An extract from Africa’s Industrial Espionage
Gwebi Agricultural College, established in 1950, is Zimbabwe’s most iconic agricultural training institutions. For more than half a century, the college has produced graduates equipped with practical and theoretical knowledge essential for transforming Zimbabwe’s agricultural landscape. Gwebi’s legacy is not only in its curriculum but also in the support systems that was created, that propelled its graduates into becoming productive commercial farmers and agripreneurs.
During the 1980s and 1990s, institutions such as Standard Chartered Bank and Barclays Bank played a crucial role in turning Gwebi graduates into key players in the agricultural economy. These banks offered structured loan packages to young graduates starting out on their own. The financial support was not blindly given, it was complemented by a network of agricultural consultants and extension officers who monitored progress and provided technical guidance. This partnership between educational institutions, financial services and technical support systems proved to be a powerful model for agricultural development. By the way there was no government involvement.
The impact is clear. Gwebi-trained farmers, backed by finance and expertise, contributed significantly to national food production. They introduced improved farming techniques, ventured into livestock production and helped commercialise smallholder operations. As a result, Zimbabwe was for many years regarded as the breadbasket of Southern Africa.
Today, Zimbabwe faces a different reality. The underfunding of agriculture has left the sector weakened. Yet, the example of Gwebi offers a viable blueprint for revival. By replicating the model that combined education, financial backing and expert consultancy, Zimbabwe will reignite growth in both agriculture and manufacturing.
Zimbabwe banks must be encouraged or incentivised to fund graduates from institutions like Gwebi, Esigodini, Chibero, Blackfordy and Kushinga-Phikelela agriculture faculties. The government will only play a central role in de-risking agricultural loans through guarantees or subsidised interest rates. Equally important is reviving the network of local and international agricultural extension officers who network closely with these graduates on the ground.
Furthermore, this model can be expanded into agro-processing and manufacturing. Young Zimbabweans trained in food science, engineering, and business can be supported in setting up small-scale industries that add value to agricultural produce—producing jam, canned vegetables, animal feed, and more. This would help reduce imports, create jobs, and stabilise the Zimbabwean dollar.
Zimbabwe is blessed with arable land, a young population, and rich agricultural knowledge. What is lacking is a coordinated system that brings together education, finance, and technical support. The Gwebi model proved that with the right support structures, young Zimbabweans can drive economic transformation. The government, private sector and development partners must now work together to recreate and scale this proven formula.
The legacy of Gwebi Agricultural College is not just a historical memory it is a reminder of how the great has fallen. By investing in people, supporting them financially and offering consistent guidance, Zimbabwe will reclaim its place as a leader in agriculture and agro-industry in Africa. Let us learn from our past and reclaim our status as the best in Africa and the world.