By Thelma Wandayi
The Embassy of Ireland has bid farewell to six Zimbabwean professionals selected for the 2026–2027 Ireland–Africa Fellows Programme, who are set to leave for Ireland this weekend to pursue fully funded master’s degrees.
The fellows were honoured at a send-off celebration held at S.A.H.T.C. The Hospitality School in Harare, marking the start of an academic journey spanning climate change, public health, global health, water and environmental engineering, and international accounting.
The departing fellows are Innocent Takudzwa Dombo, Kelvin Wilson Kasiwulaya, Jessie Magonziwa, Munesti Mutirwara, Prudence Useya and Tafara Chabata.
Their selection under the Ireland–Africa Fellows Programme represents an investment in Zimbabwean expertise in fields closely tied to the country’s long-term development needs, including climate resilience, water security, environmental management, public health and financial governance.
Building future leaders
Funded by the Government of Ireland through Irish Aid, the Ireland–Africa Fellows Programme enables early- and mid-career professionals from eligible countries to pursue postgraduate qualifications at Irish higher-education institutions.
The programme aims to develop future leaders, strengthen skills in partner countries and create professional networks that extend beyond the classroom.
Fellows are expected to return home with specialist knowledge and practical experience that can contribute to national development and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Ireland’s support for the programme reflects a sustained commitment to international partnership and locally led development. By investing in postgraduate education for professionals from developing countries, the Irish Government is helping build expertise that can remain rooted in communities, institutions and public services long after the fellowship ends.
The programme is linked to development priorities including good health and well-being, clean water and sanitation, climate action, reduced inequalities, decent work and stronger institutions.
Zimbabwe’s 2026–2027 fellows
Dombo will undertake a Master of Engineering Science in Water and Environment Engineering at University College Dublin. His studies will focus on sustainable water and environmental-resource management, expertise that is increasingly important as Zimbabwe faces climate variability and pressure on water infrastructure.
Kasiwulaya will pursue a Master of Science in Climate Change at Dublin City University. The programme will strengthen skills relevant to climate adaptation, drought preparedness, food security and environmental resilience.
Mugonziwa will study for a Master of Science in International Accounting and Analytics at the University of Galway, combining advanced accounting practice with data-analysis skills relevant to modern business and institutional decision-making.
Mutirwara will pursue a Master of Science in Global Health at Trinity College Dublin, focusing on population health, disease prevention and resilient health systems.
Useya will study for a Master of Science in Public Health at University College Cork, gaining advanced training in health promotion, prevention and public-health systems.
Tafara Chabata will pursue a Master of Engineering Science in Electrical Power Networks at University College Dublin, focusing on an area critical to the development, reliability and sustainability of electricity systems.
A global learning network
The Zimbabwean fellows will join professionals selected from a broad range of African countries, including Angola, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia.
Opportunities for Africans
Other Ireland Fellows Programme streams include participants from Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean, the Middle East and Small Island Developing States. Countries represented through these streams include Fiji, Jamaica, Guyana, Barbados, Cabo Verde, Mauritius, Seychelles, the Maldives and Papua New Guinea.
The international character of the programme gives fellows the opportunity to learn alongside professionals addressing similar challenges in different settings. It creates space for collaboration on issues such as climate adaptation, access to clean water, health systems, economic development and effective public institutions.
2027–2028 intake
The departure of the six Zimbabwean fellows comes as the 2027–2028 Ireland–Africa Fellows Programme intake offers another opportunity for eligible professionals seeking postgraduate training in Ireland.
The programme is aimed at applicants with a relevant undergraduate qualification, professional experience, leadership potential and a clear commitment to contributing to development in their home country.
Applicants are generally expected to demonstrate a strong connection between their chosen course, their work experience and the practical needs of their country.
The fellowship ordinarily covers key study-related costs, including university tuition, visa expenses, travel, insurance and living support, subject to the requirements and terms of each annual call.
For the six Zimbabweans departing this weekend, the fellowship is the beginning of a new chapter.
Their studies will provide access to specialist training and international networks, with the expectation that the knowledge and experience they gain will strengthen Zimbabwean institutions and communities on their return.
