The Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development, Honourable Ambassador Dr Frederick M. Shava, visited the Harare Institute of Technology today on a familiarisation tour.
In his remarks at the end of the familiarisation tour, Honourable Ambassador Dr Frederick M. Shava said he was deeply heartened by the dedication evident in the university’s work, which demonstrably complements the government’s overarching objectives as outlined in the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1).
“Your efforts are not merely academic exercises; they are tangible contributions to the nation’s progress. I particularly commend the university’s proactive development of STEM programmes, a crucial step towards bridging this significant gap. However, I am encouraging the university to implement targeted strategies to increase female enrollment and address the gender imbalances across all levels of study. This is not merely a matter of equity, but a strategic imperative to harness the full potential of our nation’s talent pool,” said the Minister.
Ambassador Dr F. Shava also commended HIT for sticking to its mandate of developing, incubating, transferring, and commercialising technology for Zimbabwe’s rapid industrialization, which aligns flawlessly with the visionary leadership of His Excellency, the President, Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa. “The President’s vision of transforming Zimbabwe into a knowledge-driven Upper-Middle-Income Economy by 2030 hinges upon the very principles that you are enacting. The Second Republic, under his astute stewardship, has fundamentally reshaped higher and tertiary education, transitioning from a consumptive Education 3.0 to a productive Heritage-Based Education 5.0. This paradigm shift aims to cultivate graduates equipped not only with technical skills but also with the right attitudes and knowledge to address pressing national needs”.
“I am particularly impressed by your success in producing graduates with innovative and technopreneurial capabilities, proof of the efficacy of this new educational philosophy. This is evidenced by the prestigious award conferred to your students in recognition of developing the most outstanding website at the EXPO 2025 OSAKA launch,” he added.
The Minister was also impressed by the tangible impact of HIT’s innovations on the lives of ordinary citizens. “The deployment of your innovations which include the TapCard system, the Bureau de Change system that was adopted and implemented by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe and LADS ERP adopted and implemented in all 92 Local Authorities, are prime examples of your practical contributions to the development of the nation. However, to maximize the benefits of these innovations, I encourage you to aggressively pursue marketing and commercialization strategies, extending your reach to local, regional, and international markets. By doing so, you enhance the university’s standing and significantly contribute to the country’s Gross Domestic Product. I was also impressed by the Tram project which I encourage you to scale up and commercialize for the benefit of the nation”.
“Furthermore, the expeditious completion of unfinished projects, particularly the lithium battery and solar panel manufacturing projects, is crucial. The increasing demand for solar power solutions presents a ready market, and these projects hold immense potential for national self-sufficiency. I am also pleased to note the university’s vibrant research unit, with research strands precisely aligned with Heritage-Based Education 5.0. You must continue to focus research themes on critical areas affecting human existence, addressing challenges that directly impact our communities. My Ministry remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting authentic research and innovations that drive sustainable development,” he said.
Ambassador Shava added that the infrastructure development projects showcased during his tour reflect the university’s ambitious plans for expansion. “Your plans to develop student accommodation are particularly welcome. Decent and conducive living environments are fundamental to student well-being and academic success, ultimately leading to improved educational outcomes,” he said.
The Minister also expressed his commitment to providing continued support to the university, supplementing funding from the treasury and your internally generated revenue. “However, institutions must diversify their funding sources and reduce over-reliance on Government. Exploring third income streams will ensure long-term financial stability and sustainability”.
“Vice Chancellor and your team, your unwavering commitment to championing human capital development in STEM disciplines is commendable. The impactful nature of your innovations on our communities is evident. I urge you to maintain your collaborative spirit and continue working as a cohesive team to achieve even greater milestones. The timely completion of all outstanding projects is paramount, not only for the advancement of the institution but also for the benefit of our students and the prosperity of Zimbabwe,” Ambassador Shava said.
