LSU’s US$800 000 Bingwa Park 95 percent complete

LUPANE State University (LSU) is on the verge of unveiling a major asset for Matabeleland North, with the state-of-the-art Bingwa Wildlife Ecotourism, Innovation and Industrialisation Park in Hwange District now 95 percent complete and expected to open to the public in May.

The US$800 000 project is part of Government’s Education 5.0 philosophy, which seeks to transform academic theory into tangible industrial and economic output.
Located within a wildlife corridor, the Park is more than a construction undertaking; it is a mission-driven demonstration that Zimbabwean universities can innovate and industrialise even under demanding environmental conditions.

Speaking during a tour of the facility last week, the Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development, Dr Frederick Shava, commended the determination that has propelled the project forward.

He emphasised that the Park was no ordinary development, having been established in an area without existing roads, electricity or water services.

“This Bingwa project is a model that other universities can emulate under the Education 5.0 framework. If you look at other institutions elsewhere, they also have their structures in those places, which are working towards the same,” he said. “Government is ready to support university programmes to ensure innovation and industrialisation. We funded, our ministry funded the construction of all these units you see here, including the Jojo tanks, which they were mentioning we funded that and we are going to continue funding it to its completion.”

Dr Shava said the project was appropriately situated within a wildlife corridor, making it a relevant contributor to the wildlife conservation ecosystem.

“This was not a project built on a vacant lot with services at the gate. This was a project carved out of a wildlife area. I want to commend every individual who contributed to getting the project to its current 95 percent completion stage,” he said.

The Park now boasts world-class facilities set against a pristine natural backdrop. These include a 100-200 seater conference centre, 13 modern chalets, staff quarters and accommodation capacity for up to 55 guests.

A standout feature is a weir teeming with aquatic life, which will serve as a practical research site for aquatic studies and ecosystem monitoring.

LSU Vice Chancellor, Professor Pardon Kuipa, outlined the economic rationale behind the project, noting that the university expects the investment to pay for itself within three years, after which it will begin to generate profit.

“This project is an attempt to contribute to wildlife conservation because this is a major corridor for wildlife that is crossing from the Kaza region, Kaza National Parks. Close to US$800 000 has been injected into the project, and the university is expecting to recoup the investment within three years,” said Professor Kuipa.

“Three years thereafter, we should have recouped the money that we ploughed into this facility and what I mean by recouping is that at that stage, we should now start talking about realising profits because we would have retained the money, the funding that went into the facility.”

Designed as a hub for conferences, workshops, eco-tourism and immersive field-based learning, the Park blends sustainability, innovation and industry-centred education.

Beyond physical infrastructure, the development marks a strategic advance towards income generation and long-term institutional sustainability — a genuine third-stream revenue model highlighted by Dr Shava. The ministry has pledged continued support to ensure the facility becomes fully operational and impactful.

Crucially, the Bingwa Park will give wildlife management students invaluable hands-on exposure to conservation, ecosystem management and aquatic research, turning theoretical training into lived, field-based experience.