Gweru, 5 February 2025 – In a landmark event aimed at empowering start-ups with the tools and knowledge needed to thrive in today’s competitive business landscape, Midlands State University (MSU) hosted a one-day Business Development Capacity Building Seminar at its Gweru Main Campus.
The event, organised by MSU’s Research and Innovation Division in partnership with Central Africa Building Society (CABS), Old Mutual, the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small & Medium Enterprises Development, and Zimbabwe Revenue Authority, marked a significant step in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship within the university and beyond.
The seminar brought together nine promising start-ups incubated at MSU, including Changamire Tectonics Pvt. Ltd, Chemcay Innovations Pvt. Ltd, Technahaka Consultancy Pvt. Ltd, Primeleaf Agro Pvt. Ltd, Kaicol Technologies Pvt. Ltd, Herbicure Pvt. Ltd, NerdiQ Technologies Pvt. Ltd, Culinary Delicacies Pvt. Ltd, and Midlands Scientific Pvt. Ltd.
These ventures, born from the University’s vibrant innovation ecosystem, represent the next generation of Zimbabwean entrepreneurs poised to drive economic growth and transformation.
In her opening remarks, Professor Grace Mugumbate, Pro-Vice Chancellor for Research, Innovation, and Industrialisation, emphasised the critical role of start-ups in shaping Zimbabwe’s economic future.
“As Zimbabwe’s entrepreneurial landscape continues to expand, start-ups are playing an increasingly vital role in driving economic growth, fostering innovation, and creating employment opportunities.
“This seminar is a timely intervention to equip our next generation of business leaders with the essential knowledge and practical tools they need to navigate challenges such as financial management, regulatory compliance, and strategic record-keeping,” said Professor Mugumbate.
The seminar featured presentations from key stakeholders, including CABS, Old Mutual, the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small & Medium Enterprises Development, and ZIMRA.
Topics covered included financial management and literacy, record-keeping, and tax compliance—critical areas for the sustainable growth of start-ups.
The event provided a platform for start-ups to engage directly with industry experts, ask questions, and gain insights into overcoming common challenges.
Participants lauded the seminar for its practical approach and the invaluable knowledge shared, which they believe will significantly enhance their ability to commercialise their ventures.
“This seminar has been a game-changer for us,” said a representative from Herbicure Pvt. Ltd, a start-up specialising in herbal medicinal products.
“We now have a clearer understanding of how to manage our finances, comply with regulations, and keep proper records—skills that are essential for scaling our business.”
The seminar underscores MSU’s unwavering commitment to fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship.
Through its Research and Innovation Division which houses the sprawling Innovation Hub, the University has incubated 32 projects to date, resulting in a number of successful start-ups.
These ventures not only showcase the creativity and ingenuity of MSU students and staff but also highlight the university’s role as a catalyst for economic development.
As Zimbabwe strides towards its vision of becoming a middle-income economy, MSU continues to ensure that its graduates are not only job creators but also innovators who deliver locally inspired, globally competitive, and economically impactful goods and services.
The Business Development Capacity Building Seminar is just one of many initiatives by MSU to support start-ups and entrepreneurs.
As the university celebrates its 25th Anniversary in 2025, it remains steadfast in its mission to nurture innovation, empower entrepreneurs, and contribute to Zimbabwe’s economic transformation.