Govt Set to Launch Zim’s First Indigenous Higher Education Data System
By Loyd Matare
The Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science, and Technology Development is officially launching DuraIsiphala263, Zimbabwe’s first homegrown data analytics system designed specifically for the higher and tertiary education sector.
Billed as a landmark achievement in the country’s education reform agenda, DuraIsiphala263 is set to revolutionise data-driven planning, institutional monitoring, and decision-making across all colleges and universities.
The system, developed entirely by Zimbabwean experts, provides real-time dashboards, in-depth analytics, and harmonised reporting tools placing Zimbabwe ahead of many regional counterparts that still rely on foreign-developed platforms.
Minister Frederick Shava will preside over the official launch ceremony on today, where education stakeholders and development partners are expected to witness this major milestone in local innovation.
Speaking ahead of the launch, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Professor Fanuel Tagwira, said the system is a direct product of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s vision under the Heritage-Based Education 5.0 philosophy, which promotes local solutions for national challenges.
“DuraIsiphala263 reflects our unwavering commitment to harnessing local talent and building Zimbabwean solutions for Zimbabwean challenges.
“It marks a turning point in how we use technology to strengthen our institutions and drive sustainable development in the education sector,” said Prof. Tagwira.
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Among its core features, the system will track and analyse data on active students and inclusivity, graduate output, academic and administrative staffing, employee qualifications and accredited programmes
The platform has already been rolled out to 89% of higher and tertiary education institutions, with over 167 trained technical users currently using and enhancing the system through a dedicated community of practice.
DuraIsiphala263 is part of a broader push by the government to modernise education and align it with the country’s development goals through locally built, scalable technologies.
“We are proud that Zimbabwe is not just catching up, but leading by example in the region. DuraIsiphala263 is proof that we can create world-class systems using our own expertise,” added Tagwira.
The Ministry said the launch represents a shift toward evidence-based governance and invites all stakeholders to participate in what it described as “a defining moment in Zimbabwe’s education transformation journey.”
