Africa University in Zimbabwe Announces First Cohort of TAGDev 2.0 Program Scholars for the 2025/26 Academic Year
Africa University (AU) is proud to announce the selection of its first cohort of scholars under the TAGDev 2.0 program – a transformative initiative in partnership with the Regional University Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM) and Mastercard Foundation. This milestone reflects the university’s commitment to nurturing leaders, entrepreneurs and change-makers through experiential learning.
Six (6) undergraduate and four (4) Master’s students have commenced their studies in Harare, Zimbabwe, in the fields of Agribusiness, Software Engineering as well as Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Creativity.
At AU, education is a journey of purpose, transformation, and belonging. As a Pan-African United Methodist-related university, the institution welcomes students from across the continent and from diverse backgrounds into a vibrant community that nurtures leadership, innovation, and impact. With a deep commitment to academic excellence, student success and holistic well-being, AU, through the TAGDev 2.0 program, will empower young minds to dream boldly, serve passionately, and shape Africa’s future.
Selection overview
The TAGDev 2.0 program received a total of 358 applications. From this, 118 applicants who met the application guidelines and set criteria were considered for admission. Thirty-two (32) applicants underwent the home validation process, and after the extensive selection process coordinated by RUFORUM, ten (10) outstanding candidates were awarded the scholarships.
Below is a table listing the selected scholars
| ID | Name | Gender | Course |
| 1 | Burubwa Fidele | male | BSc. Hons in Agribusiness Management |
| 2 | Gisha Fidele | male | BSc. Hons in Agribusiness Management |
| 3 | Diyenga Paidamoyo | female | BSc. Hons in Agribusiness Management |
| 4 | Mwashanja Ian | male | BSc. Hons in Software Engineering |
| 5 | Makumba Amanda | female | BSc. Hons in Software Engineering |
| 6 | Dimas Amos Deborah | female | BSc. Hons in Software Engineering |
| 7 | Mhaka Iveline | female | MSc. in Agribusiness |
| 8 | Banda Natasha | female | MSc. in Agribusiness |
| 9 | Mapfumo Praise | female | MSc. in Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Creativity |
| 10 | Oscar Lokwang | male | MSc. in Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Creativity |
About RUFORUM and TAGDev
RUFORUM, established in 2004, is a network of 175 universities across 40 African countries that collaborates globally with other university networks, development partners, policymakers, and leaders to leverage synergies and work towards shared objectives in delivering scientific solutions for development, human capital development, and institutional reform in the African Higher Agricultural Education (HAE) system. RUFORUM recognizes young people as the driving force behind change and are leading the charge for a better Africa. Launched in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, TAGDev 2.0 (Transforming African Agricultural Universities to meaningfully contribute to Africa’s Growth and Development), a scale-up to TAGDev 1.0, is a 10-year (2023–2033) program being implemented in 12 African universities, namely;
- Africa University (Zimbabwe)
- Egerton University (Kenya)
- Gulu University (Uganda)
- Malawi University of Science and Technology (Malawi)
- Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (Morocco)
- National University of Agriculture Benin
- Uganda Martyrs University (Uganda)
- University of Bamenda (Cameroon)
- University of Eldoret (Kenya)
- University of Cape Coast (Ghana)
- University of Port Harcourt (Nigeria)
- University of Free State (South Africa)
TAGDev 2.0 is designed to:
- Expand equal work opportunities for young women and men in the agricultural sector
- Improve climate-adaptive agricultural production and productivity with a focus on value chains
- Strengthen the quality of higher agricultural education outcomes in training, research and innovation.
Why it matters
TAGDev 2.0 goes beyond scholarships to offer a viable working platform towards transforming Africa’s higher education landscape. By promoting equity, inclusion, innovation, and leadership, it empowers young women and men facing barriers to education, poverty, displacement, and climate vulnerability. Through its involvement, AU is cultivating holistic, God-fearing and innovative professional leaders for Africa’s transformation nurtured through academic excellence, Ubuntu, integrity and respect for diversity.
To learn more about the TAGDev program at AU, follow the social media handles below;
