Welcome to the Business Development Unit (BDU) at Great Zimbabwe University (GZU). The unit is located at the university’s main campus, and serves as a dynamic hub for fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable business growth within the university community and beyond. BDU’s primary mission is to drive the commercialisation of innovative ideas, research outputs, and technologies emerging from the university’s Innovation Hub, Schools, and the broader university community. The BDU is committed to fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship at Great Zimbabwe University. We welcome all ideas and innovations with commercial potential, offering the necessary support to turn them into reality. The Business Development Unit operates under the Office of the Vice Chancellor, reflecting its importance as a key driver of the university’s strategic goals in innovation, commercialization, and revenue generation. Whether you are a student, researcher, or member of the university community with a ground-breaking idea, or an industry partner seeking collaboration, the BDU is your gateway to success. Together, let’s transform ideas into impactful businesses and contribute to the socio-economic development of our nation.
KEY FUNCTION OF THE BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT UNIT
Commercialisation of Innovations
- We identify, nurture, and transform ground-breaking ideas and innovations from students, staff, and researchers into viable
commercial ventures.
- We provide end-to-end support to bring innovations to market, ensuring they create real-world impact.
Proposal Development Support
- We assist schools, centers, and individuals in crafting compelling proposals for funding, partnerships, and business ventures.
- We offer specialized training in proposal writing, equipping stakeholders with the skills to secure resources and opportunities.
Business Structuring and Development:
- We guide the establishment and structuring of business units, ensuring they are well-positioned for success.
- We collaborate with schools and centers to develop robust business plans and strategies.
Company Registration and Management:
- We facilitate the registration of companies and provide ongoing support to ensure compliance and operational efficiency.
- We offer accounting and financial management services tailored to the needs of startup and growing businesses.
Resource Mobilization:
- As a strategic arm of the university, we play a pivotal role in mobilising resources to support the unit’s operations and the broader goals of the university.
Startup Incubation and Support
- We create and nurture startup, transforming them into fully-fledged, sustainable companies.
- We provide mentorship, networking opportunities, and access to funding to ensure the success of new ventures.
Strategic Partnership
- The unit is committed to fostering strategic partnerships to drive the commercialisation of innovations and support national development. By collaborating with key stakeholders, including industry leaders, government agencies, and academic institutions, the unit aims to accelerate the translation of cutting-edge research into market-ready solutions. Through these partnerships, the unit seeks to create a robust ecosystem that nurtures innovation, fosters entrepreneurship, and contributes to the overall development of the nation.
To develop and manage healthy businesses from staff, students and the community anchored on Art, Heritage, Gender, Commerce, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, Agriculture and Law
To be a leader in Business Development, industrialisation, commercialisation of innovation and management of businesses.
Business Development adopted the university’s values. These are Unhu, Integrity, Excellence, Quality and Results focused, Entrepreneurship- Business thinking, Agility- Avoiding too long decision making, Team work and Networking and strategic partnership
BUSINESS UNITS
Brick Making Manufacturing
The Great Zimbabwe University (GZU) Business Development Unit (BDU) operates a brickmaking factory as part of its efforts to promote innovation, commercialisation, and sustainable business practices. The factory specialises in the production of standard bricks and pavers, catering primarily to the construction needs of the university, its employees, and the broader Masvingo community. The factory is equipped with two high-capacity machines capable of producing 24,000 bricks per day (standard bricks) and 22,000 pavers per day (if configured for paver production). The machines are versatile and can be reconfigured to switch between brick and paver production based on market demand. This flexibility allows the factory to adapt to changing customer needs and optimize production efficiency.
Clothing and Textile factory
The Great Zimbabwe University (GZU) Clothing and Textile Factory is a shining example of how academic research and innovation can be transformed into a thriving commercial enterprise. Established through the commercialisation of research and innovations from the Robert Mugabe School of Education, the factory has become a hub for producing high-quality clothing and textile products which include academic regalia, corporate wear, school uniforms, personal protective clothing, fashion apparel and custom Orders. The factory maintains a strong linkage with the Robert Mugabe School of Education, which serves as its research and development (R&D) arm. Students and staff conduct cutting-edge research on new designs, fabrics, and production techniques, ensuring the factory remains at the forefront of innovation. The factory provides attachment opportunities for students, offering hands-on experience in textile design, production, and business management. Staff members are actively involved in research projects, contributing to the factory’s growth and sustainability.
