Online Reporter
Veronica Gwaze in Bulawayo
A strong showing by universities and colleges at this year’s Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) is emerging as a litmus test for the country’s Heritage – Based Education 5.0 model, with institutions showcasing innovations that could help drive industrialisation and economic growth.
A total of 46 higher and tertiary institutions, along with 11 agencies, under the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development are exhibiting at the country’s premier trade showcase being held here.
Their presence – and the practical solutions on display – reflects a growing shift from theory-driven learning to innovation-led production.
Under Education 5.0, institutions have been mandated to develop technologies, products and services that directly support the revival and transformation of Zimbabwe’s economy.
From the exhibits on display, that transition is beginning to take shape.
Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development Minister, Ambassador Frederick Shava, said he was impressed by the quality and relevance of innovations being presented.
“After touring these stands, I am quite impressed with what our institutions have done because their innovations speak to industry needs,” said Minister Shava.
“A lot of research ideas have been converted into innovations that are now ready to be taken up by commerce and industry and integrated into daily operations.”
Several institutions are already demonstrating how research can translate into commercially viable products.
Bindura University of Science Education (BUSE), for instance, is adding value to indigenous fruits such as masawu (ziziphus mauritiana), producing wine, juice, jam, sweets, medicinal products and cosmetics.
Midlands State University (MSU) showcased its industrial park, which produces the “Nature Burst” juice range, including mango, orange and guava varieties, while Chinhoyi University of Technology (CUT) exhibited a technology hub focused on transfer, adaptation and commercialisation to support local industry.
Gwanda State University is also contributing through the development of an engineering laboratory designed to support mining research and mineral beneficiation – a key priority as Zimbabwe seeks to maximise value from its mineral resources.
Minister Shava said the work being undertaken by universities aligns closely with the objectives of the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), the country’s economic blueprint running from 2026 to 2030, which aims to propel Zimbabwe towards upper-middle-income status.
Education 5.0 serves as the operational framework for higher and tertiary education within this strategy, built on five pillars — teaching, research, community service, innovation and industrialisation — and designed to transform institutions into centres of production.
“Your efforts are not merely academic exercises; they are tangible contributions to the nation’s progress,” said Minister Shava.
“Let us continue developing, incubating, transferring and commercialising technology for Zimbabwe’s rapid industrialisation.”
He said stronger linkages between innovation hubs and industry players would be critical in advancing rural industrialisation in line with Vision 2030.
“We have to work hand-in-hand with the Ministry of Rural Development as we move towards 2030, where we expect to have 35 000 village business units,” he said.
“These units will require technical expertise and as higher and tertiary institutions, we must be ready to support them. We must move at the same pace as Government.”
Universities have already been tasked with establishing innovation hubs and industrial parks to drive value addition and beneficiation of local resources, in line with Government’s policy to curb the export of raw materials.
This is particularly critical in the mining sector, which has become a key pillar of economic growth, with strong output in gold, platinum, chrome and lithium — all of which require value addition to maximise export earnings.
“We have 10 State universities, and each has been tasked to develop laboratories that respond to the needs of Education 5.0 and NDS2,” said Minister Shava.
“These facilities will serve specific geographical areas, depending on their location, and we are committed to ensuring they fulfil that mandate.”
ZITF is being held under the theme: “Connected Economies, Competitive Industries.”
