12th International Conference on Appropriate Technology (12th ICAT)

November 24-27, 2026 Bulawayo, Zimbabwe

Harnessing Appropriate Technologies for Sustainable Development: Empowering Communities, Bridging Gaps and Driving Inclusive Growth

Harnessing Appropriate Technology

Driving inclusive growth and sustainable development across Africa.

Harnessing appropriate technology (AT) is a key strategy for achieving sustainable development by empowering communities, bridging socio-economic divides, and driving inclusive growth. Unlike high-cost, capital-intensive technology, "appropriate technology" is people-centred, environmentally sustainable, and economically viable, enabling communities to gain greater self-reliance and control over their own development.

The use of AT boosts productivity and resilience, increases environmental stewardship and fosters grassroots innovation. Through access to hardware and relevant content, ATs such as mobile learning and telehealth can extend services to underserved populations fostering greater inclusion in the digital world. Online financial services, adaptive agriculture, and renewable energy are only some of the areas where AT can strengthen local economies, increase food security, and realize energy access for all.

The theme of the 12th ICAT organized by NUST for 2026 offers a platform and opportunity to discuss, debate and envision a sustainable future for Africa.

New Publication Opportunity

Boosting research productivity and visibility for our contributors.

We are pleased to announce a significant new partnership to boost research productivity and visibility for our contributors. Through a collaboration with Global and African scholars, we have secured a high-quality outlet for this year's research:

đź“š Conference Proceedings
Accepted proceedings from ICAT 2026 will be published through dedicated outlets for African-focused research journals.
đź“ť Journal Publication
Selected extended conference papers will be published in relevant, high-quality Insibidi journals.

Submission Categories

Open to scholars, students, NGOs, government institutions, and commercial enterprises.

While the first call for abstracts has passed, this second call invites full submissions for the following tracks:

1
Full Academic Papers
Research papers that will undergo a strict double-blind peer review by our Scientific Review Committee.
2
Poster Sessions
Short papers submitted for visual presentation.
3
Workshops
Proposals for scholarly or hands-on/technical workshops.
4
Appropriate Technology Fair
Proposals to showcase implemented projects, prototypes, or products developed by NGOs, labs, or enterprises.

Review of INAT History

Celebrating two decades of Appropriate Technology conferences across Africa.

Conference Hosting Timeline

🇿🇼 Zimbabwe 2004, 2006, 2016, 2026 (Upcoming)
🇿🇦 South Africa 2012, 2020, 2024
🇸🇩 Sudan 2022
🇧🇯 Benin 2018

Keynote Speakers

We are delighted to present our slate of Keynote speakers for the 12th International Conference on Appropriate Technology!

Dr. Eng. Marek Chodnicki

Dr. Eng. Marek Chodnicki

Assistant Professor & Vice-Dean for Cooperation
Gdańsk University of Technology, Poland
He leads and contributes to applied R&D and international projects that connect engineering research with real-world needs especially in manufacturing, product and process development, technology transfer, and education innovation. His work focuses on practical, scalable mechanical-engineering solutions: from design-for-manufacture and prototyping to validation, implementation pathways, and workforce skills. He emphasizes solutions that are feasible, maintainable, and economically viable, while supporting circularity and measurable impact in emerging and resource-constrained contexts.
PhD. DSc. Eng. Jacek Kropiwnicki

PhD. DSc. Eng. Jacek Kropiwnicki

Associate Professor & Vice-Dean for Development
Gdańsk University of Technology, Poland
He serves as Associate Professor and Vice-Dean for Development at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Ship Technology at Gdańsk University of Technology (Gdańsk Tech). His work focuses on advanced mechanical systems, developmental research, academic leadership, and driving innovative institutional collaborations that align cutting-edge engineering applications with sustainable industrial progress.
Dr. Deogratias “Deo” Niyizonkiza

Dr. Deogratias “Deo” Niyizonkiza

Founder and CEO
Village Health Works
Village Health Works’ visionary founder and CEO, Dr. Niyizonkiza is one of the leading advocates for the most impoverished people in the world. His compassion, expertise, and life experience have made him one of the key voices in global health and international development. He obtained his BA from Columbia University, MPH from Harvard University, and MD from Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth.