Farms
GZU business development unit operates large-scale agricultural projects to support food security and agribusiness development. The unity has Desmondale farm (135 ha), Mnzero, Le-Rhone and Oatlands farm (1200 ha) and Mwenezi Moria farm (932 ha). Currently the unit is into poultry, goatary, cattle breeding and crop production. The farming business supplies farm fresh produce to the university canteens and the market. Products such as eggs, vegetables, goat and cattle meat are available at our town and Mashava shops. The farms also provide practical training for students pursuing agriculture-related studies. The unit focuses to engage in Sugar cane production, sugarcane processing and electricity core generation at its Mwenezi Moria farm.
Mining
GZU business unit working with the school of natural science has ventured into gold mining. The mining venture focuses on gold mineral exploration, extraction, and beneficiation to maximize value addition. Responsible and sustainable mining practices are at the core of the operation, ensuring environmental conservation and community engagement. The unit is expected to provide practicals to students from the school of natural sciences who will be embarking on mining programs.
Retail
GZU has established a comprehensive network of on-campus retail shops offering essential goods, academic resources, and branded merchandise to students, staff, and the local community. This retail network not only adds value to campus life but also strengthens GZU’s engagement with students, staff, and visitors. These shops are strategically located across campus for easy access and provision of a diverse range of products which include groceries, stationery, high quality branded apparel, (souvenirs, and gift items) and Convenience Services (Printing, photocopying, and other quick services for students and staff).
ICEDA Milling
ICEDA Milling is a key agro-processing venture that focuses on grain milling. The facility processes maize into high-quality mealie meal and also mills traditional grains such as finger millet, sorghum, and pearl millet. These nutrient-rich grains are essential for promoting food security and healthy dietary options. Additionally, by-products from grain processing are used to produce animal feed, supporting the university’s livestock and poultry farming projects. ICEDA Milling plays a significant role in enhancing food security by providing affordable and diverse staple foods to students, staff, and the local community.
ICEDA Roadrunner Poultry
The ICEDA Roadrunner Poultry project specialises in the breeding and rearing of indigenous chickens, known for their nutritional value and organic quality. The project focuses on large-scale poultry production, supplying fresh meat and eggs to consumers. Additionally, it provides training to students and local farmers on sustainable poultry farming practices. This venture supports rural economic empowerment by promoting local poultry production and creating business opportunities for small-scale farmers. Through the Gary Magadzire School of Agriculture and Engineering, the unit is into free range contract farming. Farmers in Masvingo’s districts (Mwenezi, Chivi, Gutu, Zaka, Chiredzi) Manicaland (Buhera) and Midlands (Chirumanzu) have benefited from contract farming. The unit provides free range chicks, feed and extension services and remains the off taker of the chickens. The project has an automated abattoir with a capacity to slaughter 2000 chickens a day. The focus is to provide traditional chickens in supermarket.
- ICEDA Aquaculture
ICEDA Aquaculture is a vital initiative within the Business Development Unit working with the Gary Magadzire School of Agriculture and Engineering. The business focuses on the sustainable rearing of fish to support food security, nutrition, and economic empowerment. The project specialises in breeding and raising various fish species using environmentally friendly aquaculture practices. The fish farming venture provides a valuable source of protein for the local community while also supplying fresh fish to markets, restaurants, and university dining services. Additionally, ICEDA Aquaculture serves as a training hub for students and farmers interested in modern aquaculture techniques, water resource management, and sustainable fisheries.
Meet Our Team
For more information about the Business Development Unit, visit our offices at Great Zimbabwe University or contact us at +263 392 266 832 or use our email busdvt@gzu.ac.zw.