Campus News
By Tabonga Gijimah
Midlands State University’s Tugwi Mukosi Multidisciplinary Research Institute (TMMRI) brought together academics, students and members of the university community for a public lecture examining how rural industrialisation can contribute to Zimbabwe’s economic development while responding to the challenges posed by climate change.
The lecture, held at the New Admin Boardroom at MSU’s Zvishavane Campus, was delivered by Professor Stephen Mago of Nelson Mandela University under the theme “Rethinking Development in an Era of Climate Change.” Some participants also joined the discussion virtually via Zoom.
Titled “Can Rural Industrialisation Transform Zimbabwe?”, the lecture explored the potential of Zimbabwe’s rural areas to drive economic transformation through the utilisation of local resources, value addition and industrial development.
Professor Mago highlighted the wealth of resources found in Zimbabwe’s rural communities, including agriculture, minerals, land and human capital. He, however, noted the need for more value to be retained within rural communities through local processing, manufacturing and enterprise development.
He also emphasised the importance of making rural industrialisation climate-smart, particularly as agriculture continues to face challenges from drought and other climate-related shocks. He called for stronger collaboration between government, universities, the private sector and local communities in promoting research, innovation, skills development and rural enterprise.
Among those who attended the lecture were MSU Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Mabisi Maphosa, Professor David Simbi, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities Professor Tasiyana D. Javangwe, and Zvishavane Campus Director Dr Zvenyika Eckson Mugari.
The presentation was followed by an interactive question and answer session, where students and other participants engaged Professor Mago on practical approaches to promoting value addition, creating employment opportunities in rural areas and building climate resilient communities.
The public lecture forms part of TMMRI’s efforts to create platforms for research driven dialogue on development challenges affecting Zimbabwe and the wider region.
The lecture, held at the New Admin Boardroom at MSU’s Zvishavane Campus, was delivered by Professor Stephen Mago of Nelson Mandela University under the theme “Rethinking Development in an Era of Climate Change.” Some participants also joined the discussion virtually via Zoom.
Titled “Can Rural Industrialisation Transform Zimbabwe?”, the lecture explored the potential of Zimbabwe’s rural areas to drive economic transformation through the utilisation of local resources, value addition and industrial development.
Professor Mago highlighted the wealth of resources found in Zimbabwe’s rural communities, including agriculture, minerals, land and human capital. He, however, noted the need for more value to be retained within rural communities through local processing, manufacturing and enterprise development.
He also emphasised the importance of making rural industrialisation climate-smart, particularly as agriculture continues to face challenges from drought and other climate-related shocks. He called for stronger collaboration between government, universities, the private sector and local communities in promoting research, innovation, skills development and rural enterprise.
Among those who attended the lecture were MSU Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Mabisi Maphosa, Professor David Simbi, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities Professor Tasiyana D. Javangwe, and Zvishavane Campus Director Dr Zvenyika Eckson Mugari.
The presentation was followed by an interactive question and answer session, where students and other participants engaged Professor Mago on practical approaches to promoting value addition, creating employment opportunities in rural areas and building climate resilient communities.
The public lecture forms part of TMMRI’s efforts to create platforms for research driven dialogue on development challenges affecting Zimbabwe and the wider region.
Published
September 23, 2026 at 4:45 PM
