Manicaland State University of Applied Sciences (MSUAS) emerged as a standout performer at the prestigious 2026 Agrotourism4SHE Research Conference, clinching the coveted First Runner Up award in the highly competitive Student Cultural Exchange category.

Running under the theme, “Accelerating cultural expressionism, empowerment and entrepreneurship through agro-tourism,” the four-day national conference, which ran from July 9 to July 12, 2026, was hosted at the historic Integral Kumusha homestead in Mukoto Village (Ward 31), Buhera aiming to empower rural women including academic institutions through sustainable agricultural activities and cultural preservation.

The landmark initiative was officially opened by the First Lady of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa, who serves as the patron of the tourism and hospitality industry. It brought together leading academic researchers, policymakers, industry practitioners, and tertiary institutions from across the country to explore the intersection of agriculture, indigenous knowledge, culture, and sustainable rural tourism.

MSUAS captivated the judges with an outstanding display of heritage-based innovation and artistic skills.

Students delivered compelling cultural exchange performances, traditional dances, and poetry inspired by diverse communities across Zimbabwe.

Such presentations significantly aligned with the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry’s 2026–2030 Strategic Plan—which champions gastronomy tourism, rural empowerment, and the commercialisation of indigenous knowledge systems—while simultaneously embodying Zimbabwe’s Education 5.0 philosophy.

By moving beyond traditional learning into the realms of innovation, industrialisation, and community-focused problem-solving, the exhibitions demonstrated a practical application of heritage-based knowledge that drives both local economic transformation and sustainable national development.

This active participation demonstrated genuine knowledge exchange between higher education institutions and local rural economies, fulfilling the conference’s core ethos.