Nust sets agenda for economic renewal

THE National University of Science and Technology (Nust) Graduate School of Business Sciences has pledged to position itself as an engine of strategy, innovation and evidence-based decision-making in support of Zimbabwe’s economic transformation and the accelerated revival of Bulawayo’s industries.

Speaking at a high-level academia-industry engagement held in Bulawayo last Friday, Nust’s Graduate School of Business Sciences director, Professor Gwendoline Nani said institutions of higher learning have a critical role in shaping leaders capable of navigating a dynamic and evolving economic environment.

The engagement ran under the theme: “Aligning the 2026 Budget with National Development Strategy 2 for Inclusive Growth and Vision 2030.”

It brought together captains of industry from the manufacturing, retail, mining, agriculture and banking sectors, alongside policy experts, business development practitioners and members of academia.

The meeting provided a platform for robust dialogue on macro-economic stability, fiscal consolidation, structural transformation and inclusive growth as stakeholders interrogated the alignment of the forthcoming national budget with the country’s long-term development agenda.

Prof Nani said the university is committed to producing leaders, who can competently interpret policy, respond to economic shifts and contribute meaningfully to national productivity.

“The academia-industry engagement is being held at a critical juncture in our national development discourse as we reflect on the strategic alignment between the 2026 National Budget, the pillars of National Development Strategy 2 and our long-term aspirations under Vision 2030,” she said.
Prof Nani said the country stands at a defining moment in its journey towards becoming an upper-middle-income economy by 2030.

“Zimbabwe stands at a defining moment in its journey towards Vision 2030. As we navigate this critical path, the National University of Science and Technology Graduate School of Business Sciences is committed to being at the forefront of driving academic innovation, research and partnerships that propel Zimbabwe towards its economic aspirations,” she said.

“This engagement seeks to clarify the 2026 National Budget in the context of the Sustainable Development Goals and Vision 2030.”

Prof Nani added that the platform was designed to deepen collaboration between academia, industry and the Government.

“This forum is meant to strengthen collaboration and foster dialogue among businesses and Government, sharing and exploration of critical issues affecting the business environment,” she said.

Nust Council chairperson Professor Lindiwe Majeje Sibanda said they are ready to play a leading role in the industrial revival of Bulawayo, positioning the university as a strategic partner in restoring the city’s status as the country’s manufacturing powerhouse.

Prof Sibanda said the institution was committed to driving transformation from within the city and working closely with industry to unlock new growth opportunities.

She said Bulawayo’s legacy as a city of industry and resilience provided a firm foundation for renewed growth.

“Bulawayo must position itself as a hub of industrial revival, a centre for advanced manufacturing, a platform for small and medium enterprises to grow and be a magnet for youth innovation. Nust stands ready to enter that transformation,” she said.

Prof Sibanda said the city’s enduring spirit of enterprise and determination remained its greatest asset.
“Bulawayo has always been a city of builders, builders of factories, builders even in moments of difficulty, the spirit has never stalled,” she said.

Prof Sibanda challenged industry players to envision deeper collaboration with the university, anchored on innovation and practical partnerships.

“The 2026 budget will set a national framework, but it is what we do here together that will determine whether Bulawayo rises. Can you imagine and envision our engineering students working alongside your production lines?” she asked.

“Can you imagine our business graduates expanding your markets? Can you imagine our researchers modernising your factories, our innovation hubs incubating the next generation of enterprises? This is not about charity. This is a strategic win-win partnership that we seek to forge.”

Once the country’s industrial hub, Bulawayo has over the years experienced deindustrialisation, company closures and job losses due to a combination of economic challenges, outdated machinery and limited capital injection.

However, renewed focus under the Second Republic’s industrialisation thrust and National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) has placed emphasis on value addition, innovation and the modernisation of production systems — areas where institutions of higher learning are expected to play a catalytic role.