In a powerful celebration of innovation, inclusion, and strategic collaboration, the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) hosted the graduation ceremony for the inaugural cohort of the ISACA Workforce Development Programme. Held on campus in Bulawayo, the event brought together academic leaders, industry partners, and diplomatic representatives to honour 40 students who completed intensive training in emerging digital technologies.

The programme, a partnership between NUST and ISACA, supported by a grant from the US Embassy, equipped students with globally recognised certifications in Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, Internet of Things, and Cloud Computing. The initiative targeted learners from underserved communities and diverse academic disciplines, including accounting, physics, informatics, and electronics.

“This was more than a training program. It was a commitment — a commitment to bridge the digital divide, to empower young Zimbabweans with industry-ready skills… and to shape a new generation of talent capable of navigating and driving the digital economy,” said Mrs. Cynthia Ncube, Acting Librarian at NUST, in her welcome remarks.

The ceremony featured distinguished guests such as Luckson Madziwa, Chief Technology and Operations Officer at NMB Bank Limited/Xplug; Isheanesu Sithole, Immediate Past President of the ISACA Harare Chapter; and representatives from the US Embassy, including Sizanai Wiza and Tafadzwa Muzhandu. NMB Bank also awarded a prize to the best-performing student, reinforcing the importance of industry engagement in nurturing future-ready talent.

“To ISACA, your expertise and world-class curriculum have elevated our academic offering. To the US Embassy, your commitment to inclusion and human capital development is a testament to the power of strategic diplomacy,” Ncube added.

Adding depth to the occasion, Dr. Edison Mbedzi, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, delivered the keynote address. He emphasised the broader educational philosophy driving initiatives like the ISACA programme, linking them to Zimbabwe’s development goals.

“This Public Lecture was conceived from NUST’s efforts to be at the forefront of actively integrating a heritage-based curriculum, known as Education 5.0, with community development initiatives,” Dr. Mbedzi said. “This approach aims to produce graduates who are not only knowledgeable but also equipped to address real-world challenges and contribute to national development through innovation, entrepreneurship, and community engagement.”

He further highlighted the alignment with the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), which prioritizes economic growth, job creation, and sustainable development. “By integrating a heritage-based curriculum with community development, NUST is shaping graduates who are not only knowledgeable but also actively engaged in building a better future for Zimbabwe.”

Dr. Mbedzi also referenced the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA) and Kavango Resources, both of which participated in a related public lecture. Kavango Resources, listed on the London Stock Exchange, is developing near-term gold production in Zimbabwe’s greenstone belts using modern mining methods. These partnerships reflect the university’s commitment to connecting education with real-world investment opportunities.

“To our graduates, this is not about graduation, but making lasting connections,” Dr. Mbedzi urged. “I encourage you to speak to everyone around here and develop lasting collaborations that will change your life in the coming years, and you will never forget this day.”

As the ceremony concluded, the message was clear: Zimbabwe’s future is digital, inclusive, and investment-driven. The graduates were hailed as pioneers, not only for completing the programme, but for opening doors for others to follow.

“To our graduates,  you are the pioneers of this initiative… Be the changemakers our digital economy urgently needs,” Ncube declared.

With the success of this pilot cohort, stakeholders expressed optimism that the programme would expand, creating more opportunities for youth across the country to participate in the global digital economy.