Story by Wellington Makonese
ZIMBABWE’S drive towards an innovation-led and industrialised economy is gathering momentum, with the inaugural Midlands Provincial Skills Fair underway in Gweru.
The competition, spearheaded by the Ministry of Skills Audit and Development, forms part of a nationwide programme to align skills development with production, value addition and job creation under the National Development Strategy Two (NDS2).
Exhibitors from across the province’s eight districts are showcasing practical solutions spanning mining, agriculture, manufacturing, ICTs and the creative industries, as the initiative pushes to translate ideas into scalable industrial outputs.
Students say the platform is enabling them to develop industry-ready innovations.
“The programme I am doing allows me to create a tangible product suitable for industry use,” one participant said.
Midlands Director for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Mr Masimba Mukondo, said the fair reflects the province’s economic contribution and potential.
“The province contributes 11.7 percent to the national GDP… this fair provides a strategic platform to showcase job creation, creative industries and targeted youth programmes,” he said.
Chief Director in the Ministry of Skills Audit and Development, Dr Clifford Matorera, said the initiative is designed to build a production-focused skills ecosystem.
“We are building an ecosystem where skills drive production and value addition… unlocking talent and supporting enterprise growth,” he said, adding that the programme also advances Sustainable Development Goal 8.
Outstanding innovations from the provincial showcase will advance to national finals scheduled for October, as government intensifies efforts to bridge the gap between education and industry in pursuit of Vision 2030.
