Takunda Chigonzo is an entrepreneur and community leader based in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. At a young age he successfully set Neolab Technology, a multi-award winning start-up now known as the TechVillage. In addition, the start-up pioneers technology for emerging economies and recently it held a Techfest. It works closely with the National University of Science and Technology in Bulawayo. Takunda is the founder of tech start-up Sai Sai, one of Neolab’s biggest achievements to date since 2013.
Sai Sai is a public Wi-Fi network, designed to bring free internet access to all. It requires installing wireless mesh networks in public spaces and public transportation in Zimbabwe. Chingonzo says it is “liberating the internet.” Apart from that, the Huffington Post featured Takunda as one of four African innovators you should know about. On the other hand, he graced the cover of Forbes Africa after making it on to the Forbes “30 under 30” list as part of the continent’s “next generation of billionaires.”
In 2015, Chingonzo held an exclusive on-stage Q&A with President Obama at the US-Africa leaders’ summit. The exposure he has received from his interview with President Obama has generated a buzz around his projects, and the burgeoning tech industry in Zimbabwe. Chingonzo does not just represent technology and innovation, but the will of the people of Zimbabwe and their determined spirit.
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