ZOU Forges 2026-2030 Strategy: Repositioning ODeL for Vision 2030 and NDS2 Alignment
The Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU), the nation’s premier Open and Distance e-Learning (ODeL) institution, convened a high-level Strategic Planning Workshop to formulate its institutional strategy for the 2026-2030 period. The workshop is taking place at the Ancient City Lodge in Masvingo, from Monday, 17 November to Friday, 21 November 2025, marking a “historically significant moment,” as the nation transitions from National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) to National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2).
ZOU Vice Chancellor, Emeritus Professor Paul H. Gundani gives strategic directions to workshop participants during the opening of the ZOU Strategic Planning Workshop.
In his opening remarks, the Vice Chancellor welcomed attendees, emphasizing that the workshop is essential for ZOU to “realign, refocus, and revisit” its institutional strategy and position itself as a strategic partner in achieving the nation’s Vision 2030. The Vice Chancellor noted that the mandate of providing accessible, affordable, and quality education to all Zimbabweans aligns perfectly with the incoming NDS2.
The Vice Chancellor posed critical questions for deliberation, challenging participants to consider: 1. How to maximize ZOU’s impact in delivering the national development agenda?; 2. How to leverage the ODeL model to address critical skills gaps?; 3. How to harness technology to reach all existing and potential learners?; and 4. How to contribute more substantively to research, innovation, and community engagement?
The NDS1 period provided crucial insights, highlighting the accelerated digital transformation and the growing demand for flexible, work-integrated learning. The critical need for STEM and or STEAM education, entrepreneurship development, and skills aligned with the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) was also observed.
The Vice Chancellor stressed that ZOU’s educational offerings must remain transformative, equipping graduates with innovative and entrepreneurial competencies that drive economic productivity and social progress.
The workshop demands full intellectual engagement to examine key institutional pillars, including Alignment with NDS2 priorities and national development goals; Academic programme relevance and responsiveness to labour market needs; Research and innovation capacity and impact; Infrastructure and technological readiness for contemporary ODL delivery; Financial sustainability and resource mobilization strategies; and Stakeholder partnerships and community engagement.
Participants follow proceedings during the Strategic Planning Workshop at the Ancient City Lodge in Masvingo
Concluding the address, the Vice Chancellor urged attendees to “speak candidly, think creatively, and challenge assumptions”. The strategy developed will be collectively owned and is intended to guide ZOU through 2030 and beyond. The goal is not merely to produce a document, but to forge a shared commitment to concrete actions that will propel ZOU to greater heights of excellence and impact.
The Vice Chancellor asserted that the NDS2 period presents “unprecedented opportunities” for agile, innovative institutions aligned with national priorities. The institution is confident it will seize these opportunities and lead the way in redefining the role of ODeL in Zimbabwe’s development trajectory.
The event is being facilitated by Mrs. B. Maroveke from the Public Service Academy (PSA) and Dr. P. Mutanho (ZOU), with Ms. S. Moyo (ZOU) serving as the Director of Ceremonies. Present among the distinguished guests and ZOU leadership present were the PVC, Academic Affairs, Prof. E.Z. Nyakatawa; A/PVC RIED, Prof. T. Njaya; Registrar, Dr Kaseke; and Ministry Representatives.
Strategic Planning Workshop in Pictures
