Harare/Johannesburg – 24 March 2026 – Zimbabwe-born technology leader Tendai Joe, currently based in South Africa and founder of deep-tech startup Roadmind AI, has been accepted into the highly selective Founders Institute South Africa 2026 cohort, a global pre-seed accelerator program known for identifying the world’s most promising tech entrepreneurs.
Founders Institute is widely recognized as a platform that nurtures high-potential startups and equips founders with the knowledge, guidance and networks needed to scale their innovations globally. Tendai Joe's acceptance into the program is an important milestone, reflecting his leadership and the global relevance of his work in technology and infrastructure intelligence.
Speaking to Bulawayo24, Tendai Joe expressed his desire to contribute to Africa's development through Artificial Intelligence (AI). “I am proud to be part of the Founders Institute and to represent Zimbabwean talent on the continental stage,” he said. “AI has huge potential to improve efficiency in governments and industries. It can automate processes, streamline systems and aid in data-driven decision making, creating better outcomes for citizens and businesses.”
Tendai Joe's vision includes connecting with African governments, research institutions and private sector partners to explore how AI can help optimize operations, reduce costs and improve service delivery. Currently based in South Africa, his Zimbabwean roots and understanding of local challenges position him as a trusted voice to drive technological innovation across the region.
With his acceptance into the Founders Institute, Tendai Joe joins a global network of entrepreneurs recognized for their ability to transform industries. For Zimbabwe, this milestone highlights the international potential of Zimbabwean talent and the potential of local innovators to participate in shaping Africa's tech future.
Tendai hopes to use his platform to talk about practical AI applications, sharing information about how governments and organizations can adopt the technology to improve efficiency, automate repetitive tasks, and make better policy and operational decisions.
Although no formal collaboration has yet been established, Tendai Joe's recognition represents a promising example of Zimbabwean talent gaining global visibility and influence in cutting-edge technology sectors.
About Tendai Joe and Roadmind AI
Tendai Joe is the founder of Roadmind AI, a South African deep-tech startup focused on next generation infrastructure intelligence solutions. Using AI and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, the company aims to transform the way infrastructure is monitored, maintained and managed across Africa.