Story by Farai Gwaze
ZIMBABWE, through the University of Zimbabwe (UZ), has been honored for its transformative contributions to education on the African continent at this year’s African Leadership Magazine Awards, held in Casablanca, Morocco.
UZ was recognised for its significant role in enhancing research capacity, fostering industry incubation, and promoting research that links academic initiatives to industry needs across Africa.
“Most of the nominations were done by our readers. It is a three-step process, we look at the nominations and schedule them for a pole, we were surprised that the University of Zimbabwe was tops in this, amidst other universities in Africa,” African Leadership Magazine Chairperson and publisher, Dr Ken Giami said.
“I want to say kudos to their research capacity, industry incubation and research to industry linkages. These are some of the reasons why this award was given.”
UZ Vice Chancellor Professor Paul Mapfumo, says the award is a result of the successful implementation of heritage-based education 5.0.
“This award is very significant in the context of Zimbabwe’s higher education transformation because this comes after we have done our heritage-based education 5.0 implementation, and to me, this becomes an acknowledgment and endorsement of His Excellency the President and Chancellor of state universities, Dr Emerson Mnangagwa’s transformational leadership, vision and commitment, to understanding that it is through education that we can change everything else, as we move our nation towards vision 2030.”
UZ’s recognition as a centre of global excellence highlights its transformative role in education and research, aligning with Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 which prioritises homegrown solutions to various challenges.
