Government-led Education 5.0 Sparks Innovation Hub in Zimbabwe’s Universities
The Government of Zimbabwe has made significant strides in transforming the higher education sector by establishing innovation hubs within universities and polytechnics. As part of the National Development Strategy (NDS1) and Vision 2030, the government has created more than 16 new industries and supported over 100 student-led start-ups that have been commercialized.
The Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science, and Technology Development has spearheaded this transformation by adopting the Education 5.0 model. This new model emphasizes not only teaching, research, and community services but also innovation and industrialization, addressing previous concerns that graduates did not meet industry expectations.
The shift to Education 5.0 has generated positive results, with universities and polytechnics becoming centers of innovative business ideas. One notable success story is Chinhoyi University of Technology, which has established six industries across different sectors, including clothing, sanitizers, detergents, livestock feed, dairy, beef production, and artificial insemination.
Midlands State University has also made significant contributions, establishing five industries in pharmaceuticals, food processing, chemical processing, clothing, and health. Moreover, a National Pathology Research and Diagnostic Center and an Agro-Industrial Park have been set up at the university to address national interest challenges and promote agricultural research and innovation.
Many other universities and polytechnics have followed suit. The University of Zimbabwe has established six industries, focusing on bakery, edible oil processing, livestock feed, puff production, clothing, and sanitizers. The Great Zimbabwe State University has a clothing industry and an agro-industrial park for dry-land agriculture.
Innovation is not limited to physical industries. The National University of Science and Technology (Nust) in Bulawayo has launched mobile science laboratories, enabling greater access to science education in rural communities. Additionally, the Nust Genomics Centre has played a key role in Covid-19 testing and other national projects involving DNA analysis.
Harare Institute of Technology has established a software development company that has produced various products, including the ‘Tap Card’ system used by the Zimbabwe United Passenger Company (ZUPCO). Several other industries, including water purification, drug manufacturing, and biomedical engineering, have also emerged.
The government’s efforts have extended beyond traditional industries. Mutare Teachers’ College has established a food processing industry for indigenous fruits, contributing to their value-addition. Verify Engineering Company, through the Ministry’s initiatives, now produces oxygen, nitrogen, and acetylene. The National Biotechnology Authority has also set up food processing and pharmaceutical manufacturing plants.
The Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science, and Technology Development remains committed to industrializing the country and advancing the goals of Education 5.0. Collaboration with friendly nations and the strengthening of key educational agencies are among the strategies being pursued. Efforts are also underway to develop infrastructure for education innovation, research, and development.
The achievements of universities and polytechnics in establishing industries and fostering innovation are undeniable. These initiatives contribute to the country’s economic growth, create job opportunities, and address societal challenges. With the successful implementation of Education 5.0, Zimbabwe is well on its way to becoming a knowledge-driven economy, equipped to meet the demands of the 21st century.
