Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development MHTE-STD

Overview

The Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development (MHTESTD) of Zimbabwe is the central government agency responsible for overseeing higher education institutions, science and technology development, and innovation initiatives in the country. Its mission is to develop and deliver a knowledgeable and skilled human capital through higher and tertiary education, science and technology development using a heritage-based philosophy, for the production of quality goods and services. The Ministry aims to contribute to a competitive, industrialized, and modernized Zimbabwe by 2030, aligning with the nation's broader economic development goals.

Historical and Legal Framework

The Ministry's origins can be traced back to the establishment of various educational institutions and research bodies in Zimbabwe. Over time, these entities were consolidated to form the current Ministry, which operates under the legal framework provided by the Education, Innovation, Research and Development Centre Act, 2021. This Act applies to both public and private institutions of higher and tertiary education in Zimbabwe, including universities, teachers' colleges, polytechnic colleges, industrial training colleges, vocational training centers, and institutions that undertake research and innovation. The Act outlines the establishment, governance, structure, operations, and authority to award qualifications of higher education institutions in the country.

Mission, Vision, and Objectives in Higher Education

The Ministry's vision is to achieve a heritage-based higher and tertiary education, science and technology development for a competitive, industrialized, and modernized Zimbabwe by 2030. Its mission is to develop and deliver a knowledgeable and skilled human capital through higher and tertiary education, science and technology development using a heritage-based philosophy, for the production of quality goods and services. The Ministry's objectives include:

• Enhancing access to quality higher and tertiary education.
• Promoting innovation and entrepreneurship.
• Developing a skilled workforce to meet national development needs.
• Strengthening research and development in science and technology.
• Aligning educational programs with industry requirements.

Governance, Structure, and Independence

The Ministry is led by the Honourable Dr. Frederick M. Shava, who serves as the Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development. The Ministry operates under the governance of the Government of Zimbabwe and collaborates with various statutory bodies to implement its mandate. These bodies include:

• Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education (ZIMCHE): Responsible for accrediting higher education institutions and programs, ensuring quality assurance standards are met.
• National Biotechnology Authority: Oversees the development and regulation of biotechnology research and applications.
• National Manpower Advisory Council: Advises on manpower planning and development to meet national needs.
• Centre for Education, Innovation, Research and Development: Facilitates research and development initiatives in education and innovation.
• Higher Education Examination Council: Manages examinations and assessments for higher education institutions.
• Tertiary Education Service Council: Provides support services to tertiary education institutions.
• Zimbabwe Manpower Development Fund: Funds training programs to develop human capital.

These statutory bodies operate under the Ministry's oversight, ensuring a coordinated approach to higher education and innovation development in Zimbabwe.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation in Higher Education

The Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education (ZIMCHE) plays a pivotal role in maintaining and enhancing the quality of higher education in Zimbabwe. ZIMCHE is mandated to promote and coordinate education provided by institutions of higher education and to act as a regulator in the determination and maintenance of standards of teaching, examinations, academic qualifications, and research in institutions of higher education. This includes:

• Accrediting higher education institutions and their programs.
• Conducting institutional audits to ensure compliance with quality assurance standards.
• Developing and implementing an accreditation and evaluation framework for learning programs leading to the National Qualifications Framework Register of qualifications offered by institutions of higher education in Zimbabwe.
• Advising the Minister on proposed higher education legislation.

These efforts aim to ensure that higher education institutions in Zimbabwe provide quality education that meets national and international standards.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

The Ministry actively engages in international collaborations to enhance the quality and relevance of higher education in Zimbabwe. Notable initiatives include:

• Partnership with Shanxi Provincial Education Department (China): The Ministry signed Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with the Shanxi Provincial Education Department of the People's Republic of China to promote educational exchanges and cooperation between the two countries. This collaboration aims to improve the country's education sector through shared expertise and resources.
• Engagement with Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCVs): The Ministry welcomed new JOCVs to Zimbabwe, expressing gratitude for their selection of Zimbabwe as their preferred destination for volunteer work. The Ministry assured them of support during their tenure and encouraged them to emulate the good work done by their predecessors in various tertiary institutions.

