HIGHER and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development minister Frederick Shava has challenged authorities at the Gweru Polytechnic to commercialise its research outputs and embrace emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and blockchain to drive Zimbabwe’s industrialisation and economic transformation.
Speaking during a tour of the institution on Thursday, Shava said tertiary institutions should move beyond research and focus on turning innovations into viable businesses that can provide solutions to national challenges.
“I am pleased to note that you developed more than eight prototypes with potential to provide home-grown solutions to national challenges,” he said.
“I challenge you to commercialize these research outputs. Get assistance from the ministry directorate on business units and development to enhance the installation and functionality of the beverage plant equipment.”
Shava also encouraged the institution to integrate modern technologies into its teaching and learning systems in line with National Development Strategy 2 priorities.
“The mandate of this department is to assist institutions turn their innovative ideas into viable ventures that benefit our people.
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“Under NDS2, the science, technology, digital innovation, and human capital development priority area emphasises strategic technology leapfrogging.
“I acknowledge your efforts in upgrading laboratories and workshops with modern equipment.
“To complement that, I urge you to embrace artificial intelligence, blockchain, and satellite technology as you continue to transform your curricula.”
Shava said the government would support the institution in equipping laboratories with relevant technologies so that it produces graduates equipped with skills essential for building Zimbabwe into an upper middle-income economy by 2030.
He commended the institutions leadership for receiving recognition at the 2025 Zimbabwe Chief Executive Officer’s Network Awards.
The Gweru Polytechnic principal and his vice recently won prestigious awards at the 2025 Zimbabwe Chief Executive Officer’s Network Awards.
“This recognition reflects your leadership and commitment to excellence,” Shava said.
He urged the polytechnic to continue strengthening its technical and vocational training programmes to meet the needs of industry and commerce.
“I encourage you to continue reviewing your curriculum to ensure graduates acquire relevant skills that will help transform Zimbabwe into a knowledge and innovation driven economy by 2030.
“In this regard, I strongly encourage institutions to collaborate with industry so that we offer training programmes that are relevant.
“Student-centred delivery systems are very important in our pursuits to increase access to quality and inclusive education.
“Your institution must strive to give value for money services to the student population. In this regard, your institution is encouraged to continuously improve the learning and teaching infrastructure.
“Equally important are improvements in staff welfare. In this regard, your institution is instructed to
have staff development programs in place.”
Shava highlighted government efforts to expand access to higher and tertiary education through inclusive policies.
“The ministry has introduced the Work for Fees and Inclusive Education policies to promote equitable access to higher and tertiary education.
“I thank the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development for allocating a substantial budget to support the Work for Fees programme. Institutions must therefore enhance its implementation.
“It is a constitutional obligation to ensure unconditional access to tertiary education by deserving candidates.”
He welcomed the institution’s support for graduate led enterprises aimed at creating employment opportunities.
“I am delighted that you are supporting graduate-led business units, particularly in the motor vehicle sector, under the Graduate-Led Employment Creation Development Programme.
“Institutions must continue nurturing graduates with innovative business ideas, and the ministry will provide the necessary support to ensure these initiatives grow into sustainable enterprises.”
Shava called for increased community engagement through skills outreach programmes that support rural industrialisation.
“Guided by the second republic’s Rural Industrialisation and Heritage-Based Education 5.0, my ministry will strengthen implementation of the Adopt your Community policy.”
Shava called on institutions to significantly increase the number of community members trained under the Integrated Skills Expansion Outreach Programme.
Rural development thrives when human capital is equipped with relevant skills to drive industry and commerce.
“I applaud Gweru Polytechnic for initiating plans to train digital skills in surrounding communities. Your plans to establish an Innovation and Business Incubation Hub at Chaka Business Centre will go a long way in developing village business units in the province.
“Institutions are encouraged to develop third-stream income sources to supplement government grants. Revenue generated should be used to improve infrastructure, incentivise staff and curb brain drain.”