Harare, October 13, 2024 — Students at the Harare Institute of Technology (HIT) have designed and developed an electric tram, marking a significant stride in Zimbabwe’s push towards modernisation and industrialisation. The innovative project showcases the institution’s hands-on approach to education, aligning with the government’s ambitions for technological advancement.
The tram, fully conceptualised and built by students, represents HIT’s commitment to creating practical, real-world solutions for local challenges. The tram system, which can operate using electric vehicle (EV) technology, is seen as a key milestone in the country’s efforts to modernise its infrastructure while promoting clean energy alternatives.
Zimbabwe’s Secretary of Information, speaking on the development, praised the innovation. “This tram is a testament to the ingenuity of our students and the potential we have to leap into modern, sustainable technologies. It can operate using the electric vehicle concept, and Zimbabwe has an abundance of lithium, a key component for EV batteries,” the Secretary stated.
Zimbabwe holds one of the world’s largest deposits of lithium, an essential mineral for battery production in the booming electric vehicle industry. The country has pinned hopes on lithium extraction to power future industries, and the tram project is seen as a glimpse into what could be a lithium-powered future.
However, not everyone shares the optimism. A prominent critic pointed out that raw lithium alone is not enough. “Unprocessed lithium is just like a stone, mukuru,” the critic said, suggesting that without local processing, the mineral’s value remains minimal. “Lithium prices have been continuously slumping, and miners are crying today. Show us where lithium batteries are being manufactured in Zimbabwe. We need to look beyond extraction and invest in local processing industries,” they added.
This critique highlights the ongoing debate about Zimbabwe’s capacity to fully capitalise on its natural resources. While the tram is a promising innovation, questions remain about the country’s ability to harness its lithium reserves for large-scale industrial production.
The tram development comes at a time when Zimbabwe is looking to reduce its carbon footprint and modernise its transport systems. It also exemplifies the kind of forward-thinking projects that could reshape the country’s economy, provided the necessary infrastructure and industrial frameworks are put in place to support such ventures.
