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JEFFREY MURUNGWENI said the Tourism Innovation Challenge has opened opportunities for him to advance his entrepreneurship dreams.
Murungweni won the inaugural challenge with his project dubbed Trafiki Africa.
“Trafiki Africa is an automated WhatsApp chat bot that offers centralised tourism services.
“It allows users to know more about tourist destinations in the Eastern Highlands and South East Lowveld of Zimbabwe,” he said.
He started the project last year when he was in Upper 6.
Murungweni recently participated in the Africa Youth in Tourism Challenge in Namibia, with the same project and emerged tops in the first round.
He has been shortlisted for the top three in the same challenge.
“I am happy the idea has qualified for the top three and the winner will be announced at the Africa Tourism Leadership Tourism next month.
“I hope I win, as it will help me promote both domestic and international tourism,” said Murungweni.
He said his vision is to market Zimbabwe’s tourism using WhatsApp.
He hailed the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority and private tourism sector for the support and mentoring him to finetune his idea.
Murungweni, who recently turned 20, is a first year Computer Science student at Africa University.
“I encourage fellow youths to start working on the ideas they have and implement them into productive ventures.
“With all the skills we have, let us market our country so that it remains a favourable tourist destination,” he said.
Minister of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Nqobizitha Mangaliso Ndhlovu, commended Murungweni for his innovation.
“It is more of these real, tangible examples we want to see, as the youths tap into regional and global talents, skills and intellect to domesticate their refined initiatives into our own tourism,” said Minister Ndhlovu.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter