THE government has reiterated its commitment to strengthening collaboration between universities and industry, focusing on developing skills that drive economic growth and achieve key national development goals.
This was emphasised by the Minister of Skills Audit and Development, Professor Paul Mavima during the Industry-University Innovate Together Summit.
“Industry-university collaboration emerges as one of the most promising solutions to be embraced in our effort to bridge the skills gap. Our government is committed to providing platforms and mechanisms that build stronger partnerships for skills development,” the Minister said.
“As we emphasise modernising our education systems, we must recognise that traditional academic curricula alone are no longer sufficient to equip students with the practical skills needed to thrive in this evolving landscape.
Our Ministry has embarked on a transformative skills development drive by partnering line Ministries and other stakeholders in promoting digital skills development for all citizens while prioritising communities that are furthest left behind,” Professor Mavima said.
The Minister noted the importance of these collaborations in achieving Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and Agenda 2063, “The Africa We Want” in transforming Zimbabwe into an upper-middle-income economy.
“Zimbabwe’s industrialisation and modernisation thrust will be realised through the development and effective and efficient utilisation of the skills of its people, hence the relevance of a platform such as this where great minds come together to develop key recommendations that can move our nation forward,” he said.
Professor Mavima highlighted that industry-university collaboration creates a fertile ground for innovation.
“Universities are hubs of creativity and intellectual exploration, while industries focus on solving real-world problems.
When these two forces converge, the result is a dynamic synergy that drives technological advancement and economic growth,” he said.
“The future workforce will be defined by adaptability, creativity, and problem-solving ability. Our Industry and universities must ensure effective nurturing of these qualities by offering students real-world exposure and development of both technical and soft skills.
“We must get to a point where students involved in internships with Zimbabwean companies not only gain technical expertise but also have an opportunity to enhance their teamwork, communication, and critical thinking skills.
These experiences make graduates more job-ready and competitive in both local and international markets.”
The government recognises the need to modernise policies to incentivise businesses to invest in educational partnerships through tax benefits, grants, and other incentives.
This will encourage businesses to actively participate in skills development initiatives and contribute to the growth of the education sector.
The government’s commitment aims to promote and strengthen collaboration between universities and industry, to create a future where graduates are not just job seekers but also job creators, innovators, and leaders on the global stage.