These partnerships facilitate knowledge exchange, capacity building, and the implementation of best practices in higher education and innovation.

Current and Future Impact on Higher Education

The Ministry's initiatives are poised to significantly impact the higher education landscape in Zimbabwe. Key developments include:

• Implementation of Education 5.0 Doctrine: The Ministry has embarked on reforms pivoted on the Education 5.0 Doctrine, which seeks to refocus higher and tertiary education in Zimbabwe through the five pillars of Teaching, Research, Community Service, Innovation, and Industrialization. This approach aims to align educational outcomes with national development goals and industry needs.
• Development of Indigenous Higher Education System: Zimbabwe has unveiled an Indigenous Higher Education System, developed through local expertise from its institutions. The system was piloted and refined through collaborative training with 89% of the country's higher and tertiary education institutions. This initiative marks a significant milestone in Zimbabwe's push towards a data-driven education sector and aligns with the government's broader economic modernization agenda.

These efforts are expected to enhance the quality and relevance of higher education in Zimbabwe, contributing to the development of a skilled workforce capable of driving national development.

Summary

The Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development plays a critical role in shaping the higher education and innovation landscape in Zimbabwe. Through its governance of statutory bodies, implementation of quality assurance mechanisms, and fostering of international collaborations, the Ministry strives to provide quality education that meets national and international standards. Its initiatives, such as the Education 5.0 Doctrine and the development of an Indigenous Higher Education System, aim to align educational outcomes with national development goals, ensuring that Zimbabwe's higher education sector contributes effectively to the country's economic modernization and industrialization efforts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What is the mission of the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development?
  The Ministry's mission is to develop and deliver a knowledgeable and skilled human capital through higher and tertiary education, science and technology development using a heritage-based philosophy, for the production of quality goods and services.
• What is the Education 5.0 Doctrine?
  The Education 5.0 Doctrine is a reform initiative that seeks to refocus higher and tertiary education in Zimbabwe through the five pillars of Teaching, Research, Community Service, Innovation, and Industrialization, aligning educational outcomes with national development goals.
• What statutory bodies operate under the Ministry?
  Statutory bodies under the Ministry include the Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education (ZIMCHE), National Biotechnology Authority, National Manpower Advisory Council, Centre for Education, Innovation, Research and Development, Higher Education Examination Council, Tertiary Education Service Council, and Zimbabwe Manpower Development Fund.
• How does the Ministry ensure quality in higher education?
  The Ministry, through ZIMCHE, accredits higher education institutions and programs, conducts institutional audits, and develops and implements an accreditation and evaluation framework for learning programs leading to the National Qualifications Framework Register.
• What international collaborations has the Ministry engaged in?
  The Ministry has signed Memoranda of Understanding with the Shanxi Provincial Education Department of China to promote educational exchanges and cooperation and has welcomed Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers to support the country's education sector.

Organization Name

Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development

Acronym

MHTE-STD

Year of Establishment

1/01/1989

Control Type

Public

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

National

Recognized by

n.a.

Affiliations or Memberships

n.a.

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

n.a.

Address

Government Composite Building, Block F, 5th Floor Cnr Samora Machel Avenue/ 4th Street
Harare
Harare Zimbabwe

Phone

+263 (4) 796 440

Fax

+263 (4) 790 923

n.a.

Official Social Media Channels

Facebook

Not available

X (Twitter)

Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development's X page

LinkedIn

Not available

YouTube

Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development's YouTube channel

Instagram

Not available

Wikipedia Article

Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development's Wikipedia article

Unlock your University's potential: spotlight your Institution on UniRank for leads, local recognition and branding. Enquiry now to feature your University here.

Explore other Zimbabwean higher education-related organizations and authorities.

Find top-ranked Universities in Zimbabwe.

Search for courses and scholarships with the uniRank World Universities Search Engine.