Africa University Fund
Africa University opened in March 1992 in Zimbabwe.
In 2012, Africa University will celebrate 20 years as the first private, international university in Zimbabwe. Located in Old Mutare, the university is the first fully accredited, United Methodist-related institution on the African continent established by action of the 1988 General Conference. The university opened for classes in March 1992 with 40 students and currently has an enrollment of about 1,200. Africa University offers bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in six faculties or colleges of learning: theology, education, agriculture and natural resources, management and administration, humanities and social sciences, and health sciences. The Institute of Peace, Leadership, and Governance offers postgraduate diplomas and master’s programs.
Vice Chancellor Tagwira (right) is robed by Chancellor Yemba at the installation ceremony on December 5th, 2009. Photo courtesy of Africa University.
The current student body represents 28 nationalities with foreign, non-Zimbabwean students comprising 39 percent of the student population. The university charter’s goal for the international student body is 60 percent. AU has a distance-learning center in Mozambique and there are plans to expand its student population to more African countries through distance-learning efforts in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Angola, and Liberia. The university is also working to establish new departments, including a faculty of science and technology to attract a more internationally diverse student body. Africa University has graduated more than 3,000 students since 1992.
Bishop David Kekumba Yemba and Professor Fanuel Tagwira were inaugurated in December 2009 as Chancellor and Vice Chancellor respectively of Africa University.
The political and economic struggles of Zimbabwe are well known and well documented, but Africa University continues to be a beacon of hope for African students and the nations on the African continent. AU students can count on their professors teaching their classes and meals being served in the dining hall.
Congregations and individuals support Africa University across The United Methodist Church through apportionment giving and gifts to the AU Endowment Fund (World Service Special Gift #03-01-88).
The Rev. Kim Cape talks at the Spring 2012 GBHEM Board Meeting about the $250,000 loan for Africa University to expand the university's potato farm.
