Staff Reporter
The University of Zimbabwe (UZ) and Midlands State University (MSU) are making significant strides in advancing the Government's Education 5.0 initiative by entering the retail sector.
These universities are producing and selling products developed through their innovation hubs, demonstrating a commitment to fostering an innovation-led economy.
In an interview with the Harare Post yesterday, Permanent Secretary in the Higher Education Ministry, Professor Fanuel Tagwira, praised the achievements of the innovation hubs.
"Innovation hubs are manufacturing a lot of products, and we have opened outlets where we can put products ready for market on the shelves so that people can see them. UZ has opened a supermarket in Mt Pleasant, while MSU's outlet, branded 'Our Destiny,' is situated in Gweru's central business district," Tagwira explained.
MSU is producing a range of products, including fruit juices, chemicals, sanitizers; cleaning detergents, personal protective clothing, and stock feed products, among others.
Professor Tagwira highlighted that these retail outlets are a significant step towards promoting an innovation-driven economy in Zimbabwe.
"This initiative not only supports economic diversification but also encourages a culture of entrepreneurship among students. These retail ventures aim to promote and commercialize university-produced innovations, offering tangible platforms for these products to reach consumers," he said.
According to Professor Tagwira, the decision to open university-operated retail shops was partly influenced by some traditional retailers’ reluctance to stock the new products.
"Some of our retailers are conservative when they see something new; they will say, we have never sold this. So, we decided to let our institutions open retail outlets and put some of those products on the shelves," Tagwira noted.
Economist Persistence Gwanyanya said that this strategic move underscores the universities' dedication to the Government's Education 5.0 framework, which emphasizes teaching, research, community service, innovation, and industrialization as pillars of national progress.
“By venturing into retail, UZ and MSU are not only showcasing their innovative products but also providing students with real-world entrepreneurial experiences, aligning with global trends towards knowledge-driven economic models,” said Gwanyanya.
Meanwhile, the retail operations by UZ and MSU mark a pivotal development in Zimbabwe's educational and economic landscape, positioning the universities as key players in the nation's drive towards innovation and industrialization.
