Message from the Executive Director

Good Day, Honorable Ladies and Gentlemen. A very warm welcome to the Africa Change Development Studies Institute /ASC AfCFTA Studies Centre newly emerging institutional platform …within a fast advancing, opportunities bound digital world.

A newly establishing inclusive Pan African development and transformation studies institution, the Africa Change Development Studies Institute /ASC AfCFTA Studies Centre sets on a legacy reclamation mission to build capacity through Education and Research, Teaching and Training, Resource Mobilization, Consultancy and Advocacy on Transformative AfCFTA biased industrialization and transformation of marginalized rural -urban and resettled communities in Zimbabwe, Southern and the Sub Saharan Africa in partnership with digitally advancing dynamic global village.

Our vision constitutes turning the Africa Change Development Studies Institute / ASC AfCFTA Studies Centre into a Robust Inclusive Institution of Excellency on promotion of Transformative AfCFTA biased industrialization and transformation development programs and endeavors in Zimbabwe, Southern and Sub -Saharan Africa within a fast-moving digital world.   

In the wake of marked levels of socioeconomic cultural; scientific and technological development inequalities within and between Southern, Sub-Saharan Africa and the World, this institution embraces and enlightens the Community, Public; African Member States Parliaments, Regional, Continental - Global Institutions, Development Partners; Global Pan African Community and Frontiers on Transformative AfCFTA “immediate scenario change” 4IR generation alteration essence. Increasing gravity of poverty, and marginalization gaps of rural-urban and resettled communities in Zimbabwe, the Southern and Sub Saharan Africa in this digital era abounding with opportunities availed among others by UNSDGs, Africa Agenda 2063; NEPAD; DevCoop Programs, AGOA, TICAD Process and home grown National Development Strategies (NDC) prompts the need for systematic exploitation and mobilization of massive cross sector growth potential within the AfCFTA as a generation changing vehicle on the African continent. 

Africa Change Development Studies Institute / ASC AfCFTA Studies Centre through its host of programs sees great potential for industrialization, transformation, partnership, integration and cooperation inherent in the African Union flagship project, namely the AfCFTA. Indeed, the potential is not only immense, but generational, providing local and international development players a very wide scope for participation in traditional and all newly emerging sectors in efforts to establish a vibrant Customs Union, Donor-Peace Continent and subsequently an African Common Market by the Africa Agenda 2063 expiry phase.

Consistently informed by the United Nations; African Union, SADC Charters and Protocols on Research, Higher and Tertiary Education; and National Constitutions, in its driving mission and vision, the Africa Change Development Studies Institute / ASC AfCFTA Studies Centre has Specialization Units / Departments namely:

• Transformative AfCFTA, Legacy Reclamation Philosophy and Development
• Development and Transformation Studies Department
• Research Methods and Transformation
• Monitoring and Evaluation Studies Department
• Trade, Integration and Development Studies Department
• Environment, Climate Change and Disaster Management Studies Department
• Health, Water and Sanitation Studies Department
• Peace and Security Studies Department
• International Relations and Social Development Studies Department;
• Industry, Agriculture and Labour Studies Department.
• Heritage, Ecotourism, Ecotainment, Hospitality and Recreation Studies – AETH

Under or within each Specialization Unit / Department a range of six-eight special courses are taught (hybrid – online, conventional, visiting) and qualification at any level (certificate, diploma, undergrad and post grad) will be coded “….in AfCFTA driven Development and Transformation Studies...”.

To guarantee a competitive niche, the African Change Development Studies Institute / ASC AfCFTA Studies Centre will be guided by well-developed Five- Year Strategic Development Plans; Annual Budget; Auditors; Special Committees and a professional administrative hierarchy consistent with institutions of higher learning worldwide. 

