GWERU, ZIMBABWE – Midlands State University (MSU) strengthened its research and innovation agenda on 04 August 2026 through a strategic partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), positioning the University to deliver impactful research that advances Zimbabwe’s national development priorities while expanding international collaboration.
The partnership was reinforced during a high-level engagement between the University and the UNDP National Steering Committee, which aligned expectations on grant implementation, research excellence and innovation as the collaboration enters its implementation phase.
The MSU Acting Executive Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Professor T. Marambanyika, said the University is fully prepared to deliver on the grant’s objectives and views the initiative as the foundation of a long-term partnership built on quality research and innovation.
“MSU is prepared to deliver quality outputs across all the key deliverables of the grant. This marks the beginning of a long-term partnership, and we are grateful for the confidence placed in the University through this grant,” he said.
The collaboration reflects the University’s commitment to Heritage-Based Education 5.0, which places research, innovation and industrialisation at the centre of producing solutions that respond to national and global challenges.
Executive Director for Research and Innovation Division, Professor G. Mehlana, reaffirmed the University’s commitment to responsible grant management that advances Zimbabwe’s research and innovation agenda while ensuring the successful delivery of the funded projects.
National Steering Committee Chairperson, Dr Mabhanga, emphasised that stronger inter-institutional partnerships are essential for maximising research impact and promoting knowledge sharing across Zimbabwe’s research ecosystem.
UNDP Coordinator Ms. T. Utaunashe expressed confidence in Midlands State University’s capacity to deliver meaningful outcomes and said the funded projects are expected to demonstrate their impact during the September conference.
“We look forward to seeing the outputs from the funded projects being showcased at the GEF Regional Conference in September. We are confident this partnership will produce quality outputs that create value at the local level,” she said.
The partnership reinforces MSU’s growing reputation as a research-intensive institution whose strategic collaborations continue to generate knowledge, innovation and practical solutions that contribute to Zimbabwe’s development.
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