Gweru, Zimbabwe – 28 March 2025 – As Midlands State University (MSU) prepares to mark its 25th anniversary, it has taken a bold step toward securing its future by convening a landmark Joint Business Engagement Session with leading financial institutions.
Held at the Gweru Main Campus, the event underscored the university’s role as both a catalyst for innovation and a beneficiary of Zimbabwe’s thriving financial ecosystem.
Under the theme, “Fostering Strategic Financial Partnerships for Sustainable University Growth,” the gathering united banking leaders, venture capitalists, and MSU’s senior leadership in a dynamic exchange of ideas—followed by an immersive tour of the University’s world-class facilities.
In his opening address, Acting Vice-Chancellor Dr. G. Manyatera set an ambitious tone, urging stakeholders to move beyond rhetoric and into action.
“Let us forge alliances that do more than sustain—they must ignite innovation, drive progress, and lay the foundation for the next 25 years of excellence,” he declared.
Dr. A. Nechibvute, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology, provided a compelling overview of MSU’s Silver Jubilee Calendar, outlining key anniversary events and framing the strategic importance of financial collaboration in shaping the university’s future.
Representatives from Zimbabwe’s foremost financial institutions—including the National Venture Capital Company of Zimbabwe (NVCCZ), FBC, CBZ, NMB, AFC, Bank ABC, ZB Bank, First Mutual, POSB, and Access Forex—delivered insightful presentations, sparking vigorous discussions on potential partnerships.
The ensuing question and answer session saw robust engagement, with stakeholders exploring nuanced opportunities for sponsorship, research commercialisation, and infrastructure development.
The afternoon brought the dialogue to life as attendees toured MSU’s state-of-the-art facilities, including: the Research and Innovation Division , MSU Enterprises, and the MSU National Pathology Research and Diagnostic Centre.
This tour demonstrated the tangible benefits that strategic financial alliances could unlock.
Closing the session, Professor G. Mugumbate, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation, and Industrialisation, reflected on the day’s significance.
“The enthusiasm of our financial partners reaffirms MSU’s pivotal role in Zimbabwe’s knowledge economy.
“Together, we can accelerate research commercialisation—an essential pillar of our Heritage-Based Education 5.0 strategy—and ensure sustainable growth for decades to come,” she noted.
As MSU celebrates 25 years of academic distinction, this landmark engagement signals more than an anniversary—it heralds a new chapter of innovation, collaboration, and enduring national impact.