The City of Kadoma and Bindura University of Science Education (BUSE) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a new university campus in the Mashonaland West city, marking a major step toward expanding access to higher education and driving local economic growth.
The agreement, signed on Wednesday at the Kadoma City Council chambers, formalises a strategic partnership aimed at advancing science education, infrastructure development and skills training in Kadoma and surrounding areas. It aligns with national efforts to decentralise tertiary education and promote STEM-led development.
Kadoma mayor Nigel Ruzario signed on behalf of the city, while vice-chancellor Eddie Mwenje represented BUSE.
Under the agreement, the City of Kadoma has allocated 50 hectares of land near Seed Co for the project, with additional space earmarked for future expansion, including the planned construction of a polytechnic college at the same site.
Currently, BUSE operates from temporary facilities at the Cotton Training Centre along New Chakari Road.
Speaking at the signing, Ruzario described the partnership as a milestone in Kadoma’s development trajectory.
“This partnership is a milestone for Kadoma’s development agenda,” he said.
“Hosting a BUSE campus will open doors for our youth and attract investment linked to education and innovation.”
He added that the project is expected to transform Kadoma into an emerging education hub, with a focus on sectors such as agriculture, engineering, mining, health and community development.
Mwenje confirmed that preparatory work on the site will begin in May, underscoring the university’s commitment to expanding access to science education.
“The Kadoma Campus advances our mandate to extend science education beyond Bindura,” he said.
“We are committed to working with the City to deliver a campus that serves students and the regional economy.”
He noted that co-locating the university with the planned polytechnic institution will create opportunities for integrated skills training and innovation.
“Our presence here will spark research and innovation partnerships with local industry, especially in mining, agriculture and environmental management. Kadoma has unique opportunities, and a science campus will help unlock them,” added Mwenje.
Established in 2000, BUSE has a mandate to advance and disseminate science education through teaching and research.
Its main campus is in Bindura, with additional facilities in Harare.
The planned Kadoma campus represents both BUSE’s continued expansion and the city’s investment in human capital development.
Once operational, it is expected to improve access to tertiary education, ease pressure on existing institutions and contribute to Zimbabwe’s growing STEM capacity.
Further details on ground-breaking and programme rollout are expected to be announced as planning progresses.