Story by Wellington Makonese
MIDLANDS State University (MSU) has stepped up its commercialisation and industrialisation efforts following the expansion of its food and beverages unit, which has been bolstered by the acquisition of new automated production equipment.
The Food and Processing Plant, established in 2021 in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, was initially designed to meet the university’s internal needs. It has since evolved into a revenue-generating venture aimed at enhancing institutional sustainability.
The facility has since undergone significant transformation, evolving from manual production lines to a fully automated system, signalling the university’s shift towards the Education 5.0 model-driven industrialisation.
It forms part of the four business units established by the institution to drive innovation, value addition and commercial viability.
“We have increased our production capacity from when we started. Initially, we used manual processes, but now we have an automated line that produces about 3 000 bottles of juice per hour. We have also acquired pasteurisers to extend product shelf life. We began by servicing the MSU internal market, but demand quickly outstripped supply. With the Zimbabwe Standards Association certification now in place, we can supply wider markets. Importantly, we source fruits directly from local farmers, completing the value chain,” Executive Director MSU Enterprise Ms Patience Mangwiro said.
Beyond boosting output, the expansion is strengthening linkages with surrounding communities through the utilisation of locally produced fruits, in line with government’s thrust on inclusive industrial growth.
“Education 5.0 is now making a tangible impact beyond our borders. This is a system anchored on innovation, driving industrialisation. We are commercialising innovations, protecting them through patents, and establishing production units, factories and workshops. This directly supports a critical pillar under NDS2, and we are confident the impact will continue to grow,” Vice Chancellor MSU Professor Victor Muzvidziwa said.
The expansion of the MSU beverages plant positions tertiary institutions as key players in Zimbabwe’s industrialisation agenda, blending innovation, skills development and production to drive sustainable economic growth.