His work has been profiled in major outlets including The New York Times, The Seattle Times, The Nation, and Columbia University Magazine, and he has authored/co-authored articles in journals such as the British Medical Journal, The Guardian, and Social Research. His remarkable life journey is also told in Pulitzer Prize-winner Tracy Kidder’s bestseller, Strength in What Remains.

Conference Registration & Fees

Low / Middle Income Country

Regular (Register by Oct 31)
Professional: $180
Student: $100
Late (Nov 1 or Later)
Professional: $205
Student: $125

High Income Country

Regular (Register by Oct 31)
Professional: $320
Student: $150
Late (Nov 1 or Later)
Professional: $345
Student: $175
Registration fees include:
  • Admission to the welcome reception & closing ceremony.
  • Attendee bag (Programme, pen, notebook, book of abstracts).
  • Admission to all sessions (keynotes, papers, workshops, poster exhibitions, and technology fair).
  • Coffee breaks & lunches throughout the conference.
  • Certificate of participation.
  • Participation in the social programme.
Please note that all attendees are required to register for the conference, and registration fees do not include travel, accommodation, and transportation.

Important Dates

Conference Timeline

Initial Call for Participation 8 Sept 2025
Abstract Submission Deadline
20 Oct 2025 03 Nov 2025
Notification of Acceptance 24 Nov 2025
Full Submission Deadline
26 Jan 2026 16 Feb 2026
Reviews and Feedback 06 Apr 2026
Final Submission
11 May 2026 15 Jun 2026
Conference Dates 24–27 Nov 2026

Churchill Arms

Rooms & Rates
Standard $120
Meals
Breakfast $28
Supper $28
Booking
Standard Booking

Holiday Inn

Rooms & Rates
Single $140
Sharing $160
Meals
Options Varies
Booking & Contact

Rainbow Tourism Group

Rooms & Rates
Standard $90
Meals
Supper $35
Booking & Contact
rutendo.takaidza@rtg.co.zw

Tel: 00263783869704

N1 Hotel

Rooms & Rates
Standard $70
Deluxe $80
Executive $90
Meals
Breakfast $10
Booking & Contact

Ten On Brooke

Rooms & Rates
Standard $95
Deluxe $115
Executive $135
Presidential $145
Meals
Breakfast $15
1 Course $15
2 Course $20
3 Course $25

Sterling Hotel

Rooms & Rates
Standard $60
Deluxe $80
Executive $100
Meals
Breakfast From $12
Supper From $12

Motsamai Guest Lodge

Rooms & Rates
Std (Bed Only) $60
Deluxe $80
Executive $100
Meals
Breakfast $15
Supper $20
Booking & Contact

Organizers & Committee

Leadership and institutional partners driving the 12th ICAT conference.

Local Organizing Committee Leadership

The 12th ICAT local organizing committee is co-led by the following esteemed members:

SN
Sibangiso Ngwenya
Local Committee Co-Lead
KS
Khulekani Sibanda
Local Committee Co-Lead

International Leadership & Review

GK
Gada Kadoda, PhD
Chair, 12th ICAT International Organizing Committee (IOC) / Scientific Review Committee (SRC)
Board Member, International Network on Appropriate Technology (INAT)

Organizing Institutions & Networks

National University of Science & Technology (NUST)
www.nust.ac.zw ↗
International Network on Appropriate Technology (INAT)
appropriatetech.net ↗

Connect with us

National University of Science & Technology
PO Box AC 939, Ascot, Bulawayo
Zimbabwe
Tel: +263 292 282842
Fax: +263 292 286803

NUST Harare Office
ZiMDEF House Ground Floor
18572 off mother Patrick Avenue 
Rotten Row
Harare
Tel: +263  242251534
Email:  info@nust.ac.zw

 

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