Online Reporter
Obey Musiwa
Herald Reporter
A TOTAL of 604 students graduated yesterday at the TelOne Centre for Learning’s 10th graduation ceremony, an event that also marked the official launch of a US$400 000 Innovation Hub expected to accelerate Zimbabwe’s digital transformation.
The combined milestone underscored the country’s commitment to Education 5.0, digital empowerment and the newly approved National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (2026–2030).
Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services Minister Tatenda Mavetera, who officiated at the ceremony, said the graduation and the launch of the hub were central to Zimbabwe’s journey towards a modern, technology-driven economy.
She urged institutions like the TelOne Centre for Learning to take a leading role in harnessing the potential of AI for national development.
“This ceremony is far more than a celebration of academic achievement,” she said.
“It is a powerful declaration of our nation’s intent to lead in building a digitally empowered future.”
She added that the Innovation Hub reflects a concrete step towards realising Vision 2030.
“It stands as a beacon, a tangible commitment to the idea that Zimbabwe’s most valuable resource is not in the ground, but in the minds of its people.”
The event celebrated both academic perseverance and a national ambition to use innovation and technology as drivers of development.
TelOne management and its board highlighted the importance of equipping graduates with practical, industry-ready skills in line with Education 5.0, stressing the need to bridge the gap between academia and the workplace while ensuring inclusivity in the country’s digital transformation.
TelOne chief executive officer Engineer Lawrence Nkala said the institution’s investment in the Innovation Hub – a project that saw US$280 000 channelled into repurposing the building, now valued at US$400 000 – demonstrates TelOne’s commitment to fostering innovation.
“We want to turn Zimbabwe from a consumer of products to a creator of goods and services for the benefit of the country,” said Eng Nkala.
“Graduation is not the end, it is the beginning of a lifelong journey of continuous learning.”
TelOne board Chairperson Dr Douglas Zimbango said the organisation’s strategy aligns with Vision 2030, NDS1, NDS2 and the National AI Strategy.
He said the hub’s role was to link academia and industry by fostering creativity, collaboration, problem-solving and enterprise development among students.
“The Innovation Hub will foster creativity, collaboration, problem-solving, and enterprise development among our students,” Dr Zimbango said.
He commended the graduates for their resilience and urged them to remain adaptable in a rapidly changing technological environment.
“You have not only acquired knowledge but also developed resilience and character that will serve you in the years to come.”
ENDS_
