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Samantha Chipoyera Features Writer
Gilbert Kapswara (35) is an emerging entrepreneur who is into the supply of software and Information Communication Technology packages. He is the founder and owner of a Harare-based company, Elevate Technologies (Pvt) Ltd, which was founded in 2012.

Elevate Technologies is an ICT company which focuses on educational technologies, web-based programmes and training. Kapswara graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Mathematics from the University of Zimbabwe.

He registered the idea of starting his own company while he was working in the banking sector where he was involved in developing ICT systems and programmes for the education sector.

Kapswara says that he discovered the gap between technological advancements in the ICT sector and the skills being taught in schools so he decided to develop solutions to bridge the gap.

“I have worked at IT companies, SIRDC, research and banking sector. I have been involved in developing ICT systems and training programmes for the education sector,” he said.

“What prompted me to venture into business was after I discovered the gap between the technological advancements in the market and the skills being taught in schools. I decided to develop solutions that bridge this gap.”

Operating with limited resources, Kapswara started supplying software and ICT packages in a shared office in the capital. He then moved to bigger offices in the CBD as his business started to grow. Elevate Technologies (Pvt) Ltd has five employees, three of them women.

He has hope to employ other graduates and interns in the near future.
Kapswara has a strong customer base from as far afield as Gweru, Mutare and Beitbridge, where he supplies small and large firms.

The young entrepreneur makes use of social media platforms especially Facebook and Twitter to market his products and this has proved to be a master stroke in the last few years.

Kapswara has embraced the use of plastic money to ensure that his business thrives despite the cash shortages. During hard times people tend to lose hope, but Kapswara keeps fighting on. His achievements prove that he has persevered.

Kapswara wants to take opportunities made available by President Mnangagwa and is looking forward to opening Elevate Technologies branches nationwide.

He is striving to bring educational transformation through technology by empowering educators with relevant skills to thrive in the 21st century.