Zimbabwe Staff College and MSUAS Explore New Avenues for Collaboration

Manicaland State University of Applied Sciences (MSUAS) hosted a high-level delegation from the Zimbabwe Staff College (ZSC) at its Fernhill Campus in Mutare on March 18, 2026. The visit, themed “Economic Resilience for National Security,” focused on the critical connection between academic innovation and national stability.

The event brought together military strategists and academic leaders to explore the role of higher education in driving industrial and economic development. The ZSC delegation sought to gain insights into MSUAS’s contributions to Zimbabwe’s primary and secondary industries through the framework of Education 5.0, which emphasizes innovation, industrialization, and community engagement.

In his opening remarks, MSUAS Vice-Chancellor Professor Albert Chawanda highlighted the growing intersection between education and leadership in national development.

“Your presence here today reflects not just a courtesy visit, but the strategic convergence between higher education and national leadership. Together, let us shape a future where knowledge drives strategy, and innovation underpins national development,” said Professor Chawanda.

Dr. Crispen Bhukuvhani, MSUAS’s Executive Dean of Research, Innovation, and Postgraduate Studies, provided an overview of the university’s rapid evolution, noting its establishment in 2016 after being incubated by Midlands State University. He emphasized the institution’s focus on creating knowledge that directly serves the community and supports national priorities.

“The primary objective of a university is not only to teach but to create knowledge and apply it in ways that meaningfully serve the community. MSUAS supports the mining sector and national security by producing specialized personnel in engineering and cybersecurity while leveraging its Innovation and Agro-Industrial Park to strengthen food stability,” said Dr. Bhukuvhani.

The engagement underscored MSUAS’s significant contributions to national food security, such as preparing 60 hectares for winter wheat production and expanding its beef cattle herd through its Agro-Industrial Park. These initiatives align with the broader goal of achieving economic self-sufficiency as a cornerstone of national security.

The meeting concluded with both parties committing to formalize their collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The proposed MoU aims to advance joint research initiatives and foster community engagement while maintaining academic output as a vital driver of national progress and security.

MSUAS’s commitment to strategic partnerships was further highlighted by its existing MoU with the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS). This partnership focuses on inmate rehabilitation, skills development, and reintegration support.

The ZSC delegation wrapped up their visit with a tour of the Fernhill Campus, where they observed ongoing developments, including the construction of new hostels. The visit marked the beginning of a promising partnership between the two institutions, aimed at shaping Zimbabwe’s future through education and innovation.