African Media: NUST Students' Awards at GDF 2025 Become a Marker of Success for Zimbabwe's Educational Initiatives
The awards received by students from Zimbabwe's National University of Science and Technology (NUST) at the Global Digital Forum held on June 5-6 in Nizhny Novgorod have generated significant resonance in African media. Media outlets note that the students' success at this prestigious Russian event confirms the effectiveness of Zimbabwe's Heritage-Based Education 5.0 initiative in digital development. The media also commented on Russia's growing role as a partner supporting digital transformation and human resource development in Global South countries. In turn, rising stars of African IT are seeking recognition on Russian platforms that have become benchmarks for local projects.
The National University of Science and Technology (NUST) is a state research university in Bulawayo, founded in 1991 and being the second largest in Zimbabwe. The university has become one of the platforms for implementing the Heritage-Based Education 5.0 model, which integrates digital technologies with Zimbabwe's cultural and natural heritage, aimed at developing applied competencies to support the country's socioeconomic development.
Three participants from Zimbabwe were recognized at the Global Digital Forum. Tinodaishe Chipikiri received an award in the "Society" category for developing the iTravel chatbot designed to combat misinformation in tourism. Bridget Sibanda was recognized as one of the best participants in the same category for her work on digital laboratory solutions. Kudzai Zhuwaki received an award in the "International Cooperation" category for proposing a concept of ICT-based international cooperation aimed at strengthening digital interaction between countries. Each of the winners emphasized the importance of local context when creating technological solutions that address global challenges.
The participants stressed that winning at the Global Digital Forum was not only their personal achievement but also significant confirmation of the value of Zimbabwe's educational approach on the international stage.
"Winning this award is not just a personal achievement. It is a reflection of the transformative power of Heritage-Based Education 5.0. This model pushes us beyond theoretical knowledge into practical innovation. It enables us to develop context-based solutions that are globally relevant," noted Kudzai Zhuwaki.
According to NUST Communications Director Thabani Mpofu, the students' success on the Russian platform highlighted the applied potential of Zimbabwe's education system:
"Our students have shown what applied education can achieve. These are not mere academic exercises; they are innovations with market potential. To ensure these prototypes contribute meaningfully to Zimbabwe’s industrialisation and technological development, adequate funding must be secured to commercialise them," commented Thabani Mpofu.
The forum success opened new opportunities for participants: NUST students were invited to participate in a Russian cybersecurity education program. This became a logical next step after the forum recognition and reflects the practical focus of cooperation - from competition participation to advanced training and professional development. The program format includes intensive training, exposure to cutting-edge approaches in digital security, and integration into the international professional community.
The participation of students from Zimbabwe in the Russian forum demonstrated how the Global Digital Forum and Russia as a whole are shaping an equitable digital space where developing countries offer their own solutions to global tasks and challenges. The next step involves incorporating African specialists into practice-oriented educational formats that expand professional connections and create a sustainable foundation for long-term cooperation.
