The Harare Institute of Technology (HIT) has been producing graduates who have gone on to achieve remarkable success in various fields of endeavour. Among these successful graduates are technopreneurs who have established thriving business enterprises. The HIT Alumni Business Enterprises have not only contributed to the growth of the Zimbabwean economy but are also creating jobs and providing
solutions to various challenges in different sectors. These businesses cover a wide range of industries including engineering, technology, finance, energy, health, education, food, and agriculture.

In its promotion of the establishment of business, the University runs an annual Business Plan Competition together with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Corporation (SMEDCO), Stanbic Bank, and Varichem Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd., where 29 companies established by present and former HIT students participated. To enter the competition, one must be compliant with all the laws of
business practice in Zimbabwe. The results were as follows:

Ladworx Business Solutions Private Limited scooped the first prize in the 2023 Business Plan Competition. Lardworx is a digital-first software solution and digital marketing firm that integrates bespoke software solutions with aggressive marketing practices to ensure business success. It also offers Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software reselling and training, secretarial, and company registry services. It won USD 5000 equivalent from SMEDCO as a grant.

RHEMSPLAST came second. The company has developed a new, environmentally friendly cost-effective process for extracting gold with a focus on markets where the existing process of sodium cyanide and mercury either does not work or is banned for environmental reasons. RHEMSPLAST developed bio-absorbents (immobilized acacia tannin) for gold extraction, substituting mercury in small-scale mines. By
cross-linking the tannin, the adsorbent exhibits high selectivity and high adsorption capacity of gold of about 95% recovery, almost close to the cyanidation process. Furthermore, the absorption is not affected by the presence of other metal ions such as copper, zinc, and nickel. RHEMSPLAST won USD 3000 equivalent fromSMEDCO as a grant.

Zambezi Ark Technologies (Zartech) is a youth-led for-profit social enterprise that provides sustainable and reliable lighting solutions to improve education, health, and productivity in underserved areas. Zartech offers an off-grid solar-powered DC LED lighting system and the Chigubhu Lantern made from electronic and plastic waste, providing high-quality, climate-friendly, and affordable lighting options. It won a USD2000 equivalent from SMEDCO as a grant.

Some HIT former students have established thriving companies, such as Tractors and Implement Supplies. The company has a turnover of US$350 000 per annum whilst a majority are grossing between US$20 000 to US$50 000 per year.

Enersol Engineering Private Limited is another company owned by HIT graduates, Dr Cleven Masango and Shandirai Zongoro. It is an innovative energy solutions firm based in Harare and has interests in renewable and non-renewable electrical energy, civil engineering, and architectural services. The company also offers comprehensive consultancy, design, installation, and maintenance services for secure and efficient energy infrastructure as well as project management services across all phases, from the planning to the commission of a project.

Clive Nyapokoto is also a HIT graduate who owns Shift Organic Technologies (SOT), which is an agro-based startup with its main thrust on the development of climate-smart integrated organic farming technologies. The company specialises in aquaponics and hydroponics, herbs production and processing, nursery technologies, beekeeping, vermiculture, black soldier fly maggots production, small livestock breeding, and solar drying technology.

Ronnex Private Limited is an information technology one-stop-shop that focuses mostly on software development services such as Enterprise Resource Planning Systems, IT proficiency training, web development, hardware supplies, and maintenance. The company is owned by Ronald Nyamukuwa, a HIT Master of Technology graduate.

HIT continues to work with its stakeholders and partners to ensure the growth of its footprint in High-Tech business enterprise development. Going forward, the Institute will include all its prominent alumni in the Graduation Ceremony, Technovation Expo, and Vice Chancellor’s Fundraising Golf Tournament, making them part of career guidance and curriculum review activities.

HIT GRADUATES/ALUMNI BUSINESS ENTERPRISES EXHIBITION

14^TH GRADUATION EXHIBITORS LIST