The Securities and Exchange Commission of Zimbabwe (SECZim) and the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) on Friday officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that marks the beginning of a strategic partnership to establish the Zimbabwe Capital Markets Institute, an initiative expected to transform professional development and capacity building in the country’s financial sector.

The signing ceremony, held at SECZim’s new offices, brought together leadership from both institutions, signalling a long awaited milestone in efforts to strengthen the nation’s capital markets through education, research and innovation.

Speaking during the ceremony, SECZim Acting CEO Grace Berejena said the collaboration represents a visionary step toward building a knowledge-driven and inclusive financial ecosystem.

“It is my distinct honor and privilege to address you this morning as we witness the signing of the memorandum of understanding between the Commission and the National University of Science and Technology,” she said.

“This partnership marks a significant milestone in efforts to build a knowledge driven and inclusive ecosystem in Zimbabwe. It is not just an institutional collaboration; it is a visionary step towards cultivating a generation of professionals equipped with technical expertise, ethical grounding and innovative mindsets.”

Berejena emphasized the importance of bridging theory and practice in the capital markets sector.

“Skilled market practitioners form the foundation of a resilient and sustainable financial system,” she said. “Through this partnership, we seek to bridge the gap between theory and practice, creating pathways for students, researchers and professionals to engage directly with market priorities.”

NUST Pro Vice-Chancellor for Innovation and Business Development, Professor William Goriwondo, echoed the same optimism, stressing the strategic importance of jointly developing curricula and strengthening human capital for the financial sector.

“In this partnership with SECZim, we reaffirm the importance of co-developing curricula that directly address the skills and competencies required in the capital markets,” he said.

“It is vital that our programs benchmark against global standards so that Zimbabwean professionals can confidently participate in regional and international financial markets.”

Goriwondo added that NUST is committed to supporting continuous professional development.

“Together, we seek to bridge the gap between capital market theory and practice,” he said. “NAST is proud and ready to bring its expertise to this partnership, and we are confident that through collaboration with SECZim we will nurture a generation of professionals equipped to drive innovation, compliance and sustainable growth.”

SECZim Acting Director for Policy and Market Development, Farai Mpofu, paid tribute to teams from both institutions who worked to bring the partnership to fruition.

“I want to extend the Commission’s deepest gratitude to Professor Goriwondo and the NUST delegation for their insight and commitment,” he said. “Gratitude also goes to the Commission Board, the Acting CEO and our internal teams, whose dedication has been indispensable.”

Mpofu underscored that the partnership aligns directly with national goals under Vision 2030.

“This collaboration aligns two national priorities, financial stability and inclusive, equitable growth,” he said. “Our work is cut out for us, and there is much to be done in the weeks, months and years ahead. The legacy we start building today will shape the future of Zimbabwe’s capital market.”