US$390 million target for Matopo University

The Brethren in Christ Church (BICC) is seeking to raise US$390 million to establish the proposed Matopo University in Matabeleland South Province, with plans to develop three campuses supported by income-generating projects.

The church will host a fundraising dinner at a Bulawayo hotel on Saturday, with proceeds expected to contribute towards construction and infrastructure development.

Speaking during a media briefing, BICC spokesperson Reverend Joel Ndlovu said the church was appealing to the corporate sector, development partners, alumni and well-wishers to support the ambitious project.

"The total cost of this institution is projected to reach US$390 million. Of this, US$150 million will constitute the university infrastructure, with the remaining balance dedicated to income-generating projects that will form the core financing strategy of this university," he said.

The planned income-generating ventures include a solar power farm, agricultural projects, agro-industries, and research and innovation centres aligned with Zimbabwe's Education 5.0 model. The institution will also be guided by the church's Christian education principles.

The university is expected to offer programmes in agriculture, mining and engineering, theology and philosophy, education, law, health sciences and medicine, natural resources, and commerce. Its natural resources faculty will place particular emphasis on wildlife conservation and climate change adaptation.

Reverend Ndlovu said construction was already underway, although further progress would depend partly on mobilising the required resources.

"Construction is underway and we are working to make sure that this vision becomes a reality. We have covered some ground and we are working with the Government," he said.

The proposed institution would expand the church's existing investments in education and healthcare, which include 13 educational institutions, three hospitals, two clinics and a Bible institute.

However, the church is also seeking renewal of the university's provisional charter, granted by the Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education in 2025, which expired at the beginning of this year.

The Matopo University project forms part of efforts by religious organisations in Zimbabwe to expand access to higher education while integrating academic training with their institutional values.