Zimbabwe's Higher and Tertiary Education Minister Frederick Shava has emphasized that the Zimbabwe Manpower Development Fund (ZIMDEF) should focus on delivering tangible results, such as imparting skills to students and supporting jobs, rather than just collecting or disbursing money. This directive was given during the official opening of the 2026 ZIMDEF strategic planning workshop in Mutare.
Minister Shava reminded ZIMDEF that its success will be measured by its impact on the economy, within its statutory mandate and the Ministry's policy priorities. He urged the fund to remain focused on interventions that deliver value to the economy. The minister also outlined specific expectations for the workshop, including a comprehensive assessment of 2026 performance and a realistic 2027 annual work program and budget.
The 2026 ZIMDEF strategic planning workshop aims to assess the fund's performance against its strategic plan and identify areas for improvement. Minister Shava instructed delegates to approach the exercise with openness, objectivity, and a clear focus on results. The workshop's outcomes must demonstrate what has been achieved, what remains outstanding, and what must be done differently to improve delivery.
ZIMDEF's 2026-2030 strategic plan is aligned with the Second National Development Strategy (NDS2). Minister Shava noted that the fund must take stock of its 2026 implementation, identify areas requiring improvement, and agree on strategic priorities for 2027. He also emphasized the importance of resource allocation being guided by strategic priorities, available resources, and demonstrated needs.
Minister Shava called for tighter revenue collection, emphasizing the need for ZIMDEF to sustain engagement with contributing employers, improve collection efficiency, and pursue outstanding obligations consistently and professionally. He also tied ZIMDEF's work to the Ministry's heritage-based education 5.0 philosophy, which aims to develop a skilled, competent, and productive workforce responding to the economy's needs.
The minister acknowledged the ZIMDEF board and management's commitment to strengthening the fund's contribution to skills development and human capital formation in Zimbabwe. He expressed hope that the workshop would produce a comprehensive plan to enhance ZIMDEF's impact. By focusing on delivering results, ZIMDEF can better support Zimbabwe's economic development and education goals.
Key priorities for ZIMDEF include completing ongoing projects, ensuring previous investments generate intended benefits, and allocating resources based on strategic priorities and available resources. The fund must also prioritize interventions that deliver tangible value to the economy.
Key points
- Minister Shava emphasized that ZIMDEF's success will be measured by its impact on the economy, not just the money it collects or disburses.
- The 2026 ZIMDEF strategic planning workshop aims to assess the fund's performance and identify areas for improvement.
- ZIMDEF's work is tied to the Ministry's heritage-based education 5.0 philosophy, which aims to develop a skilled workforce responding to the economy's needs.
