Online Reporter
Fungai Lupande
Mashonaland Central Bureau
Youths offering practical solutions to community challenges have once again placed Zimbabwe on the global map, following the Enactus Bindura University of Science Education (BUSE) team’s second-place finish at the Enactus World Cup in Bangkok, Thailand.
The team’s projects, rooted in sustainable entrepreneurship and community empowerment, showed how African youth can turn local challenges into business opportunities that create jobs, alleviate poverty, and inspire transformation.
Bindura is now known on the world stage as a hub of innovation and brilliance, thanks to the Enactus BUSE team’s creativity, commitment, and resilience.
The students developed two groundbreaking projects that impressed international judges. The first, Biodivergent, promotes sustainable agriculture through organic-based seed formulations that replace harmful chemicals.
The environmentally friendly seeds improve yields while safeguarding soil health and biodiversity.
The second, Volte Step, is a smart shoe embedded with piezoelectric cells in its sole. As the wearer walks, the cells generate electricity that is stored in a small battery.
The shoe has already powered an LED bulb for up to six hours, providing much-needed lighting to a rural school.
Together, the projects directly address 13 of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Mashonaland Central Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Christopher Magomo hailed the victory as a national triumph.
“The team has flown the national flag high and showcased the quality of education and the spirit of innovation thriving in our higher and tertiary institutions, in line with the national vision of Education 5.0,” he said.
He added that the projects reflect Zimbabwe’s drive towards devolution, community-led development, and President Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030 of building an empowered and industrialised society.
In Bangkok, the BUSE team outshone former champions the United States, Ghana, and Germany in the group stages before defeating Thailand, the Netherlands, and Puerto Rico in the knockouts.
In the finals, Zimbabwe competed against Canada, Tunisia, and Germany, finishing second, the nation’s best performance in 13 years, and the first time since 2012 that an African team reached the finals. Canada took the top spot.
University officials described the result as “a historic moment for Zimbabwe and for Bindura University.”
BUSE Vice Chancellor, Professor Eddie Mwenje, praised the achievement, saying, “This success reflects the exceptional talent, dedication, and entrepreneurial spirit of our students.
“The projects embody Zimbabwe’s vision of using innovation, science, and entrepreneurship as key drivers of socio-economic transformation.”
The team walked away with US$6 500 in prize money, but more importantly, left an indelible mark as role models for Africa’s next generation of innovators and leaders.
Enactus BUSE president, Tadiwanashe Takawira, said the projects prove that innovation can transform communities.
“Our projects have showcased our creativity and entrepreneurial acumen while addressing pressing issues faced by our communities,” he said.
“This achievement is not just a testament to our team’s hard work and dedication, but also a reflection of the institution’s commitment to innovation, intrapreneurship, and community engagement.”
With this global recognition, BUSE continues to cement its reputation as a hub for young innovators shaping solutions not only for Zimbabwe but for the world.
