Team Zimbabwe Shines at the Enactus World Cup in A...

Team Zimbabwe Shines at the Enactus World Cup in Astana

Patience Muchemwa

Senior Reporter

Team Zimbabwe made history at the 2024 Enactus World Cup, held from October 1 to 4 in Astana, Kazakhstan, with an exceptional performance that put the nation on the global stage.

This year marked the first time four Zimbabwean universities participated in the prestigious competition, showcasing the country's growing commitment to innovation and social entrepreneurship.

The Zimbabwean delegation, composed of 38 representatives, included students and staff from the University of Zimbabwe, Bindura University of Science Education, National University of Science and Technology, and Midlands State University.

Each institution competed across different tracks, including the Action with Africa Challenge and the Early-Stage Competition Category. The delegation’s success was a proud moment for Zimbabwe, reflecting the impact of the Enactus program in empowering students to address critical global challenges.

One of the biggest highlights of the event was NUST’s victory in the Early-Stage Competition Category, where they emerged as world champions. Competing in League 2 against teams from the United Kingdom, Puerto Rico, Colombia, India, and South Africa, NUST secured the top position, advancing to the final round. They went head-to-head with Brazil, the League 1 winner, ultimately clinching the title.

NUST’s winning project focused on transforming plastic waste in Bulawayo into a sustainable fuel resource. This innovative solution addresses the issue of plastic pollution, with only 9% of the city's plastic waste being recycled, while the rest is discarded at locations like the Ngozi Mine dumpsite.

NUST’s project promises to revolutionise recycling practices in Zimbabwe and serve as a model for other nations grappling with similar waste management issues.

In addition to NUST’s victory, BUSE achieved remarkable success by finishing as the first runner-up in the Action with Africa Challenge. Competing against over 20 countries and 137 projects, BUSE’s Organix Project stood out for its creative approach to water purification and agriculture.

The project extracts chitin from mushrooms to naturally treat water and combat waterborne diseases in local communities. It also provides biopesticides and natural food preservatives to farmers, many of whom are women, helping them improve their yields and income. BUSE’s achievement earned them an investment prize of €7,500, further enabling the team to scale their solution and make a lasting impact on their community.

Reflecting on the success, Ms Cleopatra Makoni, Country Leader and Executive Director of Enactus Zimbabwe, praised the hard work of the students and the support of Zimbabwean universities.

“I am thrilled to have led the largest ever Zimbabwean delegation to the Enactus World Cup. It is a historic moment for our country as we clinched the World Title in the Early-Stage Category and secured the first runner-up position in the Action with Africa Challenge. I want to extend my sincere gratitude to our corporate partners, including Delta Corporation Limited, KPMG Zimbabwe, CABS, Old Mutual, POSB, and others, for their unwavering support of Enactus,” said Ms Makoni.

For many students, the experience at the Enactus World Cup was transformative. Tinotenda Chitanda, a student at BUSE, shared how the Enactus journey shaped his perspective on entrepreneurship.

“Enactus has been a transformative journey, broadening my perspective on entrepreneurship’s power to drive positive change.

'Through experiences in the Netherlands and Kazakhstan, I’ve witnessed firsthand how global challenges become opportunities for impact. Enactus has taught me to approach problems with solution-focused determination, rather than despair,” said Chitanda.

The University of Zimbabwe and Midlands State University also performed admirably, with UZ competing fiercely in League 2 against Hong Kong, Tajikistan, and the host country, Kazakhstan. Despite tough competition, the Zimbabwean teams made their mark on the global stage, further solidifying Zimbabwe’s reputation as a hub for social innovation.

The Enactus World Cup 2024 brought together over 700 young social entrepreneurs from more than 30 countries, all working to solve critical global challenges through innovative solutions. As a platform for collaboration, the event allowed students to exchange ideas, build networks, and develop their entrepreneurial skills.

The support from corporate partners and the engagement of the Zimbabwean universities played a crucial role in empowering the students to make a significant impact at the event.

In conclusion, Team Zimbabwe’s stellar performance at the Enactus World Cup 2024 is a testament to the talent, creativity, and determination of the country’s youth. Their achievements not only highlight the importance of social entrepreneurship but also showcase Zimbabwe’s potential to lead innovative solutions that address global challenges.

As Zimbabwe continues to grow in the field of social enterprise, the country is well-positioned to make an even greater impact on the world stage.