Harare Institute of Technology

Dr. Jephias Gwamuri

Professor Jephias Gwamuri is a distinguished scholar in Materials Science and Engineering, currently serves as Pro-Vice Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Commercialisation and provides leadership oversight for the Centre. His academic trajectory spans Physics & Electronics (Cuba), Lasers and Applied Optics (NUST), and a PhD in Materials Science and Engineering from Michigan Technological University (USA), with a strong emphasis on energy materials and sustainable technologies.

His core technical competencies include advanced materials and mineral systems, thin film growth (via PECVD and PVD), and nanoscale characterization using spectroscopic ellipsometry, SEM/FESEM, AFM, XRD, FIB, and TEM. Prof. Gwamuri’s research is deeply rooted in renewable energy innovation, particularly in the development and optimization of solar photovoltaic systems, energy storage technologies, and bioenergy solutions. His work also explores the integration of 3D printing and AI-driven systems for decentralized, climate-resilient energy infrastructure.

He has led and contributed to several high-impact international renewable energy initiatives, including the IAEA-funded RAF-8040 project Zimbabwe project, the DNV GL-NREL funded Snow Effect on PV Systems, and the REIN-Africa Biofuels programme, positioning HIT as a regional hub for clean energy research and innovation. His leadership in technology transfer, IP management, and commercialization has been instrumental in translating research into scalable, locally adapted renewable energy solutions.

Prof. Gwamuri is a strategic voice in Zimbabwe’s energy transition and industrialisation agenda, advocating for sustainable innovation ecosystems that align with national and continental development goals. He serves as an active reviewer, external examiner, and member of professional bodies such as INAT, SPIE, TMS, and OSA.

Engr. Lodrina Masiyazi

Engr Lodrina Masiyazi is an industrial engineer with over 15 Years accumulated experience in promoting and developing renewable energy-based research projects and outputs. She applies design thinking and engineering analysis to innovation management across various technologies, including solar PV tech, solar thermal tech, renewable battery tech, thermo-electrics and wearable technologies. As a Technology Transfer director, Lodrina drives the commercialization initiatives for the Harare Institute of Technology’s portfolio of renewable energy and alternative energy innovations. She serves as a mentor and coach for tech-focused Innovators, Entrepreneurs, and University, High school & Primary school students in collaboration with various STEAM focused networks. Her endeavours have impacted on an average of 400+ youth annually since 2012. Her passion and focus are in extending technology literacy, and promoting the sharing and use of knowledge of various technologies for positive impact on communities. She has the following memberships; affiliate member of Green Technology – Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratories, University of California, Berkeley, USA, Member – African Women in Science & Engineering (AWSE) Professional Engineer: Engineering Council of Zimbabwe (ECZ), Member – Zimbabwe Institution of Engineers (ZIE). She has received the National Women in Science, Technology, and Innovation Leadership Award and the Techwomen Emerging Leader Award in Green Technology, USA. She was selected for the USA International Visitors Leadership Program – Advancing Technology Transfer and Innovation Hubs. She was appointed Zimbabwean Ambassador for Women & Men in Environment & Artificial Intelligence and is the UNESCO Zimbabwe Representative – International Network of Women Engineers & Scientists Forum.

