Stanbic Bank Zimbabwe has partnered with Midlands State University (MSU) to launch an undergraduate scholarship programme aimed at supporting underprivileged Zimbabwean students. The US$52,000 initiative was officially unveiled during a signing ceremony held at the MSU campus in Gweru, marking a significant milestone for both institutions.
Starting in August 2025, the programme will provide full tuition coverage for five undergraduate students for the entire duration of their academic studies, which run until 2029. In addition to tuition fees, each beneficiary will receive a personal laptop to support their digital learning, enhancing access to educational resources.
The scholarship is open to Zimbabwean nationals, either by birth or residency, who meet MSU’s enrolment and selection criteria. To promote gender equity, three of the five scholarships will be reserved for female students, with the remaining two awarded to male applicants. Applications will be advertised publicly through national media outlets to ensure transparency and broad accessibility.
Speaking at the signing event, MSU Pro-Vice Chancellor for Infrastructure and Campus Development, Gift Manyatera, praised the partnership as a timely and meaningful contribution to the university’s mission.
“This scholarship programme is a powerful gesture—especially during our 25th anniversary celebrations,” said Manyatera. “As a stakeholder-driven institution, we are proud to partner with Stanbic Bank Zimbabwe in bringing this vision to life. It’s an initiative that speaks directly to our mission of serving and uplifting disadvantaged students. We look forward to a transparent and fruitful collaboration.”
Tariro Memo, Head of Brand and Marketing at Stanbic Bank Zimbabwe, emphasized the bank’s dedication to supporting education and national development. Speaking on behalf of Stanbic Bank’s Chief Executive, Solomon Nyanhongo, she described the partnership as a strategic investment in the country’s future.
“Education has the power to unlock potential and build resilient communities,” Memo said. “When we support our youth, we drive long-term growth. This partnership is more than just a scholarship—it’s a strategic investment in Zimbabwe’s future.”
Memo also highlighted Stanbic Bank’s ongoing investment in education through its existing scholarship programme at Africa University, where several students are currently on full scholarships.
“We have witnessed first-hand the transformative impact of such initiatives,” she added. “We are proud to extend this opportunity to MSU students through a model we know delivers real results.”
To ensure fairness and accountability, the scholarship programme will be managed by a dedicated committee responsible for overseeing the selection process and ongoing governance.
This initiative forms part of Stanbic Bank Zimbabwe’s broader corporate social investment strategy, which focuses on health, education, environmental sustainability, and sanitation. The agreement will come into effect on July 3, 2025, officially marking the start of what both Stanbic Bank and MSU hope will be a long-term and impactful partnership for education and community development in Zimbabwe.
