Mutare: The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) paid a courtesy visit to Manicaland State University of Applied Sciences (MSUAS), a visit that highlighted the Bank’s graduate trainee recruitment programme and its drive to build the economy through skills development.

The RBZ delegation was received by the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Prof. U. Guyo, and members of the University’s senior management. Both institutions agreed that a transformed economy depends on graduates who can move from the lecture room to the workplace with confidence.

The Bank told the University it is recruiting graduate trainees and wants to draw on MSUAS’s pool of talent. The programme is meant to turn academic theory into practical experience, giving young professionals hands-on exposure to the work of a central bank. The delegation said investing in skills now is how the country will build the home-grown expertise needed to own and drive its economy.

Discussions also covered opportunities for joint research between the two institutions. Both sides identified data analytics as a priority area and noted the need to close existing research gaps, particularly those linking applied sciences, finance and economic growth. The partnership could produce evidence-based recommendations for policymakers and help prepare the next generation of leaders.

Prof. Guyo welcomed the Bank’s initiative and said the University is committed to producing graduates who are ready for the world of work.

“A transformed economy needs work-ready graduates, young people who combine sound academic grounding with practical skills, innovation and a sense of responsibility. Partnerships like this one with the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe allow us to put theory into practice and prepare graduates who can contribute to national development from day one”, he said.

The visit ended with both parties committing to deepen collaboration, with follow-up engagements expected on trainee placements, research collaboration and data-sharing arrangements.