Transforming cities: The role of local government-university collaborations in urban governance in Zimbabwe

Abstract

Global research on local governance acknowledges the value of partnerships as strategic facilitators of urban change and regional economic growth. Local government-university interactions have emerged as a critical catalyst for transformation in Africa. The Mutare City Council (MCC), a distinguished local authority in Zimbabwe, has adopted collaborations between local government and universities as a novel strategy to enhance service delivery and overall efficacy. Nonetheless, despite a theoretical and practical paradigm shift towards cooperation between local governments and universities, there has been inadequate research focus on this subject, particularly in developing nations. This article elucidates the lived experiences of the MCC regarding cooperation between local government and universities to bridge this gap. The qualitative investigation of local government-university partnership was conducted through key informant interviews with MCC managers from various units and departments. This article outlines the MCC's collaboration with universities in urban change and the advantages of these partnerships. The paper examines the problems encountered in executing collaborations from the viewpoint of local government. Consequently, the study advises local governments to prioritise collaborations with universities, endorse joint projects and initiatives, and create research and investment units to promote partnerships as a contribution to public administration.