By Archford Chirimudombo
Harare, (New Ziana) – President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who is Chancellor of all State Universities, on Friday capped 734 graduates at the 17th graduation ceremony of the Harare Institute of Technology (HIT), as the institution continues to equip Zimbabwe with skills critical for modernisation and industrialisation.
Of the graduates, 402 were male, and 332 were female, underscoring the continued emphasis of HIT on developing a skilled workforce in science, technology and related fields.
President Mnangagwa conferred Master’s and undergraduate degrees in a range of disciplines, including engineering and technology, information science and technology, business and management sciences, industrial sciences and technology, and allied health sciences.
Following the ceremony, graduates are expected to contribute to the national vision to become an upper middle income society by 2030 by providing the engineering, technological, entrepreneurial, and innovative expertise needed to support the transition of the ountry .
Through its emphasis on practical and technology-driven education, HIT continues to play an important role in preparing young Zimbabweans to operate in an increasingly digital and knowledge-based global economy.
Addressing the graduates and guests, HIT Vice Chancellor Professor Quinton Kanhukamwe outlined the key achievements of the institutions during the past year, as well as its priorities and targets for the current academic year and beyond.
Prof Kanhukamwe said the institution recorded significant progress this year, particularly in innovation, technology development and the commercialisation of research.
“We launched the 2026 Technovation Expo, which showcased our commitment to innovation and technology. The three-day Expo was held on 28–30 July and attracted 10 000 participants from academia, industry, commerce and government. The Expo demonstrated our commitment to develop and commercialise technology along the value chain, from research bench to market shelf,” he said.
“As an institution, we also held an exhibition at the National Schools Career Expo where we highlighted our focus on hands-on practical skill learning and technological education,” Professor Kanhukamwe said.
HIT also participated in the 66th Zimbabwe International Trade Fair, where its contribution to technology and innovation was recognised and endorsed by various stakeholders.
“The institute is now spearheading the construction of a multi-million-dollar integrated smart city and innovation hub, aiming to redefine Zimbabwe’s industrialisation and technology-driven growth trajectory. These achievements reflect HIT’s dedication to producing graduates who are not only knowledgeable but also equipped to drive Zimbabwe’s industrial and economic transformation,” he said.
Prof Kanhukamwe said the institution was implementing the principles of Education 5.0 by moving beyond traditional teaching and research towards innovation and industrialisation.
He said the approach was focused on converting knowledge and research into technologies, enterprises, employment opportunities and locally developed solutions, while strengthening the institution’s role in producing engineers, technologists, innovators and technopreneurs capable of addressing challenges and developing local industries.
He reaffirmed the commitment of HIT to aligning its strategic plans with the forthcoming National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), while working towards contributing to the attainment of Vision 2030 ahead of schedule.
The graduation ceremony was attended by representatives from the government, academia, industry and the diplomatic community.
Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development, Fredrick Shava, was among the dignitaries who attended the graduation ceremony, as well as several other Cabinet Ministers, diplomats, vice-chancellors from local universities and industry leaders.
New Ziana
