President Emmerson Mnangagwa has urged the private sector and development partners to support the growth of the ED-UNZA Scholarship programme, saying education remains central to Zimbabwe’s national development agenda.
The President made the call during the ED-UNZA fundraising dinner held in Harare on 12 March 2026, where he emphasised the importance of investing in education and skills development to drive modernisation, industrialisation and economic growth.
Mnangagwa said the scholarship programme prioritises critical fields of study such as medicine, science and technology, which are essential for building a knowledge-driven economy.
“By investing in the appropriate education and skills development, we are laying a solid foundation for long-term modernisation, industrialisation and development for Zimbabwe, Zambia, SADC and indeed the African continent at large,” he said.
Scholarship supporting disadvantaged students
Launched in 2019 by President Mnangagwa, the ED-UNZA Scholarship programme aims to provide educational opportunities to talented students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
The initiative supports students by covering tuition, accommodation and other academic needs, allowing beneficiaries to focus on their studies without the burden of financial constraints.
Mnangagwa said the programme was inspired by the many young people with strong academic potential who are unable to pursue higher education due to lack of financial resources.
“Across our rural and urban communities there are brilliant young men and women with the capacity to transform our societies. Many of these bright young minds, however, remain locked out of higher education,” he said.
“This reality is what inspired the establishment of the ED-UNZA Scholarship Trust. Talent is universal, but opportunity is not.”
Strengthening Zimbabwe-Zambia cooperation
The scholarship programme also reflects the strong historical and educational ties between Zimbabwe and Zambia.
Mnangagwa studied law at the University of Zambia during Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle after spending years in prison, and he said the initiative honours that connection between the two nations.
“Our two nations, Zimbabwe and Zambia share more than borders. We share a common history, cultural ties and relations, as well as aspirations and a collective responsibility to secure a brighter future for the young people,” he said.
The President said the scholarship has already delivered positive results, with 10 students having graduated while two more are expected to complete their studies by the end of the year.
Call for broader support
Mnangagwa called on businesses, development partners and philanthropists to support the scholarship fund to ensure more students benefit from higher education opportunities.
“Your generous contributions will go a long way to ensure that deserving students receive the necessary financial assistance for their tuition, accommodation and other essential learning tools,” he said.
He said supporting the programme represents a strategic investment in the development of skills and human capital.
Also present at the event were Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development Dr Frederick Shava, members of the ED-UNZA Board of Trustees and representatives from the business community.
By Granite Post Reporter
