Harare, (New Ziana) – As ties between Zimbabwe and Russia continue to develop, 60 students have benefited from scholarships offered by the Centre for Education Innovation Research and Development (CEIRD) in the past three years. Sixteen outstanding Zimbabwean students drawn from several universities across the country will soon be embarking on their academic journey to pursue Master’s degrees in Agricultural Engineering at Don State Technical University (DSTU) in the Russian Federation.
Addressing the second group of beneficiaries of the programme at a send-off ceremony in Harare on Monday, the Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development, Frederick Shava said the scholarship was a life-changing opportunity.
“Your selection reflects not only your academic excellence but also your potential to contribute meaningfully to Zimbabwe’s development. This event affirms President (Emmerson) Mnangagwa’s commitment to building a knowledge-driven and industrialized Zimbabwe, guided by Education 5.0 and our shared pursuit of Vision 2030. “Zimbabwe’s collaboration with the Russian Federation is rooted in mutual respect and a shared vision for human capital development.
This scholarship programme was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding signed in April 2024 between Don State Technical University (DSTU) and CEIRD, following initial engagements in 2023. Through this partnership, we are deepening scientific and technological cooperation between our two nations,” Shava said.
He said the initiative was bearing fruit, as beneficiaries are now employed as lecturers and researchers in higher and tertiary education institutions – proof to the country’s resolve to retain and apply knowledge locally for national development.
The students’ expertise in Agricultural Engineering will be vital in enhancing mechanization and smart agriculture, boosting productivity and food security through engineering solutions, driving the industrialization of the agricultural sector, and supporting climate-smart innovations aligned with Vision 2030.
“Go forth with courage and confidence. Represent Zimbabwe with dignity. Embrace the values of hard work, excellence, and patriotism. Return home ready to contribute to the industrial transformation and modernization of our great nation.
“We eagerly await your return – not just as graduates, but as engineers, innovators, and thought leaders who will help anchor Zimbabwe’s transition into an innovation-led and knowledge-based economy. Together, let us continue to build a prosperous, empowered, and technologically advanced Zimbabwe – a nation where innovation drives development and education fuels industrialization,” Shava added.
Speaking on behalf of the students who benefited from the programme, Kevin Shumba expressed gratitude to President Mnangagwa for the opportunity. He said:
“On behalf of all CEIRD Masters Scholarship recipients bound for Don State Technical University, I wish to express our profound gratitude for this remarkable opportunity. We are deeply thankful to the Government of Zimbabwe, under the visionary leadership of President Mnangagwa.”
Shumba also applauded the Government’s commitment to transforming higher and tertiary education through the various critical skills programs and Education 5.0, a philosophy that empowers learners to become producers of knowledge and drivers of industrialisation.
“This scholarship is more than an academic opportunity. It is a strategic national investment aligned with Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2: 2026–2030), which emphasizes industrialisation, science-led innovation, and productivity for sustainable economic growth.
As we embark on this journey, we carry a strong sense of duty to translate our learning into innovations that modernize industry, advance engineering, and strengthen Zimbabwe’s technological and industrial base.
“We go forth as ambassadors of Education 5.0, committed to excellence, integrity, and service; ensuring our success abroad transforms into tangible impact at home through innovation and industrialization,” he said.
New Ziana
