TrackIt App Proposed to Enhance Financial Inclusion in Zimbabwe Amid Classroom Innovators Launchpad
In a significant step toward improving financial management for Zimbabweans, Brandon Dube, a student from Pumula High School, unveiled a mobile application called TrackIt during the Classroom Innovators Launchpad hosted by Elevate Trust. This event, aimed at nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs, served as the backdrop for Dube’s innovative app, which seeks to empower individuals to manage their finances more effectively in a challenging economic landscape marked by inflation and limited access to digital banking services.
“Inspired by witnessing my family’s struggles with financial management, I developed TrackIt to provide a solution for people facing similar challenges,” Dube stated.
He emphasised the app’s purpose: to help users take control of their finances without the burden of additional costs. This aligns seamlessly with the launchpad’s goal of fostering entrepreneurial spirit among Zimbabwean youth.
The TrackIt app stands out by offering its services for free, ensuring accessibility for all, including those in rural areas.
Dube explained, “By partnering with local banks and financial institutions, we aim to make the app easily accessible to the public. When customers visit these banks, they will already have the app provided, making it a visible resource.”
This strategic collaboration mirrors the launchpad’s objective of connecting young innovators with vital resources and support networks.
A key feature of TrackIt is its automatic expense tracking, which eliminates the need for users to manually input their spending.
“TrackIt will automatically track your expenses, saving you the hassle of reviewing bank statements or visiting local banks to check your finances,” Dube noted.
Additionally, users can set budgeting and savings goals, allowing them to effectively manage their limited cash flow. “If you want to save for a car or plan for education fees, TrackIt can analyse your monthly income and help you allocate your funds accordingly,” he explained.
Real-time transaction monitoring is another vital aspect of TrackIt, helping users stay informed about their spending habits as they occur.
Dube also addressed the pressing issue of inflation in Zimbabwe, stating, “TrackIt will utilise an algorithm to predict inflation trends. By calculating potential changes in the value of the local currency, the app will help users set aside money for upcoming expenses.”
This feature could prove crucial for individuals navigating the fluctuating economic environment.
As Dube presented his app, the Classroom Innovators Launchpad was abuzz with creative ideas from students across 14 schools.
Head of Innovators App Labs, Ndimenhle Moyo emphasised the event’s significance in nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs.
“We’re trying to train and help the future innovators and entrepreneurs of this country. This platform serves that purpose,” Moyo stated.
The launchpad, now in its second edition, featured a thematic focus that guided participants in their projects.
Moyo noted, “Having a theme helped direct the students on what we wanted, and I would say we did get some interesting features this year.”
This focus not only encouraged creativity but also provided a framework for students to refine their innovative ideas.
Winners from the launchpad will receive incubation support from NUST, as well as assistance for notable projects that didn’t win but showed promise.
“They will be incubating them and trying to help them develop those ideas into viable products,” Moyo explained, highlighting the potential for these ideas to evolve into market-ready businesses.
Dube’s vision for TrackIt is supported by programming languages like Python, Flask, and Django, which his team is using to develop the app’s infrastructure. However, he acknowledged a current hurdle: funding for development and implementation.
“I have no funding sources at the moment, but I am determined to bring this app to the general public,” he said, reflecting the entrepreneurial spirit fostered at the launchpad.
During the event, students presented innovative concepts across various sectors, showcasing their creativity and problem-solving skills. Moyo expressed his hope that participants would leave with a clear understanding of the innovation process.
“I think the thing that I would like for the students to have gotten from here is just to learn what is expected of them and to take lessons from here to go and build,” he said.
As the launchpad concluded, participants reflected on the valuable insights gained from their peers and mentors. The collaborative environment fostered a sense of community among aspiring innovators, reinforcing the importance of teamwork in the entrepreneurial journey.
The Classroom Innovators Launchpad not only serves as a platform for idea generation but also aims to instil resilience and adaptability in Zimbabwe’s youth. Moyo encapsulated the event’s spirit, stating, “This is just the beginning; we want to see these students thrive in the innovation landscape.”
As Dube continues to seek funding and partnerships for TrackIt, the commitment from organisations like Elevate Trust and NUST stands as a beacon of hope for Zimbabwe’s economic future. The collaboration between educational institutions and support networks promises to empower young minds to turn their creative ideas into impactful solutions for society.
For more information about the Classroom Innovators Launchpad and Elevate Trust’s initiatives, interested parties are encouraged to reach out through their official channels. With a new generation of entrepreneurs poised to make their mark, the future of innovation in Zimbabwe is bright.
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