Dr. Eng. Anthony Phiri

Dr. Eng. Anthony Phiri is a senior academic, researcher, and consultant with over 15 years of professional experience in environmental management, renewable energy systems, and sustainable infrastructure development. He holds a Doctorate in Waste and environmental Management and currently serves as the Director of the Centre of Excellence in Environmental Management, Renewable Energy and Climate Change (EMRECC) at the Harare Institute of Technology (HIT). Dr. Phiri leads a multidisciplinary team advancing clean energy innovation, circular economy solutions, and climate resilience research across Zimbabwe and Southern Africa. He has successfully directed numerous projects focused on solar energy deployment, biogas systems, energy storage, and sustainable waste-to-energy technologies. Notably, Dr Phiri led the Lithium Battery Research Team at HIT and continues to supervise advanced research in battery energy storage systems, recycling of spent cells, and the development of local lithium-ion and sodium-ion prototypes. His leadership in battery innovation has positioned HIT as a key player in supporting Zimbabwe’s emerging battery value chain and regional energy storage research collaborations. Areas of Expertise include Renewable Energy Systems (Solar PV, Biogas, Energy Storage), Lithium and Alternative Battery Research and Development, Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) and Life Cycle Analysis, Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation, Circular Economy and Waste-to-Energy Systems, ESG Auditing and Green Policy Development. He was a Principal Investigator in the Biogas-Powered Public Transport System in Harare – a national clean mobility initiative using rehabilitated municipal biodigesters, Project Leader in the 50 MW Solar Power Plant – Fairholme Farm, Chegutu District Zimbabwe and Lead Researcher in the National Lithium Battery Innovation Programme – pioneering research on local lithium-ion cell development and sustainable battery recycling.

Eng. Emmanuel Ndala

Engr Emmanuel Ndala is a distinguished Renewable Energy Expert with a Master’s degree in Solar and Alternative Energy. He is widely recognized as a pioneer in Zimbabwe’s solar industry, having been the first person to develop solar panels through reverse engineering in the country. His leadership has contributed significantly to national energy goals serving as a National Committee Member of the Presidential Solarisation Program, a flagship initiative aimed at accelerating clean energy access across Zimbabwe. Engr. Ndala played a critical role in shaping the future of renewable energy training by developing the national curriculum for solar systems installation training, now used by educational institutions and NGOs nationwide. He has personally trained over 10,000 women and youth in solar installation and maintenance, primarily through his work with the Harare Institute of Technology (HIT), and in collaboration with local and international NGOs. With deep technical expertise and a passion for empowering communities, Emmanuel continues to drive green energy adoption, skills development, and sustainable innovation across Zimbabwe and beyond.

Farai Katsande

Farai Katsande is a dedicated Chemical and Process Systems Engineer with specialized expertise in battery technologies and renewable energy research. His qualifications include a Master of Engineering in Chemical and Environmental Process Engineering, where his thesis focused on enhancing the stability of Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery electrodes using nano-coatings. Professionally, as a Research Assistant at the Harare Institute of Technology’s Centre for Environmental Management, Renewable Energy, and Climate Change, he played a pivotal role in a flagship project dedicated to developing Zimbabwe’s domestic lithium-ion battery value chain. His hands on experience spans the entire process, from the laboratory-scale beneficiation of lithium ores and the purification of lithium compounds to the active development and prototyping of coin cells, single and multiple layered pouch cells and prismatic cells. This technical proficiency is further demonstrated through his project work optimizing lithium beneficiation processes for industrial plants and his current role on the National Lithium Inventory Project, which informs national policy and investment strategies. Complementing his research, his role as a Technical Advisor to the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development allows him to contribute to policy and regulatory frameworks, ensuring that his technical knowledge directly informs national strategy and sustainable investment in the lithium sector. Driven by a passion for environmental sustainability, Farai’s career is focused on advancing renewable energy solutions and mineral beneficiation, positioning him as a promising engineer at the intersection of advanced battery research and sustainable industrial development.

Herbert Njonga

Herbert Njonga is a strategy expert with interests in innovation, strategic partnerships and governance. Currently serving as the Registrar and Board Secretary for the Harare Institute of Technology. He is a doctoral candidate where his research is focusing on development of models to support commercialisation of innovations coming out of university led incubators. Herbert led the establishment of the first university led innovation hub in Zimbabwe and solar power plant. He has been involved in innovation management and entrepreneur development programmes within and outside Zimbabwe. Herbert has extensive work experience in strategy, resource mobilisation, governance, entrepreneurship and enterprise development. He has played key roles in supporting entrepreneurship programs that includes being a business mentor for the Cherrie Blair Foundation international business mentorship programme. Herbert has worked in sustainable development role as Programmes Director for Pump Aid where he led teams in implementing sustainable water and sanitation technologies. He is a member of the Institute of Directors Zimbabwe and sits on the Boards for Black Crystal, CesHHAR and International Leadership Foundation.