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Mukudzei Chingwere-Herald Reporter
Zimbabwe will benefit from cutting-edge expertise after the University of Zimbabwe took a significant step in enhancing its educational and research capabilities by signing a memorandum of cooperation with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
Wednesday’s signing ceremony at UZ sees this collaboration leveraging Japanese expertise in several fields and fostering academic exchanges, research initiatives and capacity building.
It heralded the establishment of a collaborative relationship which seeks to promote the development of academic, educational and technical cooperation between UZ and JICA as well as promote joint research between UZ and universities in Japan.
The cooperation would see UZ developing strategic partnerships to enhance knowledge sharing, resource mobilisation, and investments for the advancement of innovative research, outreach, teaching and business development.
The partnership came after Dr Kitaoka Shinichi, the former JICA president and the current special advisor to the current JICA head, delivered a public lecture at UZ yesterday.
He said JICA remained committed to its cooperation with Zimbabwe which included promoting the development of infrastructure of transport corridors and power distribution to improve Zimbabwe’s connectivity with neighbouring countries and support its efforts towards regional economic integration.
“We support the development of human resources that contribute to the strengthening of the industrial sector and want to promote agriculture, rural development, tourism and start-up ecosystems to spur economic development through the appropriate and effective use of Zimbabwe’s abundant resources through technical assistance, including various training programmes and the dispatch of experts.
“Start-up ecosystems should be strengthened and start-ups with innovative solutions solving social issues created and developed,” said Dr Kitaoka.
UZ Vice Chancellor Professor Paul Mapfumo said the university was privileged to have Dr Kitaoka Shinichi, the visionary behind the JICA, as keynote speaker.
“This programme is now being implemented in collaboration with leading universities in around 70 countries worldwide, underscoring its global impact,” said Professor Mapfumo.
“Through initiatives like this, we are advancing our commitment to fostering global partnerships, addressing shared challenges, building capacities, sharing knowledge, promoting research, and empowering the next generation of leaders.
“This lecture is not just an opportunity to learn but also to deepen the collaboration between Africa and Japan, exploring areas of mutual interest and cooperation. We are fortunate to have Dr Kitaoka to share his profound expertise and experiences,” said Professor Mapfumo.
He said yesterday’s lecture reminded him of the importance of Africa’s growth and the valuable lessons that Japan’s experience can offer.
Professor Mapfumo said from the challenges of post-war reconstruction to remarkable economic transformation, Japan’s journey presents key insights that can help shape Africa’s development trajectory.
Online Reporter