Mimosa Mining Company has reaffirmed its commitment to skills-based education and youth development, saying Zimbabwe’s future economy will depend on learners who can translate knowledge into practical solutions.
Speaking at the 2026 Schools Innovation Fair held at Gresham Grounds in Zvishavane, the mine’s Human Capital Manager, Martin Techu, delivered remarks on behalf of General Manager Stephen Ndiyamba, highlighting a growing shift away from purely academic definitions of success.
Techu said while professions such as medicine, engineering and mining remain important, the country’s economic transformation will increasingly rely on practical skills across a wide range of sectors, including agribusiness, technical trades, manufacturing and mining-related services.
“The mining industry alone depends on a wide ecosystem of skills — from welders and electricians to drivers, safety officers and entrepreneurs who supply goods and services,” he said. “These are dignified and well-paying opportunities that young people must begin to embrace.”
He described the Schools Innovation Fair as a critical platform for strengthening collaboration between government, industry, education institutions and communities, adding that such partnerships are essential in driving innovation and inclusive growth.
Techu urged learners to adopt a problem-solving mindset, stressing that schools must be viewed not only as centres for passing examinations, but as foundations for economic development.
“Your participation reflects an important shift towards applied learning and innovation. The ability to translate knowledge into practical solutions is increasingly essential in a competitive global environment,” he said.
He added that Mimosa will continue to invest in initiatives that improve the quality, accessibility and relevance of education, with a strong focus on partnerships that support long-term community development.
“The future of our economy is not something we wait for; it is something we build every day in our schools, communities and industries,” Techu said.