12th International Conference on Appropriate Technology (12th ICAT)
Harnessing Appropriate Technologies for Sustainable Development: Empowering Communities, Bridging Gaps and Driving Inclusive Growth
November 24-27, 2026
Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
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.
Keynote Speakers
We are delighted to present our slate of Keynote speakers for the 12th International Conference on Appropriate Technology!
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Dr Eng. Marek Chodnicki is an Assistant Professor at Polish leading university, Gdańsk University of Technology (Gdańsk Tech), and Vice-Dean for Cooperation at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Ship Technology. 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 is an Associate Professor at Polish leading university, Gdańsk University of Technology (Gdańsk Tech), and Vice-Dean for Development at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Ship Technology. His work focuses on modelling of vehicle drive systems with internal combustion and electric engines, energy consumption of vehicles in regular traffic, internal combustion engines powered by unconventional fuels, cogeneration systems, Stirling engine designs (prototype solutions), energy analysis of Stirling engine systems powered by waste energy. -
Dr Deogratias “Deo” Niyizonkiza, Village Health Works’ visionary founder and CEO, 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 is BA from Columbia University, MPH from Harvard University, and MD from Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth. Deo’s work has been profiled in numerous major US newspapers and academic magazines including The New York Times, The Seattle Times, The Nation and Columbia University Magazine, etc. He also has authored and co-authored a number of articles in journals such as the British Medical Journal, The Guardian, The Huffington Post, and Social Research, An International Quarterly. His life journey is told in Pulitzer Prize-winner Tracy Kidder’s book, Strength in What Remains, The New York Times best seller named one of the best books of the year by The Washington Post, The San Francisco Chronicle, The Los Angeles Times, and The Chicago Tribune.
Registration & Fees
Instructions for submitting registration fees coming soon.
| Low/Middle income country professionals | $180 |
|---|---|
| Low/Middle income country students | $100 |
| High income country professionals | $320 |
| High income country students | $150 |
Note: All attendees are required to register for the conference.
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 registration fees do not include travel, accommodation, and transportation.
Accommodations
You can view a map of accommodations listed below at: https://maps.app.goo.gl/zQGs5ivtgPySPEXaA.
| Hotel | Rate(s) | Breakfast | Supper | For booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Churchill Arms | $120 | $28 | $28 | |
| Holiday Inn |
|
reservations@holidayinnbulawayo.co.zw Tel no. 00263787122001 |
||
| Rainbow Tourism Group | $90 Std | $35 | rutendo.takaidza@rtg.co.zw Tel No. 00263783869704 |
|
| N1 |
|
$10 | http://www.n1hotel.co.zw/bulawayo | |
| Ten On Brooke |
|
$15 |
|
www.10onbrooke.com info@10onbrooke.com |
| Sterling Hotel |
|
From $12 | From $12 | sales@sterlinginternationalhotels.com byreservations@sterlinginternationalhotels.com |
| Motsamai Guest Lodge |
|
$15 | $20 | www.motsamai.com |
Important Dates
| Initial Call for Participation | 8 Sept 2025 |
| Abstract Submission Deadline | 20 Oct 202503 Nov 2025 |
| Notification of Acceptance | 24 Nov 2025 |
| Full Submission Deadline | 26 Jan 202616 Feb 2026 |
| Reviews and Feedback | 06 Apr 2026 |
| Final Submission | 11 May 202615 Jun 2026 |
| Conference | 24-27 Nov 2026 |
Update 17 April 2026: Please accept our sincere apologies for the unexpected delay in the peer-review process for your full submissions that was supposed to finish by April 6th. Our reviewers are working on finishing the reviews and we will be providing you with feedback as soon as possible. Because of this delay on our part, note that the date of final submissions has been moved to June 15, 2026.