Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa has called for a comprehensive overhaul of the education system across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to drive industrialization and economic growth in the region. Speaking at a regional summit, Mnangagwa emphasized the need for an education system that aligns with the demands of modern industries, fostering innovation and skills development that will propel the SADC region into a new era of industrialization.
Mnangagwa’s proposal highlights the critical role that education plays in shaping the economic future of SADC countries. He stressed that the current education models in many African nations, including Zimbabwe, are outdated and no longer meet the needs of rapidly evolving industries. The president urged for a shift towards curricula that emphasize science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), as well as technical and vocational training, to equip students with the skills necessary to thrive in a global economy.
The president’s call comes at a time when the SADC region is striving to increase its industrial base and reduce its dependency on raw material exports. Industrialization is seen as a key driver of economic growth and job creation, with the potential to transform the socio-economic landscape of the region. Mnangagwa noted that without a skilled and educated workforce, the region’s industrial ambitions would remain unattainable.
Zimbabwe has made strides in prioritizing education, with the government investing in various initiatives aimed at improving access and quality. However, Mnangagwa acknowledged that more needs to be done to align educational outcomes with the needs of the industry. He pointed out that many graduates struggle to find employment due to a mismatch between their skills and the requirements of the job market.
To address this, Mnangagwa advocated for stronger partnerships between educational institutions and the private sector. Such collaborations could ensure that the education system produces graduates with practical skills that are immediately applicable in the workplace. Additionally, he proposed that governments within the SADC region should invest more in research and development (R&D) to foster innovation and technological advancement.
The president also highlighted the importance of incorporating digital literacy into the education system, given the increasing digitization of industries worldwide. By integrating digital skills into the curriculum, the SADC region can better prepare its youth for the challenges and opportunities of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Mnangagwa’s vision for an overhauled education system is in line with broader efforts within SADC to create a more integrated and competitive regional economy. The SADC Industrialization Strategy and Roadmap, which was adopted in 2015, aims to transform the region’s economies by 2063 through industrial development and the promotion of value-added production. A reformed education system that emphasizes STEM, technical skills, and innovation is seen as crucial to achieving these goals.
The president’s call has resonated with other leaders and stakeholders in the region, who recognize the urgent need to reform the education system to meet the demands of the future. There is optimism that with collective effort and investment, the SADC region can develop a workforce that is not only skilled and competitive but also capable of driving the region’s industrial and economic transformation.
As the SADC region continues to seek pathways to sustainable economic development, Mnangagwa’s emphasis on education reform serves as a reminder that the foundation for industrial growth lies in the ability of its people to innovate, adapt, and lead in a rapidly changing world.
Source: New Zimbabwe
