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The groundbreaking discoveries made by researchers across diverse fields have led to the development of cutting-edge technologies that enhance productivity, improve livelihoods, and pave the way for a more sustainable future, President Emmerson Mnangagwa has said.
He made the remarks while officially opening the 2-day 13th Zimbabwe International Research Symposium organised by the Research Council of Zimbabwe (RCZ) in partnership with the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) at the Harare International Conference Centre on 14 October 2024.
The 13th Edition of the Zimbabwe International Research Symposium is being run under the theme “Embracing Research and Innovation for Sustainable Industrialisation”.
Key dignitaries who graced the occasion included the Director of Ceremonies, Deputy Chief Secretary in the Office of the President and Cabinet, Mr. Willard L. Manungo; Hon. Gen. (Rtd) Vice President Dr Constantino G.D.N. Chiwenga; Hon. Col. (Rtd.) Vice President Kembo C.D. Mohadi; Hon. Minister of Defence and National Chairperson of the Ruling ZANU PF Party Cde. Oppah C.Z. Muchinguri-Kashiri; Hon. Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Harare Metropolitan Province, Cde. C. Tawengwa; and His Excellency, Executive Secretary for United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), Ambassador Claver Gatete, International Guest Speaker, among others.
“The groundbreaking discoveries made by our researchers across diverse fields have led to the development of cutting-edge technologies that enhance productivity, improve livelihoods, and pave the way for a more sustainable future, as evidenced by the presentations delivered during this Symposium. Our national research output, as measured by peer-reviewed publications and patent applications, has exhibited gradual improvement in recent years, indicating Zimbabwe’s efforts to further strengthen its position as an emerging hub of research excellence on the African continent.
“To all the esteemed researchers, innovators, and industry leaders gathered here today, the future is yours to shape. The path ahead may be challenging, but with your boundless creativity, unwavering determination, and unyielding commitment to the pursuit of excellence, I have the confidence that our great Nation of Zimbabwe will scale new heights of scientific and technological achievement,” President Mnangagwa said.
He applauded the Research Council of Zimbabwe, led by the Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Patson Chikudza, for having initiated and partly funded several key research projects, four of which were recently awarded at the Presidential Innovation Fair Awards on 18 September 2024.
“These are the Lithium Battery Project by Verify Engineering, the Coal Tar Project by Midlands State University, the Gold Recovery Project by the Manicaland State University of Applied Sciences and the Stock Feed Project by the Chinhoyi University of Technology. These are a few examples of walking the talk that resonates with the whole-of-government approach which defeats siloism. I am pleased to note that Verify Engineering has made a huge impact on the Southern African Development Community (SADC) by producing and exporting medical oxygen which is vital in saving lives during health emergencies.
“Through fostering regional and international collaboration, we have made significant strides in addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges. Related to this, the Research Council of Zimbabwe’s partnership with the Botswana Digital and Innovation Hub has yielded remarkable breakthroughs in mineral processing technology. Collaborative research projects conducted at the Midlands State University and the Botswana International University of Science and Technology have enabled the development of nano-engineered mineral froth flotation reagents that are now ready for commercial application. These reagents will enhance the efficiency and environmental performance of mining operations, benefiting both industries and communities. This collaborative effort not only supports economic development but also promotes more responsible and environmentally conscious resource utilisation,” the President added.
Similarly, the collaborative efforts between the Research Council of Zimbabwe and Malawi’s National Commission for Science and Technology have led to the accomplishment of groundbreaking research initiatives in agricultural biotechnology. Collaborative research projects undertaken at the National University of Science Technology and the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources have culminated in the development of innovative biofertilizer technologies. This collaboratively funded project has now reached the commercialisation stage, ensuring the provision of affordable and sustainable bio-fertilizer solutions to the smallholder farmers who need them most.
In the regional and international arena, the Research Council of Zimbabwe is a member of the Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI), International Science Council (ISC), and the Global Research Council (GRC), platforms which are targeted at advancing research, innovation and development. In addition, the Research Council of Zimbabwe has established a working relationship with the China Academy of Contemporary Studies as a way of buttressing the Forum for China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). Engagements with the Spanish National Research Council will foster several research partnerships between Zimbabwe and Spain.
In his welcome remarks, Senator Charles Tawengwa, the Minister of Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Harare Metropolitan Province said the Symposium provides a platform for the cultivation of collaborations between the public sector, private sector, and researchers, which is key to the country’s drive towards Vision 2030.
“Your Excellency, one of the strategic pillars that anchor the 2nd Republic’s developmental agenda under Vision 2030 is innovation, science and technology. The 13th Zimbabwe International Research Symposium is one such platform to support this pillar. Under the able leadership of you, Your Excellency, Zimbabwe is committed to investing in Research Science Technology and Innovation (RSTI) initiatives that will help us achieve the goals and objectives as outlined in the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1),” Senator Tawengwa said.
Vice President Chiwenga said the specific objectives of the 13th Zimbabwe International Research Symposium are to:
- accord researchers, innovators, technologists and practitioners with a platform to showcase research and innovations that address key challenges in sustainable environment and resource management, health, ICT, humanities, social sciences and national security;
- discuss specific results generated by current research in Zimbabwe for utilisation;
- record the interactive, evidence-based deliberations of stakeholders from academia and industry in areas of sustainable environment and resource management, health, humanities and social sciences, and national security; and
- develop unique networking opportunities where sector representatives can identify critical research gaps across the economy.
