zambia

We are excited to be hosting this regional event in Zambia, as part of our movement-building strategy to rally people, shape the agenda, and connect leaders.

The overarching theme for MozFest House Zambia is “Collective action towards achieving trustworthy AI”. It is a call to action that centers Africans in the pursuit of trustworthy AI systems. We’re working in solidarity with activists, policymakers, technologists, artists, and civil society actors to make a new normal for a future that listens and adapts, ensuring technology serves us all. We will be diving into topics that include but are not limited to building technology alternatives, governance of AI, environmental justice, economic justice, and inclusion.

MozFest House Zambia is more than just discussions. It’s about building sustainable action. We want to shift power dynamics, elevate narratives led by diverse voices and create a trusted space where meaningful connections can flourish.

We will do this by

• Fostering sustainable collaboration to reshape global power dynamics and sector-specific expertise;
• Lifting up critical and compelling narratives on AI and social justice led by diverse actors to shift the narrative of how Africa is perceived in the AI discourse; and
• Building a trusted space to foster diverse community connection

Two Ways to Be Part of the Experience!

1. Community Ticket: Unlock full access to all sessions, workshops, and activities at no cost to you! Connect with a global community shaping the future of AI and technology in Africa and beyond. Don’t miss your chance—reserve your spot today!
2. Volunteer Program: Want to dive deeper? Join our volunteer team! Enjoy full event access, receive exclusive perks, and connect with others while playing a key role in making MozFest House Zambia a success.

We will see you in Lusaka, Zambia!