UZ students develop e-hailing platform DuraGo

A group of University of Zimbabwe students has developed an artificial intelligence-powered e-hailing and delivery platform, DuraGo, aimed at transforming transportation, logistics and agricultural commerce in Zimbabwe.

The platform, developed by four students, combines ride-hailing, delivery services and agricultural marketplace solutions into a single digital ecosystem designed to improve efficiency and accessibility for businesses and consumers.

Speaking in an interview, DuraGo chief executive officer Christian Madiro said the project was inspired by the growing demand for reliable, affordable and technology-driven transport and delivery services.

"The increasing demand for fast, reliable, and affordable transportation and delivery services has highlighted the need for innovative digital solutions that connect customers, drivers and businesses in real time," said Madiro.

He noted that traditional transportation and delivery systems in Zimbabwe often face challenges such as inefficient dispatching, limited tracking capabilities, high operational costs and inadequate access to on-demand services.

According to Madiro, DuraGo addresses these challenges by leveraging mobile technology, geolocation services, artificial intelligence and cloud-based infrastructure to facilitate seamless interactions between customers, drivers and service providers.

The platform offers real-time tracking, automated dispatching, route optimisation and secure digital payment integration, features designed to improve operational efficiency and enhance customer experience.

In addition to passenger transport, DuraGo supports food delivery, courier services and broader business logistics operations.

The project also incorporates an agricultural component known as DuraHub, which is designed to support farmers by connecting them with suppliers and markets.

Through DuraHub, farmers can purchase agricultural inputs such as fertilisers, animal feed and seed, while also gaining access to a marketplace where they can sell their produce directly to buyers.

Madiro said the integrated approach has the potential to address multiple economic challenges simultaneously by improving logistics, supporting agricultural productivity and creating income-generating opportunities.

"The system is designed to support multiple transportation and delivery categories, including passenger transport, food delivery, courier services, and business logistics," he said.

"This presents the design, development, and implementation framework of DuraGo, highlighting its potential to transform urban mobility and last-mile delivery services in Zimbabwe."

He added that intelligent e-hailing platforms could play a significant role in reducing transportation inefficiencies, expanding access to delivery services and creating employment opportunities for drivers, riders and other service providers.

"The study demonstrates how intelligent e-hailing platforms can reduce transportation inefficiencies, create employment opportunities for drivers and riders, improve accessibility to delivery services, and contribute to the growth of the digital economy," Madiro said.

As Zimbabwe continues to embrace digital transformation, the student-led innovation highlights the growing role of local technology solutions in addressing everyday challenges and supporting economic development.

"DuraGo represents a scalable and sustainable approach to modern transportation and logistics management in emerging markets," he said.