The Harare Institute of Technology (HIT) welcomed a delegation from the University of Tokyo’s world-renowned Matsuo Lab, led by Professor Yutaka Matsuo himself. The visit, on December 17, 2025, marked a significant step toward a powerful AI partnership between HIT and one of the globe’s leading research groups.
Professor Matsuo is a towering figure in AI, influencing not just academia but also government policy and industry. He chairs the Japanese Prime Minister’s Council for AI Strategy and serves as an outside director for SoftBank, bringing a unique real-world perspective to the table.
In his warm welcome remarks, HIT Vice Chancellor Professor Q.C. Kanhukamwe welcomed the delegation to Zimbabwe and to “the Innovation and Technopreneurial University.” He expressed HIT’s enthusiasm for hosting the lab’s Global Consumer Intelligence lecture and for strategic talks on how Japan and Zimbabwe can join forces in AI, particularly within universities.
Professor Kanhukamwe set the tone for the day with a central question: “What role can HIT and the University of Tokyo play in developing an inclusive and sustainable AI ecosystem in Zimbabwe?” He highlighted HIT’s keen interest in talent development and student exchange, framing a collaborative and ambitious agenda.
The Matsuo Lab team then shared the secret to their success: a dynamic four-pillar ecosystem. This model combines fundamental research (in areas like AI and robotics), advanced open education, collaborative industry projects, and startup incubation. It’s a self-sustaining “spiral of innovation” that has already spawned 36 startups valued at over $1.5 billion.
Visibly impressed, Vice Chancellor Kanhukamwe said he was “delighted and humbled” by Matsuo Lab’s choice to partner with HIT. “We will certainly work and collaborate with you on AI Value Creation for Local Economies,” he affirmed. He proposed a concrete framework for engagement, focusing on knowledge transfer, dataset development, AI innovation labs, and specialised training programmes.
The day was packed with interaction. After in-depth discussions, the delegation toured HIT’s flagship facilities, including the Innovation Hub, the Microbiology Lab and the Lithium Battery Plant, seeing the institute’s commitment to applied research firsthand.
The afternoon featured the final in-person lecture for Matsuo Lab’s flagship Global Consumer Intelligence course, which has educated over 26,000 participants worldwide, including four HIT students, who were formally recognised during the visit for completing the online programme and earning their certificates. This event underscored the lab’s expanding global network across ASEAN and Africa, with HIT positioned as a key partner. This collaboration is part of a larger international initiative to nurture 30,000 AI talents in Africa over three years.
The programme wrapped up with a forward-looking dialogue between Professor Matsuo and HIT’s Pro-Vice Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Commercialisation, Professor Jeff Gwamuri, on “Designing the Future in AI,” followed by networking sessions.
All in all, the visit successfully laid a firm foundation for the future. It positions HIT at the heart of a major pan-African AI talent drive and opens the door to a world-class ecosystem of research, education, and entrepreneurship, perfectly aligning with HIT’s mandate: to develop, incubate, transfer and commercialise technology for Zimbabwe’s rapid industrialisation.
