Africa University has strengthened its reputation as a centre for innovation after its student led startup, Fundixa Virtual School, was shortlisted among the country’s top university based innovations for Viva Technology 2026.
National Recognition for Student Innovation
The university took part in the final selection meeting held on February 26, 2026 at the Management Training Bureau in Harare, led by Deputy Vice Chancellor Professor Engineer Talon Garikayi.
From more than 55 applications submitted by universities across Zimbabwe, Fundixa Virtual School was selected among the top 17 startups. The team delivered a five minute pitch to a panel of experts, competing for a place in the final top 10 that will represent Zimbabwe in Paris this June.
Student Led Innovation With Real World Impact
The Africa University team includes Computer Science students Tapiwa Mukoyi and Emmanuel Ezugwu, alongside Software Engineering student Courtney Fradreck Taga, guided by Innovation Officer Terry Gomera.
Fundixa Virtual School is an AI powered, curriculum adaptive platform designed to address Zimbabwe’s growing education challenges, including a teacher shortage exceeding 25,000 and the emigration of more than 4,000 teachers annually.
Affordable and Scalable Education Solution
The platform offers ZIMSEC aligned video lessons, downloadable notes, quizzes, AI driven feedback, voice interaction, progress tracking and offline functionality to support learners in low connectivity areas.
Designed to be accessible from as little as US$2 per month, it provides an affordable alternative to private tutoring, which can cost between US$10 and $30 per subject monthly. The solution is also adaptable for use in other education systems globally.
Supporting National and Global Education Goals
The innovation aligns with Zimbabwe’s Education 5.0 framework and United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 4 focused on quality education.
“As the innovation landscape continues to evolve, there is strong potential for strategic collaboration across institutions. Africa University’s innovation ecosystem is unlocking our students’ creativity and entrepreneurial impact, supported by a committed University Executive. Being shortlisted among the top 17 startups nationally is a significant milestone, and we remain focused on positioning ourselves among the top 10.”
Terry Gomera, Innovation Officer
Students Reflect on Innovation Journey
For the student developers, the experience provided valuable exposure to the national innovation ecosystem.
“It was a very interesting and enriching learning experience. We were exposed to different innovations from universities across the country and identified potential collaboration opportunities,” said Mr. Mukoyi.
Mr. Ezugwu added:
“Wrapping up this pitching experience felt crazy but refreshing at the same time. I genuinely enjoyed every moment. Even as an international student, it pushed me to think bigger, move bolder, and believe in building something greater. Grateful for the growth and this is only the beginning,” he said.
Mr. Taga shared similar sentiments:
“The event was a great and inspiring experience. It was exciting to see valuable innovations from different institutions and finally connect in person. We learned a lot from sharing our experiences and challenges, and it was amazing to be in a room full of innovators and industry expertise,” he said.
Looking Ahead to VivaTech 2026
With the final top 10 startups set to be announced soon, Africa University continues to advance its focus on student driven innovation and entrepreneurship.
As a pan African institution, it remains committed to nurturing graduates who are not only job seekers but solution creators, contributing to technological advancement and addressing societal challenges across the continent.
