Great Zimbabwe University (GZU) has announced the development of the country’s first Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered drone, marking a major step in advancing innovation, research, and industrialisation in higher education.
The project, led by the university’s faculty of engineering and technology, is expected to deliver its first functional prototype by January 2026.
Speaking during the university’s graduation ceremony held in Masvingo last week, GZU vice chancellor Rungano Zvobgo said the innovation reflects the university’s commitment to Education 5.0, which emphasises teaching, research, innovation, industrialisation, and community service.
“As a university inspired by the national vision of industrialisation and modernisation, we are proud to announce that Great Zimbabwe University is developing an AI-powered drone,” Zvogbo said.
“This project symbolises our transition from being knowledge consumers to knowledge creators who design, build, and export.”
He said the drone will serve multiple purposes, including agricultural mapping, surveillance, environmental monitoring, and logistics.
“The first AI-powered drone is set to be ready by January 2026,” Zvogbo said.
“This innovation is not just a technological milestone for GZU but a contribution to the country’s broader digital transformation agenda.”
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Zvobgo indicated that the project is driven by a team of local engineers, computer scientists, and data analysts, working in collaboration with other national institutions.
“We are nurturing home-grown talent that can compete globally in robotics, artificial intelligence, and manufacturing,” he said.
“Our goal is to ensure that Zimbabwe becomes a hub for advanced technological solutions,” he said.
The vice chancellor also announced the introduction of 63 new Education 5.0-compliant academic programmes, designed to equip students with practical, innovation-driven skills.
These include degrees in data analytics, artificial intelligence, mechatronics, renewable energy engineering, manufacturing systems, biotechnology, and creative digital media.
“These new programmes are aligned with the needs of the modern economy,” Zvobgo said.
“We are moving away from producing job seekers to producing job creators and innovators.
“Every programme at GZU must contribute directly to national development.”
He added that the expansion reflects GZU’s strategic vision to bridge the gap between academia and industry through applied research.
“Education 5.0 challenges universities to provide solutions to societal and industrial needs,” Zvobgo noted.
“That is precisely what Great Zimbabwe University is doing.
“Our future lies in science, technology, and creativity.
“Through these initiatives, GZU is shaping a generation that will design Zimbabwe’s tomorrow.”
