The University of Zimbabwe Strategic Plan 2019-2025 sets out to guide the University community and partners on a transformative pathway to the delivery of goods and services towards industrialization and modernization of Zimbabwe. The Strategic Plan is underpinned by the philosophy of Kuziva/Ukwazi (deep understanding and consciousness) neKugona/lokwenelisa (being strategic and competent in execution), which will propel the University to a global level of recognition as a centre for research, innovation and higher education training, delivering relevant, cost-effective and timeous solutions to industry, commerce and society: to deliver the Zimbabwean populace from poverty. Through KuzivaneKugona, the Strategic Plan speaks to our stakeholders by opening 'avenues' for conducting cutting- edge research, driven by a clear understanding of the needs, wants and circumstances of our people, knowing what we want to cause (e.g. new generation of companies and industries), and most importantly, how we can organize our brain power to come up with innovative models, methodologies, tools, strategies and policies that trigger technological advancement for modernisation of the Zimbabwean economy.

This Strategic Plan is outcome-based, and ushers in a new thinking and design language around the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development’s Education 5.0 model. It re-defines university business, clearly situating universities as the "Rails" upon which the “Wheels" of Socio-Economic Development (i.e. industry and commerce) move. The genesis of this strategy, is with the full knowledge and understanding that strategic partnerships and engagement of diverse stakeholders including, the public and private sectors, academia, civil society, international organizations, industry and commerce are critical in the pursuit and realisation of the National Vision 2030. Furthermore, the Strategic Plan puts emphasis on critical thinking, creativity and innovation, and problem-solving among graduates and researchers/scholars as the cornerstones for the generation of quality knowledge and a robust evidence-base upon which decisions can be made towards modernisation of our economy. This Strategic Plan presents a unique model in that it encourages ownership, by University students, staff and the diverse partners we serve, in developing solutions to real-life problems: taking University education and training beyond the lecture-room in pursuit of both the institutional and national visions.

The seven clearly defined and outcome-based strategic objectives which underpin the Strategic Plan are transformative in intent. They primarily speak to a programmatic approach to research and innovation (Objective 1), research-inspired teaching, learning and community service (Objective 2), strategic partnerships for industrialization and sustainability of University business (Objective 3), talent identification and nurturing within and outside the University (Objective 4), internationalization of University programmes and business (Objective 5), modernization of University infrastructure and learning facilities (Objective 6) and good corporate governance and management of University business (Objective 7). We are confident, by virtue of the University’s strong and unquestionable endowment with high intellect, knowledge, skills and competencies in its various faculties, directorates, and institutes, of successful implementation of this strategy within the prescribed timeframe and beyond. An overall desired outcome is to have a bold University of Zimbabwe footprint in goods, services and processes at national regional and international scales. We call for the continued support from our Alumni, and existing public and private allies, while inviting prospective national, regional, and international partners to join us on this transformative journey to positively change lives for the benefit of mankind.

Professor dr., Paul Mapfumo
Vice Chancellor, University of Zimbabwe

On behalf of the University of Zimbabwe, I am delighted to present to you the University of Zimbabwe's Strategic Plan, 2019-2025, which sets out priorities which will guide the institution over the plan period.

The process of formulating a new strategic plan for the University has given stakeholders an opportunity to review past successes and failures, to determine our vision and future goals in the light of challenges ahead, and to put forward robust strategies for the development of the University, not only in response to changing and dynamic needs of stakeholders, but also as an active and participating agent to drive intellectual, social and economic changes. Conscious of the myriad of socio-economic challenges facing the nation, and Government’s pronouncement of the national vision for Zimbabwe to attain upper middle income status by 2030, the new Strategic Plan adopts a radical departure from a preoccupation with the traditional mandate of teaching, research and community service, to take on board innovation and industrialisation issues, that we firmly believe anchor and drive transformation of the national economy. The strategic thrusts attest to our unwavering commitment to be of relevance to the generation of solutions to existing and potential national socio-economic challenges through innovations that are consciously designed to contribute and drive the industrialisation of the country.

Our strategies for University education aim to enrich the learning experience for students and faculty by developing their self-learning skills, commitment and competences that will make them both innovative and entrepreneurial, and contribute meaningfully to a globally competitive and rapidly changing environment. We shall continue to engage in cutting edge research, particularly in those areas identified as our strengths, not only to make an intellectual impact internationally but to also benefit society in addressing challenges and needs locally, regionally and globally.

In order to accomplish the set strategic objectives, we recognise the need to develop an enabling environment in which our human, physical and financial resources are appropriately allocated and deployed to help the institution attain sustainable excellence in the delivery of Education 5.0- teaching, research, community engagement, innovation and industrialisation. Similarly, the University seeks to maintain a state-of-the art infrastructure that supports our academic endeavours.

The Strategic Plan is a result of collective and concerted efforts, comprehensive consultation with, and endorsement by the University’s various stakeholders, including Government, industry and commerce, civil society, University alumni, faculty and students, whose valuable input and contributions have been incorporated in this document. I wish to thank them all for giving us so much food for thought during the process of consultation and drafting of the Strategic Plan. I would like, in particular, to thank the University of Zimbabwe Vice Chancellor and his team for ably facilitating the development of this Strategic Plan, and the University Council for their oversight responsibility of steering and monitoring its formulation.

I am positive that, with the collaboration of all our stakeholders and the able leadership of the Vice Chancellor, the goals we aspire to accomplish will in time translate into milestones of which we can all be justifiably proud. We look forward to working with all stakeholders to achieve the strategy objectives and to ensure the sustained success of the University of Zimbabwe.

Dr Anxious Jongwe Masuka
University of Zimbabwe Former Council Chairman