Antony Chawagarira
HARARE – Milestone College has emerged victorious in the 2026 Robokorda International Robotics Competition after developing an innovative agri-mine robot designed to address challenges in the agriculture and mining sectors.
The school’s triumph came at the end of the two-day competition held at the Zimbabwe National Defence University, which attracted participants from across Zimbabwe and Malawi.
The winning project demonstrated the potential of robotics in addressing challenges in key economic sectors while promoting innovation and practical applications of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
As part of their prize, the Milestone College team received laptops, certificates of recognition and a sponsored trip to India in January 2027, where they will represent Zimbabwe at an international robotics competition.
The competition is aimed at fostering research and innovation in line with the Government’s Education 5.0 thrust, which promotes the development of practical skills and solutions to national challenges.
Rusununguko High School’s Tech Titans finished second, while Robotics Foundation Limited from Malawi secured third place.
Milestone College student Tavonga Musariri said the team was excited about the opportunity to represent Zimbabwe on the international stage.
“I am more than thrilled that I am going to represent Zimbabwe in India. I am going to do my best to represent my country, raise the flag high and turn this idea into a working prototype that will help save the world,” she said.
Musariri said participating in the competition had enabled the team to sharpen its technical abilities while exploring solutions to challenges facing the country.
Meanwhile, Malawi’s Robotics Foundation Limited coach Joan Chapweteka described her team’s maiden appearance at the competition as a valuable learning experience.
She said participation had strengthened technological ties between Zimbabwe and Malawi, adding that her team was keen to return in future editions.
“This is our first time here as a country. It has really encouraged us and we will be ready to join again. As Malawi and Zimbabwe, it strengthens our relationship technology-wise,” Chapweteka said.
