Online Reporter
Mukudzei Chingwere in Surat, India
THE quest for a revamp of the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) is set for a major boost following the Government’s collaboration agreement with an Indian university to drive vocational and sector-specific training for Zimbabwean youths.
Vice-President Dr Constantino Chiwenga met the leadership of Veer Narmad South Gujarat University (VNSGU) in the company of Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce Raj Modi, who is an alumnus of the same institution, and agreed on modalities to roll out vocational training in Zimbabwe.
The SMEs and vocational skills are increasingly becoming vital components of the global economic fabric.
The developing world in general and Zimbabwe in particular, SMEs have consistently seen a steady rise in national gross domestic products but their potential appears to be curtailed by knowledge gaps and it is against this background that Zimbabwe is now leveraging on getting training from one of the world’s pacesetters in the field.
“Your proximity to thriving industries also offers practical models for Zimbabwe’s own industrialisation efforts,” said VP Chiwenga.
“We are particularly interested in co-developing vocational training programs in diamond cutting and polishing, textile manufacturing, industrial maintenance and chemical processing.
“These programs would help equip our youth with market-ready skills and support Zimbabwe’s broader industrial growth.
“In terms of academic program collaboration, we propose joint initiatives in disciplines where our mutual strengths align.
“These include textile engineering, gemology, pharmaceutical sciences, environmental science and information and communication technologies.
“By working together in these areas, we can develop joint curricula, conduct field studies, and promote innovation that addresses real-world challenges,” said VP Chiwenga.
He said the engagement reflects the spirit of South–South co-operation, where shared experiences, mutual respect and collective ambition form the foundation for progress.
VP Chiwenga said Zimbabwe is confident that joining intellectual resources can empower the next generation and contribute meaningfully to regional and global development goals.
“To move forward, we propose the establishment of a joint working group comprising representatives from VNSGU and Zimbabwean universities, ministries and research councils.
“This group would be tasked with drafting a Memorandum of Understanding that outlines specific areas of co-operation, timelines and measurable outcomes.
“We also extend a formal invitation to a VNSGU delegation to visit Zimbabwe. This visit would provide a firsthand look at our academic landscape and help identify priority projects for collaboration.
“Zimbabwe is dedicated to fostering partnerships that enhance education, research, and innovation.
“We understand that involving academia in business and industrial collaborations can yield transformative outcomes for our societies,” said VP Chiwenga.
VNSGU leadership, led by Vice Chancellor Dr Kishorsinh Chavda, told the Zimbabwean delegation all the programs on offer at their institution and said they are ready to collaborate with Zimbabwean institutions.
Dr Chavda said in their collaboration with local institutions, they are even open to coming up with programmes tailor-made for Zimbabwean needs.
Londile Moyo