Zimpapers Logo

Sikhulekelani Moyo, [email protected]

A new tech company, Mviyo Technologies, was launched yesterday at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre (ZIEC) in Bulawayo, with the aim of providing innovative and affordable solutions for local businesses and communities. The company, founded by Jacqueline Ntaka, a passionate tech entrepreneur, offers a range of products and services, such as ticketing systems, geo-location of animals and workers, and agro-care.

Ntaka (43) said she was inspired by the need to create local solutions for local challenges, and to contribute to the growing tech ecosystem in Zimbabwe. She said the name Mviyo came from the traditional fruit called umviyo, which is sweet and sour, and can withstand harsh weather conditions. She said this symbolises the resilience and adaptability of her company, which will face many limitations and setbacks, but will strive to bring innovative solutions that suit the local context.

“We want to make Bulawayo and Zimbabwe at large the next tech hub, with emphasis on Bulawayo being Silicon Valley. We also want to support local businesses so that they don’t have to go outside the country to seek solutions. Our aim is to create localised solutions where we go through the customer experience and we co-operate with management and know what our clients want,” she said.

The launch of Mviyo Technologies comes at a time when the Government is encouraging the public and private sector to invest more in technology and innovation, in order to achieve the vision of becoming a knowledge driven and industrialising upper middle-income economy by 2030, and to align with the African Union’s vision and Agenda 2063.

Some of the products that Mviyo Technologies showcased at the launch include the ticketing system called Zim Ticketing, which helps event planners to know how many people are attending their events, and to avoid fraud and duplication. Ntaka said this system is different from other ticketing systems that are done outside the country, which are difficult for local people to access.

Another product is the geo-location of animals, which helps farmers to track and monitor their livestock, and to prevent theft and disease outbreaks. The company also offers a product called Ago Time, which helps employers to geo-locate their workers when they are at work, and to improve productivity and accountability. The company also provides a service called Ago Care, which helps farmers to access information and advice on crop and animal production, and to connect with markets and suppliers.

Ntaka also revealed that she is looking for strategic partnerships and collaborations with other African tech companies, NGOs, and educational institutions, to enhance her offerings, share knowledge, and contribute to the development of the African tech ecosystem. She said she is launching a programme to introduce Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) to primary schools, and to partner with universities like Nust to assist students who cannot afford to pay their fees.

Mviyo Technologies chief IT officer Mr Mandla Nkiwane

Mviyo Tech IT officer Mandla Nkiwane said, “Technology growth in Zimbabwe has a potential to bring powerful growth and be a catalyst for economic growth.”

One of the speakers at the launch, Siqabukile Ndlovu from the National University of Science and Technology (Nust), emphasised the need for inclusivity and diversity in the tech sector, especially for girls and women. She said there are few girls who are undertaking computer science and other technology-based courses, and that they need to be encouraged and empowered to pursue them.

“Imagine a world where young girls are not just consumers but creators of technology, where their voices and perspectives shape the innovations of tomorrow. Picture a diverse workforce, enriched by the unique insights and problem-solving approaches that come from varied backgrounds and experiences. This isn’t just a dream; it’s a tangible reality we can build together,” she said.