The Harare Institute of Technology (HIT) Enactus team proudly participated in the 2025 Enactus National Competitions held in Harare on 01 August 2025, marking a significant milestone in their journey as student-led social entrepreneurs and innovators. The event brought together top student teams from across the country to showcase impactful projects aimed at driving social and economic development.
A standout achievement was the team’s success at the Schneider Electric Innovation Challenge, where two of their projects ranked among the top fifteen out of 14 participating institutions. Notably, one project secured third place with a USD 1,000 prize for a sustainable battery system utilising sodium hydroxide as the electrolyte and aluminium-air as the cathode. The team expressed appreciation to Engineer Katsande from EMREC at the Innovation Hub for his support during ideation and prototype development. Furthermore, Ms. T. Dundu, a Faculty Advisor, was recognised as the FA of the Year, highlighting her dedication and mentorship.
While the team did not advance to the final four in the main Enactus competition, they remain optimistic and motivated by the impact and feedback of their projects. The event, which featured high-level presentations and networking, was won by Bindura University, the national champions.
The team also attended a distinguished luncheon panel with innovation and development leaders, including Alluwaine Manyonga, Audrey Chidawanyika, Ashley Chimhanda, Ethel Bangawo, and Persistence Jaure. These interactions provided valuable insights into leadership, innovation, and social impact, enriching the team’s perspective and future aspirations.
Reflecting on their experience, the Enactus HIT team expressed heartfelt appreciation for the support received from the HIT Vice Chancellor, the Technopreneurship Department, Student Affairs, the Innovation Hub, and faculty advisors. They emphasised that such backing is vital for their continued growth and success. The Institute’s mentorship and monitoring support throughout the project development phase also played a critical role in refining their ideas and ensuring sustainability.
Looking ahead, the team is committed to expanding its projects, aiming for future national titles, and elevating the reputation of HIT as a hub of innovation and social impact. With ongoing institutional support, they are determined to make a lasting difference in Zimbabwe’s development landscape.
