BULAWAYO, Zimbabwe – In a significant nod to Zimbabwe’s growing prowess in the technology and geospatial sectors, Thabani Singwango, a standout student from the National University of Science and Technology (NUST), has been selected as the sole Zimbabwean representative at the prestigious 4th BRICS+ Youth Innovation Summit 2026.
The summit, scheduled to take place from 9 to 10 April 2026, at the Tshwane University of Technology in Pretoria, South Africa, is hosted by the South African BRICS Youth Association (SABYA). The high-level forum brings together the brightest young minds from BRICS nations and the Global South to collaborate on technological solutions to pressing global challenges.
Representing NUST’s Geospatial Department, Singwango will showcase his groundbreaking project, "The National Mineral Intelligence Hub and Academy," under the summit’s "Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Digitisation" thematic track. The project leverages Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Artificial Intelligence to modernise mineral exploration. By integrating spatial data with AI-driven analytics, the Hub aims to revolutionise how geological resources are identified and managed, a critical innovation for Zimbabwe’s mineral-rich economy.
Out of a highly competitive pool of applicants from across the continent and the expanded BRICS bloc, Singwango stands as the only delegate flying the Zimbabwean flag. Reflecting on the appointment, Singwango noted that it is a massive honour to represent his university, the Geospatial department, and the nation at large. He emphasised that his primary objective is to demonstrate how AI and digitisation can transform extractive industries in Africa by making exploration more efficient and data-driven.
On his sole selection to represent Zimbabwe at the summit, Singwango said, “ Representing Zimbabwe at this summit is more than just a personal milestone; it is a profound responsibility to carry the aspirations of my peers at NUST and young innovators across my country. To stand on this stage means proving that Zimbabwean youth are not just observers of the global technological shift, but active architects of sustainable solutions in the Global South.”
The summit’s itinerary features a distinguished lineup of international diplomats and innovation leaders. Singwango is scheduled to deliver his presentation on the afternoon of 9 April before an audience of esteemed figures, including Hon. Sindisiwe Chikunga, South African Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities; H.E. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, former African Union Commission Chairperson; and Ambassador Mabhongo, the BRICS Sherpa.
Singwango’s selection underscores the high calibre of research emerging from NUST and highlights the increasing relevance of Geospatial Science in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. As the global community shifts towards smarter, more sustainable mining practices, the National Mineral Intelligence Hub positions Zimbabwe as a proactive contributor to global technological solutions.
“My primary objective at this summit is to forge strategic partnerships that bridge the gap between geospatial data and grassroots impact. I hope to return home not just with new connections, but with a refined roadmap for scaling our National Mineral Intelligence Hub, ensuring that Zimbabwean innovation contributes meaningfully to the collective progress of the BRICS+ nations,” he said.
The summit will conclude on 10 April with an awards ceremony and a keynote address by Hon. Pitso Lesaoana, Minister of Youth and Social Development for the Kingdom of Lesotho. For NUST and the broader Zimbabwean academic community, Singwango’s participation serves as a powerful testament to the potential of Zimbabwean youth to lead the charge in global innovation.