By Thomas Chidamba
The Zimbabwe Institution of Engineers (ZIE) will convene its 2026 Annual Conference from 24 to 27 November 2026 at the Elephant Hills Resort in Victoria Falls.
Running under the theme “Engineering the Future: Smart and Sustainable Infrastructure Through AI, Innovation and Strategic Investment,” the conference is expected to bring together over 500 delegates including engineering practitioners, policymakers, investors, financiers, technology developers, contractors, regulators, and development partners.
According to the concept note released by ZIE, the conference is conceived as an implementation-oriented platform that connects national development priorities with engineering knowledge, finance, technology and accountable delivery.
“This is not just another talk-shop. The conference will move beyond diagnosis toward bankable ideas, implementable engineering recommendations, partnerships, and a post-conference action framework,” ZIE said.
The conference is strategically aligned to Vision 2030, the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) 2026-2030, the Zimbabwe National AI Strategy, National Broadband Plan, and Agenda 2063.
A major highlight will be a curated Digital Engineering and AI Exhibition – a first for ZIE – which will showcase functioning, demonstrable solutions, not just promotional claims, that use AI to solve engineering problems in Zimbabwe and comparable African settings.
Key thematic areas include Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, Energy, Water and Transport Infrastructure, Infrastructure Financing and PPPs, Smart Cities, Sustainable and Climate-Resilient Infrastructure, and Engineering Education.
The programme will combine an opening plenary, technical papers, thematic panels, project and investment roundtables, an emerging engineers forum, and a closing action session.
ZIE said presentations should be solution-oriented and relevant to Zimbabwe’s development context.
The conference comes as Zimbabwe faces infrastructure deficits, ageing assets, rapid urbanisation, climate hazards and financing constraints – challenges ZIE says require rehabilitation combined with new construction, physical infrastructure combined with digital capability.
Among the technology firms expected to anchor the AI Exhibition is Vision AL Technology, which provides AI-powered solutions for mining and construction including LiDAR Scanning, Fuel Management, Geotechnical Intelligence, and Production and Fleet Monitoring.
