Iran offers ‘independent and revolutionary’ Zimbabwe 1,000 scholarships

BY AGENCIES

TEHRAN, Iran – The Islamic Republic of Iran has extended an offer of 1,000 educational scholarships to Zimbabwe, a move aimed at bolstering ties with the "independent and revolutionary" African nation. The first batch of students is expected to commence their studies by the end of this year.

VP Chiwenga's visit to Iran results in 1,000 scholarships being offered to strengthen bilateral ties with Zimbabwe.

Image: ZBC

The scholarship program is designed for lecturers from polytechnics and industrial colleges in Zimbabwe, who will undertake six-month courses as trainers of trainers.

This initiative follows a recent visit by Zimbabwe's Vice President Constantino Chiwenga to Iran, where he led a delegation to the second Iran-Africa International Economic Conference.

The conference, held from April 26 to 29, saw participation from over 40 African nations at the Tehran Iran International Conference Centre.

In an interview with state-owned The Herald, Fanuel Tagwira, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development, said, "We believe in action. We believe in implementation and we have learnt a lot since coming here. Several things have happened. With the partnership we now have with Iran, they have offered us 1,000 scholarships for our education."

Tagwira further explained the process, "We sat down and went through their training centre and we saw what they are providing and as we go home, we are going to mobilise so that we can send the first batch of our teachers who are in polytechnics and industrial colleges to come here and acquire skills for six months then they will become trainers."

Despite facing international sanctions for nearly half a century, Iran has made significant strides in science and technology.

Both Iran and Zimbabwe are currently under United States sanctions, prompting them to explore alternative avenues for economic growth and cooperation.

During Chiwenga's visit, Iranian Defense Minister Mohammad-Reza Gharaei Ashtiani expressed Tehran's readiness to enhance friendly relations with all African states, particularly Zimbabwe.

Ashtiani highlighted the visits by Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi to Harare in July 2023 and an upcoming trip by Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa to Tehran, indicating the importance both nations place on enhancing bilateral relations.

Chiwenga noted that Iran was among the partners with which Harare was ready to expand its defense cooperation and economic relations, despite both countries being under Western sanctions.