Still in the fifth-year cycle incubation phase since 2021, the Africa Change Development Studies Institute / ASC AfCFTA Studies Centre operated and successfully launched in the COVID 19 phase Online International Conferences in 2021 and 2022 under the MSU AfCFTA Banner only to more autonomously evolve into 2023 ASC AfCFTA Online Digital Technologies International Conference with all correspondence and subsequent conferences in 2024-2026 and beyond to be addressed and dubbed 2024-2026 ASC Transformative AfCFTA Online International Conferences. ASC AfCFTA Online International Conferences are a generational flagship pan African project of the Africa Change Development Studies Institute / ASC AfCFTA Studies Centre as it consolidates locally, regionally and continentally its Afrocentric niche in development and transformation inspired by the African Continental Free Trade Area paradigm. Apart from the 2021 – 2023 -2024-2026 AfCFTA Hybrid - Online International Conferences, the Institution prides an enlightening quarterly issue Newsletter dubbed “Transformative AfCFTA: Southern..Sub Saharan Africa and Globe Issues”. An inclusive and innovative publication, the newsletter introduces beneficiaries to new concepts as “AfCFTA Economy; AfCFTA immediate scenario change; “Emmersonomia”; “Robertonomia”; AfCFTA National Development Strategy; AfCFTA Transformative Effect (ATE); AfCFTA GNI ppp and the AfCFTA Common Currency” among many other short, medium and long term generational and innovative thoughts driving this supposed “AfCFTA immediate scenario change” pan African project. 

Considered among several as key prerequisites for the institution are the strategically combining Specialization Units / Departments and their respective life changing Courses Combo ranging from Development Transformation Theory to Trade, Monitoring and Evaluation, Disaster, Peace and Security; and International Relations. On these is founded inclusive culture which extensively informs the transformative AfCFTA biased studies, newsletter and specialized drive on mobilization of the local, regional, continental and global cross sector socioeconomic cultural; and scientific and technological value from developed member states and regions of the world with a higher competitive and comparative advantage over the African and Continental Africa.

The philosophy driving the African Change Development Studies Institute / ASC AfCFTA Studies Centre conceptually comprehends the fact that there exists exploitable comparative advantage between geographical regions of Continental Africa (South and North, East and West; Central) whose transformative impact for the African citizen and the Sub Saharan Africa remains negligible on one hand yet on the other hand becomes highly pronounced when the AfCFTA activates its external orientation and drive on mobilization of cross sector value from advanced member states and regions of the world (Africa; Europe; Asia; Oceania and Americas- Latin America and the Caribbean).

Inspired by that same legacy reclamation pan African philosophy, the Africa Change Development Studies Institute / ASC AfCFTA Studies Centre in both its debut Newsletter Issues 1 and 2 respectively focused on the transformative AfCFTA mobilization drive from within the Sub-Saharan Africa; and then from the “Americas- Latin America and the Caribbean region cross sector value,” with Europe coming in the next Issues. Through the monitored operations within departments / specialized institutions, the AfCFTA generation changing project needs to essentially retain a developmental, progressive parallel that guarantees empowerment of the African, transformation of Zimbabwe, Southern and the Sub-Saharan Africa in mutual partnership and cooperation with the digitally advancing global village as it advances not only to consolidate the Customs Union and African Common Market by 2063 but also to elevate Africa into a Donor and Politically vibrant Continent.

Africa Change Development Studies Institute / ASC AfCFTA Studies Centre philosophy informs all change agents that, “Local – regional- continental draw back factors, among them institutionalized corruption; dispensational anarchy; xenophobia; conflicts on one hand should be replaced strategically on the other hand by effective AfCFTA inspired local-regional and continental institutionalized inclusive development, law abiding; accountable; progressive culture embracing all players in their diversity. The mission and vision of the institution should lead to fulfilment of a culture of diversity, inclusivity and rising standards and quality of life through well programmed activities in departments.  For records, while the Newsletter continually consolidates the mandate of Africa Change Development Studies Institute / ASC AfCFTA Studies Centre, the successes of this Pan African Generation Changing Project by logic of successfully launched two International Conferences on AfCFTA driven industrialization and transformation of marginalized rural – urban and resettled communities; COVID 19 and Climate Change for 2021 and 2022 Micro-Small-Medium-Large and Mega Scale enterprises; respectively then under the MSU AfCFTA logo, the year 2023 saw the Institution develop the project under a New Rebranded Name and Logo whereupon the Newsletter focused the local and international delegates (dearly known as ASC AfCFTA Family); development players and partners on the “rebranded 2023 ASC AfCFTA digital technologies driven industrialization of rural-urban and resettled communities in Southern, Sub Saharan Africa in a fast advancing digital global village”.

