|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
To ensure that modern technologies are developed and used in an ethical, safe, and equitable manner, the National Biotechnology Authority (NBA) is leading in the development of a regulatory framework for genome editing in Zimbabwe.
The Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development, Prof. Fanuel Tagwira revealed this during the official opening of the drafting workshop for the genome editing regulatory framework for Zimbabwe at the Holiday Inn Hotel in Harare on 25 March 2025.
“Genome editing has the potential to improve agricultural production and productivity in pursuit of attaining food security on the African continent. With this potential, however, comes the responsibility to ensure that these modern technologies are developed and used in an ethical, safe, and equitable manner. The significance of establishing robust regulatory frameworks cannot be overstated, as they lay the foundation for public trust, innovation, and international collaboration.
“The African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) is providing support for Zimbabwe to develop regulatory frameworks that are in line with international best practices. Creating regulatory frameworks that align with regional and international standards will enable Zimbabwe to develop competitive biotechnology products for regional and global markets,” Prof Tagwira said.
Dignitaries who attended the workshop include the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD ABNE) Head, Mr. S. E. Timpo; the Chief Director for Development Planning and Devolution in the Office of the President and Cabinet, Mrs. Anna Tinarwo; the Attorney General’s Office Director for Legislative Drafting, Mr J. M. Mukaratirwa, and Dr Deckster Savadye, the NBA’s Chief Executive Officer and Registrar, among others.
Genome Editing refers to a set of biotechnological techniques that allow scientists to make precise alterations to the DNA of an organism. This can involve adding, removing, or modifying specific sequences of nucleotides in the genome. These techniques have great potential to improve the genetics and performance of crops, livestock, and other organisms for agricultural, industrial, and medical applications.
Genome editing aligns with the Education 5.0 programme, which is focused on the innovative type of industrialisation. The Education 5.0 programme seeks to develop homegrown solutions and promote import substitution for industrial growth for the industrialisation and modernisation of Zimbabwe by 2030. Adoption of the modern biotechnology practices in Zimbabwe aligns with the National Development Strategy One (NDS1) themed “Towards a Prosperous & Empowered Upper Middle-Income Society by 2030.” NDS1 pillar on Food and Nutritional Security outlines the plans for achieving food and nutrition security plus thrust for Zimbabwe to retain its status as the breadbasket of Southern Africa.
Zimbabwe is participating in the African Union Development Agency (AUDA – NEPAD)’s genome editing pilot project. To date, a draft Zimbabwe Genome Editing Communication and Advocacy Strategy has been developed.
Fellow African countries for example Malawi, Nigeria, Ghana, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, and Kenya have already developed regulatory frameworks for genome-edited products. Scientists in Nigeria, Kenya, Ethiopia, Ghana, Uganda, and Burkina Faso are already developing genome-edited products.
In his address, Dr. Savadye said Zimbabwe had set an ambitious target of drafting two sets of regulatory frameworks, i.e., i) GMOs and ii) Genome Editing. However, the country only managed to draft the National Biotechnology Authority (Contained use, Confined field trial, and General Release of Genetically Modified Organisms) Regulations.
“We would like to finish off the work during this workshop. The NBA, as the National Competent Authority for biotechnology and biosafety matters in Zimbabwe is leading the drafting of the Genome Editing regulatory framework in partnership with key stakeholders from various sectors. I would like to appreciate the support from our parent ministry, i.e., the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development, towards strengthening the National Biosafety Framework.
“We would also like to extend our gratitude to the AUDA-NEPAD for their continued technical and financial support in enhancing the biosafety system. This will go a long way in ensuring effective regulation of modern biotechnology in Zimbabwe,” Dr. Savadye said.
