Online Reporter
Oliver Kazunga
ZIMPAPERS Training Institute (ZTI) has opened enrolment for its 2026 intake, offering Higher Education Examinations Council (HEXCO)-accredited certificates and diploma programmes alongside specialised masterclasses, as it strengthens its role in producing industry-ready skills.
Launched last year and registered under the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development, ZTI offers programmes tailored to the evolving needs of Zimbabwe’s media, business and creative sectors.
The institute is enrolling students for its first 2026 masterclasses in video recording and editing, photography, data analytics for business, digital marketing essentials and artificial intelligence literacy. Registration for the masterclasses closes on 23 January 2026.
Tutorials for the masterclasses will commence on Saturday, 24 January while HEXCO-accredited programmes — which include Mass Communication, Film Making, and Sales and Marketing — will begin in February.
Zimpapers corporate communications and sustainability manager Mrs Pauline Matanda said the institute was established to bridge the gap between academic training and workplace requirements.
“ZTI was created to respond to real skills needs in the economy.
“As Zimpapers, we understand how rapidly media, business and technology are changing, and we are deliberately offering programmes that equip learners with practical, relevant and future-focused skills,” she said.
ZTI officially opened in February last year, enrolling more than 40 students in its inaugural HEXCO programmes. Since then, the institute has trained over 80 participants through five-week masterclasses, reflecting strong demand for practical, hands-on training anchored in industry realities.
Mrs Matanda said the video recording and editing masterclass responds to the rapid expansion of digital media, which has driven demand for high-quality video content across journalism, marketing, education and entertainment.
“The programme addresses skills gaps in practical video production by equipping participants with essential filming, editing and visual storytelling techniques,” she said.
On data analytics for business, she noted that organisations were increasingly relying on data-driven decision-making.
“There is a growing need for professionals who can interpret and apply data insights effectively.
“This masterclass provides foundational and practical skills to support business strategy, performance measurement and competitive advantage,” she said.
Mrs Matanda added that the artificial intelligence literacy programme offers a practical introduction to AI concepts, tools and ethical considerations, enabling participants to adopt and use AI technologies responsibly in both professional and everyday contexts.
She said the digital marketing essentials programme responds to shifting audience behaviour, as organisations increasingly rely on digital platforms to remain visible and competitive.
Meanwhile, the photography masterclass focuses on visual storytelling, a key component of journalism, marketing and the creative industries.
The programme covers camera techniques, composition, lighting and ethical storytelling to help participants produce professional-quality images.
“With ZTI, we are building a pipeline of skilled professionals who are ready for the demands of today and tomorrow,” Mrs Matanda said.
Bongani Ndlovu