With a very involving 2023 -2026 Annual Business Calendar, over and above the branded ASC AfCFTA Online international conferences the Pan African Robust Forum currently among many critical AfCFTA projects engages in Enlightenment Public Lectures Home and Abroad; Enlightening Transformative AfCFTA Summer -Winter School; Consultative processes on AfCFTA biased Urban and Rural Municipalities Development Strategy;    Resource Mobilization; Capacity Building; Rural-Urban Smart Cities/Villages; AfCFTA Industrialization and Transformation Short, Medium and Long Term Development Strategy;        AfCFTA Industrialization and Transformation National Development Strategy 2023-2036 and 2037-2063; AfCFTA Transformative Newsletter: Southern, Sub Saharan Africa and GLOBE Issues, quarterly Issue;  AfCFTA Sponsored Public Lectures and Seminars: local- regional- continental and global; AfCFTA biased Consultancy; National – Continental Peace Project; and AfCFTA Specialized Training Modules for African Member States Parliaments and Parliamentarians; and Development Partners.

More often arising challenges receive prompt attention to guarantee solidity of institutional reputation, integrity and a smooth flow of business as the Institution makes efforts to consolidate solid business relationship with multi sector and multi-continental stakeholders; and development partners.

A very interesting feature in its resource mobilization and fund-raising drive the Institution hosts Visiting Senior Scholars, Honorary Fellows and Citizens from across regions and nations of the world essentially essentially working on a comprehensive research program; to bring funds and also continue resource mobilization efforts for a minimum of three months and maximum of three years. 

Equally, much as most of the institutional programs are resources driven may we be granted the opportunity to appeal to our local and international development partners and players; as well as the Global Pan African Community and Peace-loving Frontiers to kindly join hands with us through sponsorship; donations in cash or kind; and joint efforts in resources mobilization, infinitely true acts of nobility to be always appreciated.

Last but not least, in concluding this strategic conversation, may I again warmly welcome you all to the ASC AfCFTA Studies Centre business platform which this year focuses on the 2026 ASC AfCFTA Industrialization, Integration and Transformation International Conference and Zimbabwe Human Development Report Consultative Processes; Webinars; Year End Transformative Summit; Public Lectures- Seminars Teaching, Advocacy and Training; and newsletter contributions to our next Quarterly Issue: Focusing on Europe as we all aim not only for a deeply industrialized, transformed and integrated Africa but a Donor- Peace Continental Africa by 2063. Rugare.

May Our Almighty God of Abraham always profoundly bless us all, your dear family, business frontiers and all your well-meaning endeavors in Jesus Mighty name.  Africa Change Development Studies Institute / ASC AfCFTA Studies Centre Staff wishes you all the best now and for generations to come. Regards.   

Professor (Fellow) Dr G Chikowore.

Founder: Africa Change Development Studies Institute / ASC AfCFTA Studies Centre.

Coordinator: 2024 ASC AfCFTA Online Micro Small Medium Enterprises International Conference

Visiting Senior Scholar/Fellow: Institute of Developing Economies JETRO Japan

Visiting Scholar: University of Ghana, LECIA, Accra.

Visiting Senior Scholar/Fellow: Zimbabwe Open University

Associate Fellow: UNISA CEMS, RSA.

Fellow: University of Johannesburg GEMES RSA

Laureat: Candido Mendes University, Brazil.

Thought Leader: ZIMCHE (Zimbabwe Council of Higher Education)

Senior Citizen: Republic of Zimbabwe

Fellow: Midlands State University

Former Member: University of Zimbabwe, Council Senate and Management Committee.

Former Director: University of Zimbabwe, Institute of Development Studies (UZ IDS)

Member: Pan African Research, Development and Innovation Fund Survey Community

Member: Australian Research Data Commons (ARDC)

Member: International Science Council /CODATA/RDA/SciDataCon2025-IDW.

Member: Routledge Publishers Francis &Taylor Group: Reviewer / Editor