Zimbabwe’s emergency response landscape is set for a significant transformation with the launch of Bako, a homegrown platform designed to bridge the gap between civilians in distress and the services meant to protect them.
Developed by Munashe Kamuche, a TelOne Centre for Learning student and founder of Qelebro Technologies, Bako connects users directly to police, medical services, fire departments, disaster agencies, and even private security firms.
A lifeline in your pocket
The system operates on a three-part ecosystem: a civilian mobile app, responder dashboards, and a central administrative hub. For $0.10 a month, users access what Kamuche describes as “a lifeline in their pocket.” With a single SOS tap, voice command, or even a triple press of the power button, the app instantly transmits the user’s location to the nearest emergency responder.
The platform also triggers SMS and automated calls to ensure help is reached even in areas with poor internet connectivity. At the same time, it alerts pre-selected emergency contacts and begins audio and optionally video recording for evidence and context.
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Speaking to Technomag during the 2025 Zimbabwe Agricultural Show, Kamuche said the system was created “to erase the helplessness that comes with not having access to emergency response during a crisis.”
Community and responder integration
Bako also encourages bystander participation through its “Good Samaritan” feature, which lets passersby report emergencies and receive recognition for their assistance.
Public or private responders can view alerts through dedicated dashboards, acknowledge them, and communicate directly with victims. They can also share estimated arrival times, request backup, and review the media captured during incidents, helping eliminate delays and miscommunication.
Public emergency services pay $20 monthly for access, while private operators are charged $40. Despite the cost, Kamuche argues the system’s ability to streamline operations and save lives makes it invaluable.
Beyond profit, toward preparedness
Bako’s administrative team monitors real-time alerts, offering dispatch support and compiling data to refine future preparedness strategies. Importantly, life-threatening alerts are processed even if a user’s subscription lapses, a decision Kamuche says underscores the company’s commitment to “public safety over profit.”
Plans include fixed panic buttons for homes and offices, wearable devices, and AI-enabled watches capable of monitoring vital signs and sending automatic alerts during medical crises.
During crises, Zimbabwe’s emergency services often struggle with delayed reporting, misdirected calls, or a lack of phone credit. By automating distress signals and routing them intelligently, Bako promises a faster, more reliable, and more inclusive safety net.
As the country continues to battle challenges ranging from crime and road accidents to natural disasters, the platform signals a social commitment to citizens’ safety. With support from government agencies, private responders, and communities, Bako could emerge as a cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s safety infrastructure.