Zimbabwe is set to highlight its burgeoning innovation and start-up ecosystem at Viva Technology (VivaTech) 2026 in Paris, France, this week. The country aims to connect its local innovators with global technology leaders, investors, and business partners to scale home-grown solutions to international markets.
A delegation led by the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development, alongside officials from the University of Zimbabwe and selected local start-ups, will attend the four-day technology exhibition. The event, widely recognized as Europe’s largest start-up and technology gathering, runs from June 17 to 20.
Selected start-ups representing Zimbabwe include Robestos Technologies, Internet of KAPS, and HeyNala. These companies have developed business models designed to thrive despite structural constraints, such as limited infrastructure and fragmented markets, leading to innovative solutions with potential global relevance. VivaTech 2026 is expected to attract 180,000 participants, 15,000 start-ups, and 4,000 investors from 171 countries.
Key Players Involved
- Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development: Leading the Zimbabwean delegation.
- University of Zimbabwe: Participating institution.
- Robestos Technologies: One of the selected Zimbabwean start-ups.
- Internet of KAPS: Another selected Zimbabwean start-up.
- HeyNala: Selected Zimbabwean start-up.
Event Timeline
- June 15, 2026: News breaks regarding Zimbabwe’s participation.
- June 17-20, 2026: Viva Technology (VivaTech) 2026 exhibition takes place in Paris, France.
