A National University of Science and Technology (NUST) graduate, Courage Nyoni, has earned international recognition after his educational Lobola Calculator ap...
A National University of Science and Technology (NUST) graduate, Courage Nyoni, has earned international recognition after his educational Lobola Calculator application was featured on Japan’s Nippon TV. The app, which was developed during the COVID-19 lockdown, has attracted thousands of users around the world and introduced many people to African marriage traditions.
Nyoni graduated from NUST in 2024 with a degree in Civil and Water Engineering. His journey into software development began during the COVID-19 lockdown when he decided to learn computer programming through online tutorials. Despite having little experience in Android app development at the time, he taught himself the skills needed to create mobile applications.
His efforts resulted in the creation of the Lobola Calculator in 2020. The application was designed to educate users about the African cultural practice of lobola, commonly known as bride price, while providing light-hearted estimates based on various social and cultural factors. Since its launch, the app has recorded more than 17,600 downloads worldwide.
Advertisement
The educational app has attracted interest from users in Europe and other parts of the world who are interested in learning about African traditions. The growing number of downloads has helped position the application among notable examples of Zimbabwean digital innovation.
Reflecting on the success of the project, Nyoni said the experience showed him the importance of determination and continuous learning.
“Looking at the success of this app serves as an invaluable lesson in life that we can pretty much do anything as long as we put our minds and hearts into something. I had little to no expertise in Android app development when the idea came through, but through dedication, countless hours of learning and a few sleepless nights, I found my way. That experience continues to motivate me in every challenge I undertake,” he said.
Nyoni said his studies at NUST played a major role in shaping his approach to innovation and problem-solving. According to him, the university’s curriculum keeps pace with changing technological trends and exposes students to computer systems from their first year.
“The curriculum at NUST is highly adaptive and consistently keeps pace with a rapidly changing technological landscape,” said Nyoni.
He added that the Introduction to Computer Science module in the Faculty of Engineering changed the way he approached solving problems and encouraged him to combine engineering principles with modern technology. He said the university’s interdisciplinary approach inspired students to create solutions for real-world challenges.
This mindset later led to the development of the Brickwork Calculator, an application designed to automate material calculations in the construction industry. The tool assists engineers, contractors and builders in accurately quantifying building materials. Nyoni is also working with the NUST Department of Civil and Water Engineering to further improve the Brickwork Calculator and develop a new Concrete Mix Design App.
The Lobola Calculator recently received international exposure after being featured on Nippon TV in Japan. The programme examined marriage traditions across Africa and highlighted Nyoni’s innovation as an example of how technology can help preserve and promote cultural knowledge in the digital era.
Although his work has received international attention, Nyoni said his focus remains on solving practical problems through technology. He encouraged current students and fellow alumni to continue pushing beyond limitations.
“Dream bigger and never stop pushing forward. There is nothing beyond our reach. We have had the distinct honour of walking through the avenues of NUST. That experience gave us far more than an education; it equipped us with the resilience, creativity and innovation needed to take on the challenges of the world. Wherever we go, we must continue to do what NUST taught us best: keep thinking in other terms,” he said.
From a self-taught programmer during the COVID-19 lockdown to an internationally recognised innovator, Nyoni’s journey highlights the impact of persistence, technology and the role of higher education in producing practical solutions that can reach audiences around the world.
