HARARE – Zimbabwe is reportedly beginning to see the results of implementing the Education 5.0 model, which prioritizes innovation and heritage-based education.
The model, created by the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development, has already saved the country millions of dollars in imports and boosted exports.
One significant success story is the establishment of semi-automated manufacturing plants for local production of industrial and household personal care products, personal protective equipment, and allied health products at State universities.
This industrial parks program has saved the nation US$12 million in imports.
According to Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa, the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development has made progress in implementing the programs and projects under the Education 5.0 model.
The activities are guided by priority programs on innovation, science and technology development, and human capital development.
The Education 5.0 model is a heritage-based system that includes teaching, research, community service, innovation, and industrialization. The goal is to move the nation towards an innovation-led and knowledge-based economy.
In Manicaland, Verify Engineering Medical and Industrial Gases is successfully producing medical and industrial oxygen, acetylene gas, and liquid nitrogen.
The company, which is wholly government-owned and operating under the technical direction of Harare Institute of Technology, is already exporting oxygen to Mozambique.
Other projects under the Education 5.0 model include the geospatial, aeronautical, and space science capability program, which has sent Zimbabwe’s first satellite, ZIMSAT-1, into orbit.
The Zimbabwe National Geospatial and Space Agency has also produced a revised map of agro-ecological zones, a national wetlands map, and high-resolution survey maps for improved urban land-use planning.
Additionally, there are number plate manufacturing plants, clothing and textiles factories, and innovation hubs set up at State universities.
The indigenous fruits beneficiation program is also contributing significantly to the country’s manufacturing sector.
Minister Mutsvangwa said, “The ministry’s strategic thrust is the attainment of an upper-middle-income economy by 2030 through the ‘Chimurenga Chepfungwa’ and ‘Nyika inovakwa nevana vayo’ initiatives.”
Zimbabwe is clearly making progress towards achieving its goals, and the Education 5.0 model is a significant factor in this success.
