President Mnangagwa Champions Local Solutions
Zimbabwe’s local solutions initiatives, spearheaded by President Mnangagwa, are lauded as a masterstroke for the Second Republic. The Government’s commitment to empowering local communities and enhancing citizens’ quality of life is evident in the President’s drive to popularize the village philosophy, “Nyika Inovakwa Nevene Vayo,” translating to “A Country is Built by its Citizens.” This philosophy has led to substantial achievements across economic, social, technological, and environmental domains.
Higher Learning Institutions Lead Innovation
Zimbabwe’s higher learning institutions have aligned with the national development agenda, marking significant strides. Local universities and colleges have registered 140 patents, with the University of Zimbabwe leading with 100. Notably, Mutare Teachers College has commissioned a fruit juice and water processing plant built entirely by local personnel. This achievement underscores the President’s call to harness local talent and integrate local solutions into the journey toward innovation and development.
President Commissions Mutare Plant
President Mnangagwa commissioned the fruit juice and water processing plant at Mutare Teachers College on, July 4, 2024. Constructed as part of the Education 5.0 project, the plant processes marula fruit and has recently increased its capacity from 200kg to one tonne, following the President’s encouragement for self-reliant development.
Government’s Role in Skills Development
The Government, under President Mnangagwa’s leadership, has established a Ministry dedicated to skills audit and development. This initiative has catalyzed the expansion of the agricultural sector, creating job opportunities through the supply chain and agro-processing industries. By fostering linkages between industry and tertiary institutions, the Government aims to produce job creators rather than job seekers.
Boosting Investor Confidence and Infrastructure
Improving business confidence and attracting investors in sectors such as agriculture, mining, hospitality, tourism, infrastructure, energy generation, and transportation is pivotal. The Government’s commitment is further evidenced by the upgrading of Victoria Falls International Airport, the expansion of RGM International Airport, and the rehabilitation and upgrading of urban roads and the Beitbridge-Harare-Chirundu highway, all using local funding.
Investment in Healthcare
Deliberate efforts to increase healthcare investment have seen the procurement and rollout of vaccines, construction of clinics nationwide, and refurbishment of major referral hospitals. These initiatives, primarily funded through the devolution policy, are now yielding positive outcomes.
Promoting National Cohesion
On the social front, the Government has implemented the National Peace and Reconciliation policy to address historical issues and promote national unity. Believing in home-grown solutions to local problems, the Government is committed to utilizing available resources, including human resources, to enhance national interests.
Heritage-Based Education 5.0
The Heritage-Based Education 5.0 framework, promoting home-grown solutions and import substitution, forms the cornerstone of local solutions. This new curriculum replaces the widely criticized Continuous Assessment Learning Activities (CALA), aiming to mold learners who embrace local development solutions, reflecting President Mnangagwa’s philosophy.
