Aluwaine Manyonga, founder and lead innovator at Zambezi Ark Technologies (Zartech), is a young entrepreneur at the heart of a business committed to finding sustainable solutions to Zimbabwe’s ongoing electricity challenges.
Zartech is a youth-led social enterprise dedicated to brightening lives through sustainable energy and circular lighting solutions across the education, healthcare, and residential sectors. With a strong focus on eco-friendly practices, Zartech is driving positive change.
The company offers a wide range of clean energy solutions, primarily solar-powered, customized to meet the unique needs of their clients. Zartech has become the go-to provider for reliable energy access, known for their innovative approach to sustainable solutions.
Through a combination of innovation and environmental responsibility, Zartech has pioneered the creation of decorative lights designed to maximize the use of waste materials and eco-friendly components.
In addition to energy solutions, Zartech has become a popular one-stop shop for services like electronic repairs, redesigns, and refurbishments.
A Passion for Technology from a Young Age
Born in Harare in 1998, Aluwaine Manyonga’s childhood was marked by a curiosity for technology. He attended Glen View 4 Primary School and later completed his Ordinary Levels at St. Magdalenes in Nyanga. From an early age, he was fascinated by how radios, televisions, and electrical gadgets functioned.
“As a child, I loved opening up old television sets to explore what was inside them. I was always curious about how things worked,” Aluwaine recalls.
After completing his Advanced Levels at Visitation Makumbe in Domboshava, Aluwaine pursued a degree in electrical engineering at the University of Zimbabwe, where he graduated with first-class honors. Despite this strong academic foundation, Aluwaine was not inclined to pursue a formal career in the corporate sector. The idea of starting his own business began to take shape in 2018, inspired by Zimbabwe’s electricity challenges.
“The idea of starting a business came to me when I saw how people struggled with unreliable lighting. Solar lanterns were often short-lived, and people would dispose of them. I realized I could apply my knowledge to create better, more sustainable energy solutions,” he explains.
Turning a Vision into Reality
Launching a startup is never easy, and Aluwaine faced significant challenges in bringing Zartech to life. With limited financial resources and a lot of determination, Zartech was officially registered in 2022. The company specializes in clean energy solutions, with a particular focus on solar power and energy storage.
Zartech’s social impact is a key focus, and the company’s community initiatives include the “Chigubhu Lantern Initiative,” which empowers students with sustainable skills and provides reliable lighting solutions. The Chigubhu Lantern is solar-powered, made from LED lights, and housed in eco-friendly materials such as plastic bottles, aluminum, and tin cans. This initiative not only addresses Zimbabwe’s energy challenges but also equips students with practical skills that can benefit them throughout their lives.
Two schools in Chihota, Aluwaine’s hometown, were among the first to benefit from the initiative. Local children received training in creating their own sustainable light sources, allowing them to learn valuable skills while helping address the region’s power shortages.
Overcoming Challenges and Looking Ahead
Reflecting on Zartech’s journey, Aluwaine acknowledges the progress made, but also points out the challenges that still exist. “Access to government support, especially in terms of financing, remains a significant hurdle. For example, while we work closely with schools, additional support from the Ministry of Education would be invaluable.”
Despite these challenges, Zartech has gained support from organizations like Australian Aid, Generation Unlimited (supported by UNICEF), and local companies such as Old Mutual through their Value Creation Challenge.
“Over the years, we’ve received numerous accolades that recognize our commitment to excellence and innovation,” Aluwaine says. “These honors motivate us to continue growing and expanding our impact.”
Growth and Future Plans
Currently, Zartech employs three full-time staff and occasionally hires temporary workers for larger projects. Looking ahead, Aluwaine is optimistic about expanding the company. “Our goal for the next five years is to expand our operations into other African countries,” he says.
“We also aim to scale up production, with the goal of manufacturing 1 million lanterns. This will allow us to reach more customers and increase our capacity to serve a growing market. By 2030, we hope to be able to cater to an even larger customer base, exploring new ways to broaden our services.”
With its innovative solutions and dedication to sustainability, Zartech is playing a vital role in addressing Zimbabwe’s energy challenges. Under Aluwaine’s leadership, there’s no doubt the company is destined for even greater success in the future.
