The National University of Science and Technology (NUST) Enactus team has clinched second place in the prestigious 2025 Action With Africa Challenge, hosted by Enactus Germany. The competition drew hundreds of project applications from across Africa and Europe, with NUST emerging among the top six finalists.
Representing Zimbabwe on the global stage, Enactus NUST competed alongside teams from Tunis Business School (Tunisia), Minia University (Egypt), Bindura University of Science Education (Zimbabwe), Kaduna Polytechnic (Nigeria), and Durham University (UK). Their project, IThemba, earned EUR 7,500 in funding and was praised for its innovation, sustainability, and social impact.
Project IThemba is a waste-to-energy initiative that addresses plastic pollution and fuel scarcity by converting plastic waste into clean diesel through pyrolysis. The project not only offers an affordable energy solution but also empowers women and youth by creating income-generating opportunities through plastic collection. By promoting environmental sustainability and economic inclusion, IThemba exemplifies the kind of entrepreneurial thinking the Action With Africa Challenge seeks to inspire.
The Enactus NUST team was led by Gershom Mhlanga (President and Presenter), supported by Tinotenda Mutanga (Vice President and Technical Director), Michelle Chada (Secretary General and Presenter), Tashinga Denga (Presenter), Tanatswa Revayi (Presenter), and Gideon Mhlanga (Technical Support) under the guidance of Faculty Advisor, Prof. Eng. Samson Mhlanga.
Expressing delight at their latest achievement, NUST Enactus club President, Gershom Mhlanga said;
“This competition proves that nothing is impossible when you commit fully, with both effort and heart. I realized that a great idea, delivered to the right audience at the right moment, will always get the recognition it deserves, you just have to stay relentless and determined.”
“We feel humbled by the recognition of our entrepreneurial efforts. This acknowledges the purpose of our mission to build environmentally sound business solutions whilst empowering our communities.” NUST Enactus Vice-President Tinotenda Mutanga said;
“The team will benefit a lot from this win as it will allow us to scale up and expand our operations to meet the growing demand of our fuel alternative Polyfuel and address the plastic waste crisis that is affecting our cities and suburbs.” Mutanga added.
This recognition underscores the creativity, resilience, and strategic thinking of NUST’s student innovators. It also reflects the university’s broader commitment to fostering solutions that align with national development goals and global sustainability efforts.
“For our team, this experience has been transformative: every member has grown, acquired new skills, and gained confidence, giving us a unique edge to outperform our peers and tackle even bigger challenges ahead.” Said Mhlanga.