Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development
Driving the modernisation and industrialisation of Zimbabwe through education, innovation, science and technology development.
Our Mandate
The Ministry leads the Human Capital Development and Innovation thematic area under Zimbabwe's National Development Strategy. The national strategic intent is to attain Vision 2030 through an innovation and knowledge-driven economy.
The innovation and knowledge-driven economy is actualised through the Ministry's six mandated deliverables, guided by the philosophy "Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo / Ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanikazi balo" — a nation is built by its own people.
Six Mandated Deliverables
Improved Corporate Governance
Reconfigured from Education 3.0 to Heritage-Based Education 5.0
Improved Access to Quality, Equitable and Inclusive Education
ZNQF, National Skills Audit, Work for Fees Programme
Increased Uptake and Application of STEM/STEAM Subjects
43% STEM enrolment, 7 science teacher training institutions
Improved Availability of Specialist Skills
15,338 artisans certified, 12,819 ISEOP trained
Improved Science and Technology Innovation Ecosystems
ZCHPC, ZINGSA, Zimbabwe Science Park, 7 Innovation Hubs
Improved Research Development and Innovation Through-put
Industrial parks, graduate-led consortia, 100+ start-ups
Legal and Policy Reforms
Major legislative and policy reforms enacted during NDS1 to strengthen the higher education ecosystem.
13 University Acts Amended
In 2022, Government passed the Amendment of State Universities Statutes Act 4 of 2022, amending 14 Acts of Parliament including UZ, CUT, MSU, BUSE, HIT, NUST, GZU, LSU, MSUAS, MUAST, ZOU, Gwanda State University, and Pan African Minerals University.
Manpower Planning & Development Act
Amended in 2020 to align with the Constitutional mandate. Established the ZIMDEF Board, Tertiary Education Service, Tertiary Education Council, and the National Manpower Advisory Council (NAMACO).
CEIRD Act Enacted (2021)
The Education, Innovation, Research and Development Centre Act [Chapter 25:34] established the Centre for Education Innovation Research and Development (CEIRD) to spearhead industrialisation.
20 Statutory Instruments Gazetted
Including regulations for designated trades in Agriculture, Bio-Medical, Chemical, Energy, Geospatial, and ICT industries. Also established the Zimbabwe National Qualifications Framework (ZNQF) and the Study in Zimbabwe Programme.
Key Programmes
Integrated Skills Expansion and Outreach Programme (ISEOP)
The ISEOP programme democratises skills and empowers communities to build, produce, and innovate. Since inception, 12,819 people have been trained in all provinces in key disciplines.
Work for Fees Programme
The Ministry implemented the Work for Fees Programme to assist disadvantaged students fund their higher and tertiary education, ensuring no person is left behind. Since 2023, 2,740 students have benefited from the programme.
National Critical Skills Audit
The National Critical Skills Audit revealed that Zimbabwe's skills level was at 38% while literacy was as high as 94%. The results shaped policies guiding the Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development landscape, leading to curriculum reconfiguration and the establishment of new training programmes.
Download the Full Booklet
Access the complete Ministry Booklet PDF with detailed information on all achievements, programmes, and strategic plans for 2021-2026.
Download PDF Booklet