Gweru, Zimbabwe – Midlands State University (MSU) and the Zimbabwe Agricultural Development Trust (ZADT) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to equip students with the skills and funding to launch commercial agribusinesses, an agreement sealed on 19 February 2026 at the Gweru Main Campus.
The partnership creates a formal framework for the two institutions to develop student-led agricultural enterprises through the Faculty of Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources Management.
Declaring the agreement timely, MSU Pro-Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Administration, Professor M. Maphosa, said it addresses a critical gap in the university’s Education 5.0 model.
“This MoU is bridging a critical skills gap that has long existed between theory and practice,” he stated.
Professor Maphosa emphasised that in the modern economy, practical ability now defines career prospects.
“In an evolving economy, practical skills have become the new currency of the modern labour market,” he noted.
Looking to the future, he voiced strong hopes for the venture’s legacy.
“We hope that this MoU will support our graduates to become agripreneurs and contribute to national development,” Professor Maphosa said.
Under the agreement, ZADT will provide project oversight, financial support, entrepreneurship training, and networking opportunities.
MSU will contribute technical expertise, co-develop curricula, mentor students, supply infrastructure, and manage monitoring systems.
ZADT Chief Executive Officer Mr. G. R. Chinoera explained that the Trust’s work directly supports small-scale farmers.
“We have designed our program around supporting small scale farmers, mainly the youth and women in terms of empowering them to be entrepreneurs, linking them with markets and finance; we train them with financial literacy, and we help them to develop business plans,” he highlighted.
Formalising the landmark agreement were MSU Acting Registrar Mrs. S. Masuku, who signed on behalf of the university, and ZADT Chief Executive Officer Mr. G.R. Chinoera, who signed on behalf of the Trust.
The partnership is expected to strengthen student participation in agribusiness through the integration of financial literacy and business development, contributing to national development.
Ultimately, the collaboration produces industry-ready graduates poised to accelerate Zimbabwe’s developmental agenda, contributing directly to the African Union’s Agenda 2063 vision of inclusive growth and sustainable development through empowered youth.