CEO and co-founder of Aura Group and Chengetedzai Depository Company Limited, Samuelle Dimairho was invited as a panellist at the 2024 Computer Society of Zimbabwe summit which took place at Elephant Hills Resort in Victoria Falls from the 13th up to 17 November.
Packed with an extraordinary line up of guest speakers some of which are Information technologies(IT) professionals, renowned business entrepreneurs and tech enthusiasts, the summit is a platform where members will meet and discuss how to navigate ICT solutions in Zimbabwe to ensure a smooth sail and success of businesses
The summit marks an incredible 50- year milestone of CSZ’s contribution to the technology and innovation in Zimbabwe and Samuelle is thrilled to be a part of it. The society was designed to gather all the above individuals in one place where they can exchange, enhance and exhibit their digital skills in light of the introduction of new innovative technologies. Founded in 1974, the society was created with the aim of championing and educating the general public on the use and developments in the ICT industry. To date, the organisation is now internationally recognised as a professional community for all things technology professionals and driving the ICT ecosystem of Zimbabwe.
Running under the theme, “navigating digital solutions for a sustainable tomorrow”, the summit will explore effective topics on the evolution of Artificial Intelligence(AI), digital transformations, data protection, connectivity and more. Apart from Samuelle Dirmaiho, some of the renowned panellists and guest speakers at the summit included; Engineer Brian Chikwasha, West Prop CEO Kenneth Sharpe, Non- executive director at Netone Paul Mapfiga and other foreign regional ICT officials to mention a few.
As a young and established entrepreneur, Samuelle Dirmaiho’s determination for an active presence and contribution to the Computer Society of Zimbabwe cannot go unnoticed as he has played a huge part in establishing Aura Group, a company that offers diverse ICT hardwares, software, management consultations and other accessories into the ever evolving tech industry.
Early Life & Background overview of Samuelle Dimairho’s journey to success
From as early as 15, Samuelle began trading financial securities on the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange which ultimately led to him establishing the Chengetedzai Depository Company at the height of hyperinflation in 2008, which is recognised as Zimbabwe’s first national central security depository at 17 years after dropping out of school soon after his O level exams at Prince Edward.
While navigating the newly established company by day, he was also juggling to acquire a Chartered Accountancy certificate with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants(ACCA) as a part timer by night and presently he is a certified Chartered and registered public accountant. Between 2013 and 2015 he enrolled with Oxford Brooks University and completed his BSc honors in Applied Accounting.
Located in Harare CBD,the company has employed a number of people, it has been successfully operational for 17 years and to date, the Security depository firm has peaked at over US$10 Billion in security deposits and trade settlements nearing US$5 Billion.
In addition to his notable achievements, Samuelle went on to co- establish Aura Group in 2013 and is the current Chief Executive Officer. The company consisting of approximately 18 subsidiary companies is based in Zimbabwe and operating across various business sectors including mining, ICTs, financial and investment services, farming and agro processing companies and many others. To date, the group of companies employ over 500 individuals.
The company actively offers 100+ products and services which explains Mr Dimairho being invited as a panellist at the CSZ Summit 2024 to discuss and propose solutions to enhance digital skills of every ICT professional in the fast evolving tech industry.
Under the strong leadership of Samuelle Dimairho , Aura Group of Companies has shown a significant growth through partnerships and diversified investments with prestigious firms which include; Pro Sap Dynamics, Aura Aviation, AfriSpares, Discovery Investments and most recently Star Link. In October 2024, Aura Group announced its partnership with Starlink, a world leading Internet Service Provider, and acquired authority to be starlink products reseller while ensuring enhanced internet connectivity for Zimbabwean businesses and homesteads.
“We are delighted to announce that today marks the official launch of our partnership with Starlink! This collaboration represents a significant milestone for us, and we are excited to embark on this journey together. We invite you to join us in celebrating this occasion by tuning in to watch the launch on ZiFM”, Alpha Group revealed.
In his early thirties, the young entrepreneur has manoeuvred his businesses to a success while juggling other professions. Currently, he is a non-executive director at ZB financial Holdings Limited since October 2021.In between his day to day activities he still manages to author many business and entrepreneurship success guide books. Among his successful editions include; “Becoming Successful” edition which explains the principles to become successful and he also added his personal experiences in some of the chapters in the book.
The young entrepreneur has also done notable voluntary work as an entrepreneurial judge with both Demo Africa and The Boost Fellowship. He voluntarily serves as an advisor to the Graduate Development Agency and Young Entrepreneurs Sanctuary Africa, which is an organisation focused on building the soft skills of graduates and mentoring young and aspiring entrepreneurs
Samuelle’s journey to success has continuously broken the notions that it is only when one is educated enough that they will succeed, through his resilience from a young age to an internationally recognised entrepreneur. In terms of ICTs developments in the country he believes if people work they, Zimbabwe will improve its global reputation in commerce.
In terms of his achievements, Samuelle is a globally recognised and multi award winning businessman as he made the Forbes under 30 list in 2018. He scooped the young corporate director of the year award in 2021 issued by Institute of Corporate Directors (Zimbabwe). He was also awarded best businessman of the year in 2020 by the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) and the prestigious Global Student Entrepreneur award in 2015 among other many awards and recognitions as one of the most influential young Africans.
In a world where data is the new gold, harnessing information is the power tool for the success of any startup or well established business hence the creation of the Computer society of Zimbabwe and as part of that society, Samuelle Dirmihao has played a great part in empowering youth in Zimbabwe and beyond to pursue their dreams and ideas from a young age regardless of challenges met along the journey. He firmly believes that the youth are leaders of tomorrow and he is paving way by creating opportunities and platforms where they express themselves.