Bulawayo, (New Ziana) — The University of Venda is playing a pivotal role in transforming communities in Zimbabwe and South Africa through its strong focus on entrepreneurial education, a Varsity’s senior relations official said.
In an interview on the sidelines of the 66th edition of the just ended Zimbabwe International Trade Fair(ZITF), University’s International student administrator, Tsundzuka Hakamela, said the institution is equipping graduates with practical skills that enable them to create jobs and drive economic growth across the region.
He said this years’ ZITF theme, “Connected Economies, Competitive Industries” aligns with the university’s model of broader regional vision of building competitive and innovation driven economies.
“I like this ZITF exhibition because it mirrors what we do at the University of Venda, where we produce graduates who are globally competitive and locally relevant,” he said.
Hakamela said the university’s entrepreneurial degrees are deliberately structured to reduce unemployment by empowering students to turn academic knowledge into viable business ventures.
“The University of Venda is an entrepreneurial university. It has taught us that everyone has the potential to become an entrepreneur. With your qualifications, you must be able to convert them into something practical that generates income,” he said.
He noted that Africa’s abundant natural resources remain underutilised due to limited value addition, stressing the need for a new generation of entrepreneurs to unlock the continent’s full potential.
“Africa has vast resources, but we need more entrepreneurs who can tap into these resources and add value so that the continent can benefit more meaningfully,” Hakamela said, adding that Venda University is filling that gap through its programmes.
Across Africa, entrepreneurship is increasingly recognised as a critical driver of economic transformation, particularly in addressing high youth unemployment and fostering inclusive growth.
Countries such as Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa have seen the rise of innovative startups in sectors like financial technology, agriculture and renewable energy, demonstrating how entrepreneurship can unlock value and create jobs.
For instance, Nigeria’s Flutterwave has revolutionised digital payments across the continent, enabling businesses to transact seamlessly across borders, while Kenya’s M-Pesa has transformed financial inclusion by bringing millions of previously unbanked people into the formal economy.
In Southern Africa, Zimbabwean agribusiness startups have begun adding value to agricultural produce, shifting from raw exports to processed goods, thereby increasing earnings and creating employment.
Experts say such success stories highlight the importance of fostering entrepreneurial mindsets through education systems that emphasise innovation, problem-solving and practical application of knowledge — a model institutions like the University of Venda are championing.
Hakamela challenged students and graduates to move beyond theoretical learning and focus on practical, solution-driven innovation.
“We are living in a world where many people believe in theory, but we must shift towards real solutions to African problems. Innovation and entrepreneurship are about creating solutions that generate employment and opportunities for others,” he said.
Hakamela said students trained under the university’s programmes are exposed to global opportunities, enabling them to compete internationally while addressing local challenges.
“Once students join the University of Venda, they are exposed to global opportunities. They become global citizens who can represent the institution and their countries anywhere in the world,” he said.
Hakamela added that the university has established strong partnerships with several Zimbabwean institutions, contributing to skills development and community transformation.
“We are working with institutions such as the National University of Science and Technology(NUST), Lupane State University(LSU) and Bulawayo Polytechnic, among others.
“These partnerships are helping to integrate economies and strengthen regional collaboration,” he said.
The international relations officer also highlighted cross-border initiatives involving government entities in Zimbabwe and South Africa, particularly in the Beitbridge–Musina corridor, aimed at fostering economic integration and shared development.
“Our partnerships extend to provincial governments and cross-border collaborations, ensuring that communities benefit through integrated economic activities, ”Hakamela said.
Hakamela urged prospective students to consider enrolling at the university, citing the wide range of opportunities available.
“There are many opportunities for students, and you become part of a network that allows you to grow, innovate and contribute meaningfully to society,” the expert said.
He emphasised that entrepreneurship remains a critical tool in addressing Africa’s socio-economic challenges.
“Education must translate into something practical that communities can benefit from. When people see real impact, they understand the true value of being educated,” Hakamela explained.
