By Staff Reporter
ZAKA – A Form Six science learner from Zaka High School, Progress Munashe Mtisi, who
made headlines in April with his sunflower oil hydraulic jack prototype, has gone a step further,
unveiling a suite of innovations at the ongoing Harare Agricultural Show, including a digital
ecosystem designed to connect education, industry, and agriculture across Zimbabwe.
Mtisi, who studies Mathematics, Biology and Chemistry, developed the hydraulic jack prototype
that operates using sunflower oil instead of expensive GTX oil, earning recognition at district,
provincial and national levels. His innovations have since expanded beyond mechanical
engineering into biogas recovery, bio-fertilizer production, and software development.
One of his key projects focuses on waste-to-resource innovation, exploring the recovery of
biogas and bio-fertilizers from plant matter, animal and human waste. The project targets
hospitals, clinics, communities, and schools where waste management is essential, turning waste
into valuable resources for energy and agriculture.
He is also producing hydraulic fluids, chain lubricants, and gear oils from sunflower, moving
beyond simple agricultural commodity production into value addition, eco-friendly
manufacturing, and employment creation.
“This is more than an engineering concept. We are moving beyond from simply producing
agricultural commodities but value adding, eco-friendliness, and employment creation,” he said.
His most ambitious project yet is the P2M Smart Industrial Hub, a software platform he designed
to function as a comprehensive digital ecosystem. Speaking to TellZim News, Mtisi said the
software targets multiple sectors, including education, industry, agriculture, healthcare, and
government services.
“The software includes a Smart School Fees Payment system and an Innovation Hub for every
child in Zimbabwe, aimed at fighting drug and substance abuse, creating employment, and
boosting economic growth. It also features Online Performance Analytics, where school results
are published via a portal, allowing parents to monitor their children’s progress from home,” said
Mtisi.
He said the Online Marketplace promotes digital marketing for authorized products, while an
Accounting Hub provides cloud-based bookkeeping for small to medium enterprises.
“The software also includes a Business Budget Planner and Production Analytics module, as
well as an Online Health Diagnosis system for doctor-patient interaction and an AI Health
Advisor,” said Mtisi.
The Youth Biz platform brings together all ministries and organizations online, while
Government Services and National Analytics provide citizens with access to government
information and data. A Climate and Weather Alerting System adapts digital tools for climate
change resilience, and Crop and Animal Disease Detectors help farmers protect their livestock
and crops.
He went on to say the Agricultural Advisor feature provides farmers with expert guidance, while
Electronic Learning caters to all learning institutions using digital tools. The software also
includes a Worldwide Hub where talents, educational resources, and scholarships are marketed,
and IoT Integration with moisture and temperature sensors.
His hydraulic jack model emerged as the best under Zaka District, won at Masvingo Province
level, and proceeded to the National Chihawasha Career Expo sponsored by Nyaradzo Funeral
Assurance Company, where the guest of honour was First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa. Mtisi
presented his model on behalf of all secondary schools in Zimbabwe and was selected to exhibit
at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair in Bulawayo in April 2026. He is currently exhibiting
at the Harare Agricultural Show.
