GWERU, Zimbabwe – In a significant move to advance pan-African scholarship, a high-level delegation from the University of Zambia (UNZA) embarked on a pivotal two-day visit to Midlands State University (MSU) from 21-22 August 2025.
The visit, focused on forging a robust strategic partnership, laid the groundwork for a formal Memorandum of Understanding designed to unlock a new era of collaborative research, innovation, and student opportunity.
Led by Deputy Vice Chancellor, Professor T. Kausopa, the UNZA delegation comprised distinguished leaders including Dr. A. Mwelwa, Director of the Centre for Research, Humanities and Arts; Dr. L. Habbasoka, Director of the Graduate School of Business and Leadership; and Eng. F. Banda, Manager of Technology Transfer and Commercialisation.
The delegation was received by MSU Vice Chancellor, Professor Victor Muzvidziwa, who underscored the historic nature of the engagement.
“We are honoured to host our esteemed colleagues from the University of Zambia,” Professor Muzvidziwa stated. “This is more than a meeting; it is the seed of a transformative partnership, cultivated by our shared commitment to academic excellence and a brighter African future.”
Providing a comprehensive foundation for the discussions, Professor G. Mugumbate, Pro-Vice Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Industrialisation, delivered a compelling overview of Midlands State University’s strategic vision and operational ecosystem.
The first day culminated in a series of dynamic presentations from a wide array of MSU’s departments, faculties, and units, each taking their counterparts on an immersive journey through the University’s innovative academic and research landscape.
The visit offered an immersive experience into MSU’s dynamic ecosystem.
The delegation received a comprehensive tour of the University’s facilities, including the cutting-edge Research and Innovation Division, the pioneering MSU National Pathology, Research and Diagnostic Centre, and MSU’s commercialisation engine – the MSU Enterprise.
The tour left a powerful impression.
“We have been profoundly inspired by the vibrant research ecosystem and world-class infrastructure at Midlands State University,” remarked Professor Kausopa.
“We see immense potential. A partnership between UNZA and MSU isn’t just logical—it’s essential. It will create unparalleled opportunities for our students and faculty, particularly in pioneering joint research and accelerating technology transfer across our region.”
Central to the discussions were frameworks for a broad Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), supported by targeted Memoranda of Agreement (MOAs) to swiftly activate collaborative projects in shared areas of strength.
This alliance marks a major milestone in MSU’s 25th-anniversary year, powerfully demonstrating its core belief: that collaboration is the catalyst for innovation and progress.
It is a bold step towards a more integrated, inventive, and influential future for African higher education.
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