Private universities in Zimbabwe: the case of Africa University

Abstract

In 1992, Africa University had the unique experience of being the first institution to be granted a charter by the government of Zimbabwe to operate as a private university. The university operates as a church-related private and Pan-African institution. Over the years, the nature of the university has brought with it many challenges. Whilst many of these challenges are shared with other private universities in Zimbabwe, a few are peculiar to Africa University. This paper discusses Africa University's experience with regard to establishment, nature, institutional marketing and student recruitment, programmes, governance, finding and other external factors with the view of identifying some of the challenges for private universities in Zimbabwe.