Government has welcomed the growing role of public-private partnerships (PPPs) in expanding Zimbabwe’s education infrastructure, with a US$4 million school project in Nyabira, Mashonaland West, demonstrating the potential of private capital to complement public investment.
The Lord Brighton College project, being developed under a PPP model, is now 75 percent complete and is expected to provide additional learning facilities in an area facing a significant shortage of schools.
Mashonaland West has a deficit of 215 schools, comprising 100 primary and 115 secondary institutions, prompting Government to explore various financing and development models to close the infrastructure gap.
Mashonaland West Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Marian Chombo said the Government would continue creating an enabling environment for private investors to participate in critical infrastructure development.
“Government is committed to creating an environment where private investors can partner with us in developing critical infrastructure. Education is a priority, and through public-private partnerships we can accelerate the construction of schools while creating employment and stimulating economic development in our communities,” she said.
Lord Brighton College Chief Executive Officer Douglas Mashiri said the investment had reached about US$4 million, with further expansion planned to meet growing demand.
“The investment currently stands at about US$4 million, with the project now around 75 per cent complete. We intend to expand the institution further as demand for quality education continues to grow. The stability of the currency and the improved economic environment have also enabled us to plan and invest with greater confidence,” he said.
The development is also expected to contribute to the broader economic transformation of Nyabira, which falls under Zvimba Rural District and is targeting town board status by 2030.
Zvimba East legislator Kudakwashe Decide Manhanzva said the project was creating opportunities beyond the education sector through employment creation, increased investment and support for local businesses.
“This development is a major boost for Zvimba East and Nyabira because it is creating opportunities beyond education. It is attracting investment, creating employment and supporting local businesses, while also providing quality educational infrastructure that will benefit the community for years to come,” he said.
Zvimba RDC Ward 28 Councillor Kudzanai Bako said the investment was contributing to the growth of the area while strengthening its case for town board status.
Government, however, has warned that private participation in education must be accompanied by strict adherence to regulations amid concerns over unlicensed schools.
Mashonaland West Provincial Education Director Rebecca Gora said authorities would continue monitoring institutions to ensure they were properly registered, staffed and equipped.
“We welcome private investment in education, but all institutions must comply with the law and meet the required standards. Unlicensed schools put learners at risk and undermine the quality of education, so we will continue monitoring institutions to ensure that they are properly registered, staffed and equipped,” she said.
The initiative is aligned with the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), which places emphasis on transforming education towards a heritage-based, production-oriented and innovation-driven system.
With improved infrastructure identified as a key component of that transformation, PPPs are increasingly being viewed as an important avenue for accelerating the delivery of schools while supporting wider community development.
