Design@7 leads the way in digital solutions for businesses
BUSINESS WRITER
As digital transformation becomes a critical imperative for businesses across sectors, one homegrown technology firm is positioning itself at the forefront of this evolution. Design@7, a dynamic design and technology company based in Harare, is emerging as a leading enabler of digital progress for Zimbabwean enterprises, helping them modernise, streamline operations, and compete effectively in an increasingly digital economy.
Founded in 2002 following a management buyout of the Internet Business Solutions (IBS) division from AfricaOnline, Design@7 has grown from a web and email hosting provider into a full-service technology and creative agency. Now headquartered on the 6th Floor of Blue Bridge North at Eastgate Centre, the company offers practical, affordable, and innovative digital solutions that bridge the gap between traditional business models and modern digital operations.
The COVID-19 pandemic was a watershed moment for many Zimbabwean companies, exposing their unpreparedness for remote work and digital continuity. While some industries could not operate remotely due to their physical nature, many others simply lacked the digital infrastructure, systems, and skills to make the shift.
“It was a rude awakening,” says Munyaradzi Katsidzira, Executive Director at Design@7. “Suddenly, many businesses were scrambling to digitise—starting with basic documentation and collaboration platforms.”
Design@7 stepped in to support this transition. Through web-based applications, centralised data systems, and business process automation tools, the company enabled clients to collaborate remotely, improve operational efficiency, and remain resilient in the face of disruption.
Design@7 has been a catalyst in the adoption of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tools, especially among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The firm offers both off-the-shelf and bespoke CRM solutions that help businesses manage customer interactions, monitor sales pipelines, and streamline internal processes. Crucially, Design@7 provides capacity-building support to ensure clients can effectively integrate and benefit from the platforms.
“Adopting technology is only part of the journey—capacity building is the key to real impact,” Katsidzira emphasises.
The company also leads in Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and Search Engine Marketing (SEM) strategies, enabling local brands to improve their visibility on platforms like Google. By leveraging data-driven digital strategies, Design@7 helps businesses attract relevant audiences, boost engagement, and drive measurable value from online traffic.
“Many businesses underestimate the importance of content,” says Katsidzira. “We help them develop targeted messaging that aligns with their goals, resonates with their audiences, and matches what people are actively searching for online.”
The path to digital adoption has not always been smooth. In the mid-2000s, Design@7 pitched an e-commerce solution to a retail client—a concept that was initially met with resistance. Listing product prices online, at the time, seemed like a radical departure from traditional models.
“Back then, the idea of online stores or cloud-based data storage felt futuristic,” recalls Katsidzira. “Today, these are no longer optional—they’re essential for business survival.”
This shift in mindset illustrates how the market has evolved—and how Design@7 has played a consistent role in educating and equipping businesses along the way.
What truly sets Design@7 apart is its multi-disciplinary approach. Combining technology with creativity, the company offers a one-stop shop for digital transformation—covering everything from brand strategy, web development, and hosting, to graphic design, advertising, and printing.
“Our aim is to simplify complex processes and present digital tools that work for each client’s unique environment,” Katsidzira explains.
This holistic service model means clients benefit from seamless integration across touchpoints, whether they’re building an online presence, revamping internal systems, or launching a brand campaign.
As Zimbabwean companies increasingly embrace the digital future, Design@7 continues to prove that local innovation can deliver world-class results. With a firm commitment to building digital capacity, supporting long-term growth, and offering tailored, scalable solutions, the company is helping transform how businesses operate in the digital age.
Design@7’s success lies not only in its technical expertise but in its ability to listen to clients, understand their challenges, and deliver solutions that are both visionary and practical.
“At the end of the day,” says Katsidzira, “our role is to help businesses see what’s possible—and then help them get there.”
