Charity Chenai Chigwada is a principal engineer at TelOne and a leading voice in digital innovation, cybersecurity and infrastructure development in Zimbabwe.
With more than a decade of experience across telecommunications, robotics and strategic business innovation, she is helping shape the country’s technology industry. In this interview, Chigwada discusses her journey, the future of engineering and why women must be central to building secure, intelligent systems.
“Engineering today is no longer just about components. It’s about intelligent, integrated systems that solve real-world problems.”
Q: Tell us about yourself. Who is Engineer Charity Chenai Chigwada?
A: I’m a principal engineer and digital transformation leader working across telecommunications, cybersecurity, robotics and business innovation. I’m licensed by the Engineering Council of Zimbabwe and a member of the Zimbabwe Institution of Engineers.
I currently lead digital services and delivery at TelOne and mentor young engineers, especially women, to drive future-ready infrastructure for Zimbabwe’s industrial growth.
Q: What first drew you to engineering?
A: Curiosity. As a child, I took apart radios and toy cars to understand how they worked.
That curiosity matured during my undergraduate studies in electronic engineering, where I saw how engineering solves real-world problems. For me, it’s about building solutions that create lasting impact.
“For me, engineering is about building solutions that create lasting impact.”
Q: What is your area of specialisation?
A: I work at the intersection of telecommunications, digital infrastructure and cybersecurity.
My focus is on building secure, high-availability connectivity systems for sectors such as mining, smart cities and fintech.
Q: What does an electronic engineer do in practical terms?
A: We design and optimise the systems that power the digital world, these include circuits, embedded devices and platforms that connect hardware and software.
It’s no longer just about parts. It’s about integrated systems that drive innovation.
Q: What are the core principles of electronic engineering?
A: Signal integrity, power management, reliable circuit design, system integration and electromagnetic compatibility.
These fundamentals apply whether you’re designing drilling sensors for mining or millimetre-wave networks for smart infrastructure.
Q: What does a typical day look like for you?
A: My role blends technical depth with business innovation.
I begin with product security reviews, embedding cybersecurity into platforms like Smart Parking or InsureMe. I also train developers, conduct threat modelling and research future technologies such as post-quantum encryption.
“Balancing innovation and security is the hardest part, but turning security into a value enabler is the most rewarding.”
Q: What qualifications and experience are essential for your role?
A: A strong foundation in electronic engineering, a master’s degree in cybersecurity and continuous certification.
But real impact comes from combining technical depth with business awareness and product lifecycle experience.
Q: What skills should young cybersecurity professionals develop?
A: Threat modelling, full-stack security knowledge and automation.
Equally important is the ability to translate technical risk into business language. Communication skills matter.
Q: How do you see the cybersecurity threat landscape today?
A: It’s accelerating.
Operational technology, especially in mining, is increasingly exposed. Generative AI is being weaponised for phishing, and software supply chains are a major risk. At the same time, this is driving innovation in zero-trust frameworks and quantum-safe cryptography.
Q: How does electronic engineering support mining?
A: It’s foundational.
From vibration sensors on haul trucks to ruggedised 5G networks underground, electronic engineering connects physical operations to digital intelligence.
“In mining, electronic engineering bridges the physical world and digital intelligence.”
Q: Why does engineering remain male-dominated?
A: Early stereotypes discourage girls from STEM. Visibility is also a challenge; young women need role models.
Workplace culture and infrastructure are often not gender-inclusive, but initiatives like Girls in ICT and ZIE mentorship programmes are driving change.
Q: What helped you move into leadership?
A: Technical depth, business fluency and mentorship.
I actively sought sponsors who challenged me, and now I do the same for younger engineers, especially women.
Q: What advice would you give young women pursuing engineering?
A: Own your expertise. Seek mentors. Learn publicly.
Break things, fix them and focus on solving real-world problems with confidence.
“Own your expertise. Break things, fix them, and lead with confidence.”
Q: What’s next for you?
A: Securing autonomous systems, advancing African tech sovereignty and mentoring future leaders.
I want to help define engineering that is as ethical as it is cutting-edge.
Q: As a board member of the Zimbabwe Institution of Engineers, what is your focus?
A: Aligning engineering standards with future needs, bridging academia and industry, influencing policy and preparing engineers to contribute to Agenda 2063.
Q: How is ZIE supporting education and gender equality?
A: For SDG4, we focus on education, mentorship and continuous learning.
For SDG5, we promote female leadership and encourage more girls into STEM through Women in Engineering initiatives.
