Connecting Innovation to Industry: Chinhoyi University of Technology’s Practical Approach to Agricultural Training in Zimbabwe

Bringing universities and industry to the same table

A University–Industry Linkages Workshop was held on 27 February 2025 at the ZIPAM Conference Centre in Darwendale in an event that brought together stakeholders representing different actors in the Agriculture sector. Organized under the EU funded UPLIFT-Ag Project, the workshop brought together academics from CUT and Zimbabwe Open University, officials from the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, and representatives from research institutions, extension services, and agribusinesses.

Discussions focused on graduate employability, curriculum relevance, and the need for stronger pathways linking training, internships, and research to industry priorities. Participants highlighted challenges related to limited resources in the universities, weak commercialization of university innovations, and the need for clearer partnership frameworks. The workshop created space for open dialogue and shared reflection on how universities and industry can work together more effectively.

The discussions explored ideas to ensure promising initiatives are supported to move beyond pilot stages and proposed solutions to increase market access and enhance commercialization pathways. Other discussions explored profit-sharing, policies to improve efficiency, and means to better connect student and staff innovations with industry demand.

Applying innovation to respond to agriculture industry needs

Using the Black Soldier Fly production unit, CUT effectively demonstrated how applied research can support the agriculture sector needs. The BSF unit produces affordable animal feed and organic fertilizer while addressing waste management challenges.

Aligning training with agriculture sector realities

A consistent message from industry has been on the importance of aligning academic programmes with workplace expectations. Emphasis should be placed on practical learning, structured student attachments, and stronger involvement of industry professionals in teaching and curriculum development.

Some of the challenges faced by Universities, such as funding limitations and inefficient institutional processes can be addressed through stronger collaboration with industry. To better align teaching, there is need for strengthened innovation hubs, formalizing partnerships through memoranda of understanding, and improving coordination between universities and industry actors.

Extending industry engagement through exhibitions

CUT’s engagement with industry was extended during participation in the 115th Zimbabwe Agricultural Show in Harare in August 2025, which availed opportunity to engage with a wide range of stakeholders across the agricultural value chain.

These interactions help to identify potential partners for student industrial attachment, joint research, and technology transfer. They also strengthen the university’s visibility as an institution that is actively contributing to agricultural innovation and development in Zimbabwe.

Building toward lasting partnerships

Within the UPLIFT-Ag project framework, CUT has made significant progress toward more structured and sustained collaboration with industry. The university has consolidated  contacts with diverse stakeholders, and has expanded the areas of collaboration, anchored on formal partnership agreements executed with different organizations.

Through this approach, CUT is contributing to a more responsive agricultural training system, one that strengthens innovation, improves graduate employability, and aligns higher education more closely with national development priorities.