Zvamaida Murwira-Senior Reporter
The United Nations and the African Union have commended Zimbabwe’s Heritage-Based Education 5.0, saying Harare had proved to be a torch-bearer in enhancing innovation and industrialisation.
Zimbabwe was also commended for establishing a standalone Ministry of Skills Audit and Development.
This was said by United Nations Country Resident Coordinator, Dr Rosemary Kalapurakal and African Union Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and innovation Professor Gaspard Banyankimbona.
In her address at the Africa Skills Week conference which began in Harare yesterday, Dr Kalapurakal said Zimbabwe’s efforts in mineral beneficiation, industrial development, digital transformation and the energy transition will require not only investment and infrastructure, but also technicians, engineers, entrepreneurs, innovators and skilled workers equipped for a rapidly changing economy.
“In this regard, I wish to commend Zimbabwe, and His Excellency, the President for the establishment of a standalone Ministry responsible for Skills Audit and Development – an institutional step that recognises skills development as a strategic national priority linked to industrialisation, innovation, productivity and competitiveness,” said President Mnangagwa.
“Indeed, Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy 2 has placed human capital development, industrial transformation, innovation, digitalisation, value addition and beneficiation at the centre of its journey towards upper-middle-income status.
“Government’s emphasis on Education 5.0, innovation hubs, industrial parks, STEM education and digital skills reflects a recognition that sustainable growth will depend on the capabilities of Zimbabwe’s people.”
In his address at the conference, Prof Banyankimbona said the education model being pursued by the Government showed visionary leadership.
“Here in Zimbabwe, we see this visionary approach realised through the Heritage-Based Education 5.0 doctrine. By expanding the traditional university mandate to explicitly include innovation and industrialisation, and by embodying the profound national ethos of “Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo” – that a country is built by its owners, Zimbabwe is providing a masterclass for the continent,” said Prof Banyankimbona.
“You are proving that training leads directly to value creation, turning learners into architects of industrial destiny thus aligning perfectly with the theme of the third edition of the Africa Skills Week.”
He said Africa ought to tap into its vast youth population.
“Africa is home to the world’s youngest and most dynamic population. Every year, over 12 million young Africans enter the labour market, bringing fresh energy, creativity, and immense potential.
“While the formal economy currently absorbs only about 3 million of these young talents, this space represents our greatest opportunity for innovation, entrepreneurship, and the creation of new, high-value industries,” he said.
The conference is being held under the theme; “Skills for Resilient and Competitive African Industries: From Training to Value Creation.”
The event drew participants from African leaders, policymakers, captains of industry, the academia youth.
It was attended by Cabinet ministers, legislators and diplomats accredited to Zimbabwe.
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