Story by Josephine Mugiyo, Diplomatic Correspondent
PRESIDENT Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa says education that cultivates home-grown solutions remains central to Zimbabwe’s long-term development strategy, as the country works to strengthen its skills base in critical sectors.
President Dr Mnangagwa made the remarks during a fundraising dinner in Harare for the ED-UNZA Scholarship Programme, which supports academically gifted but financially disadvantaged students.
The initiative, launched in 2019 and spearheaded by the President as its patron, provides scholarships to outstanding learners, particularly orphans and underprivileged students, enabling them to pursue tertiary education.
Addressing guests at the event, President Dr Mnangagwa said the programme has increasingly prioritised fields that are central to economic transformation, including medicine, science and technology-based disciplines.
He noted that by investing in relevant education and skills development, Zimbabwe and the broader region are laying a foundation for sustained industrialisation, innovation and modernisation.
Since its establishment, the scholarship has assisted more than 90 students, some of whom have pursued their studies at the University of Zambia, the institution where President Dr Mnangagwa obtained his law degree.
The programme has also expanded to support students enrolled at local universities, with beneficiaries studying in a range of professional fields.
President Dr Mnangagwa called for stronger collaboration with the private sector, development partners and philanthropic organisations to expand the reach of the initiative.
He emphasised that access to education should not be limited by financial constraints, stressing that talented learners must be supported to realise their potential.
