Online Reporter
Patrick Chitumba
The Midlands State University’s (MSU) Industrial Park is evolving into a thriving innovation hub, driving research, entrepreneurship, and industrial growth by producing goods and services that stimulate economic activity. By creating employment opportunities and delivering beneficial products, the park is making a tangible impact on the economy.
In line with the heritage-based Education 5.0 model, MSU’s Industrial Park aims to foster sustainable economic development through various initiatives, ultimately contributing to the nation’s growth and prosperity.
President Mnangagwa commissioned the Industrial Park in 2020, and it has since made significant strides in providing innovative solutions to the community. The Second Republic is keen to see every Zimbabwean reach their full potential through a strong and vibrant innovation ecosystem.
The MSU Industrial Park houses the university’s clothing and textile enterprise and a chemical manufacturing plant. Plans are underway for the establishment of a pharmaceutical manufacturing plant and a food processing plant, with the construction of factory shells already in progress.
To ensure products from the park reach the public, MSU has also opened a retail outlet in Gweru.
MSU is driving industrialisation through the implementation of an education system that is transforming the tertiary institution from producing job seekers to churning out graduates who create jobs.
Products available at the shop include fruit juices, chemicals, sanitisers, cleaning detergents, personal protective clothing, and animal feed products, among others.
MSU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Victor Muzvidziwa, stated on Friday that the university is actively contributing to national development by commercialising innovation and reducing the country’s imports dependency.
He explained that the Industrial Park is a dynamic innovation hub that fosters research, entrepreneurship, and industrialisation. Established in line with the Government’s Education 5.0 framework, the park aims to drive sustainable economic development through various initiatives.
“We are an institution aligned with the President’s vision. What you see here is just the beginning of a wider transformation in our education sector,” he said.
Professor Muzvidziwa added that the industrial park is already producing a broad range of goods benefiting communities.
“Our ultimate aim is to industrialise these innovations and substitute imports thereby saving the country the much-needed foreign currency. The dream is alive, and the future is bright,” he said.
Professor Muzvidziwa said the communities surrounding the industrial park are already reaping benefits as some of them have been employed while others are undergoing skills training.
Executive Director of MSU Enterprises, Professor Upenyu Guyo, said the industrial park, which has expanded its production line, is now aiming to broaden its reach and shape the country’s industrial trajectory. He highlighted the park’s growth and the institution’s commitment to fulfilling a national mandate.
“The President instructed us to be practical in our teaching and today we see the results of that call to action. We now employ around 150 people directly at this hub, and through it, we are empowering communities,” he said.
Professor Guyo noted that their products are also gaining popularity.
“Our detergents and drinks are gaining traction in the market, and we aim to diversify our product range even further. Products we are producing also include Nature Burst juice, made from mangoes, oranges, and guavas, hand sanitisers, detergents, work suits and protective clothing,” he said.
Professor Guyo explained that some employees hired with no prior skills are now capable of becoming employers through the knowledge gained at the industrial park.
“The Industrial Park stands is a model of how the Second Republic’s heritage-based education policy is being practically implemented, transforming institutions of higher learning into agents of economic development, community empowerment and national resilience,” he said.
Bongani Moyo