Online Reporter
Trust Freddy
Zimpapers Correspondent
THE Government has commissioned a US$350 000 National Information Access Centre (NIAC) at the Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU) Hatcliffe campus, a digital hub expected to anchor the country’s transition into a competitive digital economy.
The high-tech facility, established through a bilateral agreement with the Republic of South Korea, was officially opened on Friday by Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development Minister, Dr Frederick Shava.
Equipped with cutting-edge infrastructure, including an Nvidia Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) powered Artificial Intelligence (AI) server, the centre positions Zimbabwe as a regional leader in AI education and tech-entrepreneurship.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Shava said the hub is a practical realisation of Heritage-Based Education 5.0, the policy framework championed by President Mnangagwa to drive industrialisation through home-grown solutions.
“This is a platform where learning is applied, where research is translated into solutions, and where community needs shape innovation,” Minister Shava said.
“With the addition of an Nvidia GPU-powered AI server, the Centre now positions Zimbabwe as a first mover in AI education innovation.
“This infrastructure enables practical AI training, advanced analytics, and support for youth tech-entrepreneurship.”
The minister also added that the project aligns with the President’s “Nyika Inovakwa Nevene Vayo” philosophy, describing it as a model for debt-free development rooted in local heritage and strategic international partnerships.
The NIAC serves as a multi-purpose digital empowerment hub. It integrates an AI Innovation Lab for entrepreneurship with a Digital Content Studio designed to elevate ZOU’s media and academic presence.
It also features an inclusive library equipped with assistive technologies for students with disabilities and a global connectivity suite for virtual international collaboration.
South Korean Ambassador to Zimbabwe Park Jae Kyung hailed the partnership as a “concrete example” of how the two nations can collaborate to strengthen higher education and create a supportive environment for the youth.
ZOU Vice Chancellor, Professor Emeritus Paul Henry Gundani, confirmed that while the resources are stationed at the Hatcliffe campus, they are inclusive of the wider community and the university’s 10 regional campuses.
“We are reaching out specifically to local youth and all citizens interested in enhancing their digital literacy,” Prof Gundani said.
“The centre is equipped with smart boards and assistive devices, ensuring we remain inclusive of individuals who are differently abled.”
Peter Tanyanyiwa