Institutions of higher and tertiary education have been encouraged to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning into their academic programmes and research activities to produce graduates equipped for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

This call was made at a Zimpapers-hosted conference held in partnership with Manicaland State University of Applied Sciences (MSUAS) last week. Speaking at the event on behalf of the Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science, and Technology Development, Honourable Dr. Fredrick Shava, the Permanent Secretary, Professor Fanuel Tagwira, urged universities and colleges to accelerate the digitisation of their curricula and campus operations to enhance innovation and solve pressing community challenges.
“This conference aligns seamlessly with our embrace of Heritage-Based Education 5.0 — a philosophy of higher and tertiary education that goes beyond teaching and research to prioritise community service, innovation, and industrialisation. Our universities and colleges must deepen linkages with industry and reorient their focus to produce creative, problem-solving, and entrepreneurial graduates fit for the demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and beyond,” said Honourable Shava.
The conference, held at the MSUAS Fernhill Campus in Mutare, ran under the theme: Preparing the Future Generation for an Artificial Intelligence-Driven Economy.”
In his keynote address, the Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza, emphasised the transformative role of AI in driving national innovation and competitiveness.

“This conference is a ground-breaking event that promises to revolutionise our understanding and adoption of emerging technologies. AI is transforming industries, reshaping the labour market, and redefining how governments interact with citizens. We must embrace AI as a catalyst for innovation, productivity, and global competitiveness. It has the potential to significantly complement government efforts in advancing the national development agenda,” he said.
Representing MSUAS Vice Chancellor Professor Albert Chawanda, the Executive Dean of Research, Innovation, and Postgraduate Studies, Dr. Crispen Bhukuvhani, expressed appreciation to Zimpapers for selecting MSUAS as the host institution.

“We are immensely honoured that Zimpapers chose our university as the venue for this pivotal Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Conference. The decision is a testament to our growing reputation as a hub for innovation, research, and academic excellence in cutting-edge fields,” said Professor Chawanda.
“AI is rapidly transforming economies, industries, and societies. Hosting this conference aligns with our strategic vision to foster knowledge creation and drive technological advancement. Let this be a platform for rich intellectual exchange, interdisciplinary dialogue, and the building of networks that transcend institutional and national boundaries.”
A key takeaway from the conference was the urgent need to incorporate AI and digital literacy into the national education curriculum — starting from primary school level — to build a generation ready to thrive in a technology-driven future.

The overly subscribed event attracted high-level dignitaries from government, academia, the private sector and high schools across the province.