HICC, Harare – His Excellency the President Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa has challenged Zimbabwean researchers, innovators and industry leaders to ensure that academic research translates into practical solutions that accelerate the country’s industrialisation, modernisation and economic transformation.
Speaking during the official opening of the 14th Zimbabwe International Research Symposium at the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC), President Mnangagwa described research as the cornerstone of innovation, invention and sustainable development.
The symposium brought together academics, policymakers, innovators, entrepreneurs, students and industry representatives from across Zimbabwe and beyond to discuss emerging technologies, scientific discoveries and strategies for national development.
Addressing delegates, President Mnangagwa said research remains an unquestionable driving force behind economic growth and technological advancement.
“It is my distinct privilege to formally inaugurate the 14th Zimbabwe International Research Symposium at the Harare International Conference Centre today,” said the President.
“Research is the unquestionable driving force behind innovation and invention. I urge researchers, innovators and industry leaders to ensure that academic research yields practical solutions, a crucial element in Zimbabwe’s modernization and industrialization.”
His remarks come at a time when Zimbabwe is intensifying efforts to build a knowledge-based economy driven by innovation, technology and entrepreneurship under the Vision 2030 national development agenda.
Research Bill Strengthens Innovation Ecosystem
President Mnangagwa highlighted the significance of the recently enacted Research Bill, saying the legislation provides a stronger framework for innovation and scientific advancement in Zimbabwe.
According to the President, the law will play a critical role in strengthening the country’s innovation ecosystem by promoting collaboration between research institutions, government agencies and the private sector.
Experts have welcomed the legislation as a major step towards improving research governance, intellectual property protection and commercialization of locally developed technologies.
The President said the new legal framework demonstrates Government’s commitment to fostering a vibrant research environment capable of generating solutions to national challenges.
Artificial Intelligence Must Be Ethical and Inclusive
A key theme of the symposium was the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its potential to transform economies and societies.
President Mnangagwa emphasized the need for Zimbabwe to embrace emerging technologies while ensuring that innovation remains ethical, inclusive and beneficial to all citizens.
“As we move forward, we must promote the ethical and inclusive integration of Artificial Intelligence,” he said.
The President noted that AI presents enormous opportunities in agriculture, healthcare, financial services, education and public administration.
However, he stressed the importance of developing policies and safeguards that ensure technology is used responsibly while protecting citizens’ rights and promoting equal access to digital opportunities.
Globally, countries are increasingly adopting AI technologies to improve productivity, streamline operations and enhance service delivery. Zimbabwe is positioning itself to benefit from this technological revolution through investment in research, innovation and digital transformation initiatives.
Focus on Strategic Sectors
President Mnangagwa urged researchers to direct their efforts toward sectors that have the greatest potential to improve livelihoods and contribute to national development.
He identified precision agriculture, healthcare innovation and financial technology (FinTech) as some of the priority areas requiring increased research and investment.
Precision agriculture is expected to play a critical role in enhancing food security by enabling farmers to make data-driven decisions, improve yields and optimize resource utilization.
In the healthcare sector, research and innovation can contribute to the development of affordable medical technologies, improved disease surveillance systems and enhanced healthcare delivery.
Meanwhile, the rapidly expanding FinTech sector continues to create opportunities for financial inclusion, digital payments and economic empowerment, particularly among youth and small businesses.
The President said research institutions should align their priorities with national development objectives to ensure that scientific discoveries contribute meaningfully to economic growth and social progress.
Education 5.0 Producing Innovators and Entrepreneurs
The President also reiterated the importance of the Education 5.0 model introduced under the Second Republic.
The model seeks to transform higher and tertiary education by focusing on teaching, research, community service, innovation and industrialization.
President Mnangagwa said the approach is producing graduates who are not only job seekers but also innovators, developers and entrepreneurs capable of creating employment opportunities.
“The Education 5.0 model under the Second Republic aims to produce graduates who are innovators, developers and entrepreneurs,” he said.
Universities and colleges across Zimbabwe have increasingly embraced innovation hubs and industrial parks designed to nurture entrepreneurial talent and accelerate the commercialization of research outputs.
Several institutions showcased products and technologies developed through Education 5.0 initiatives during the symposium exhibition.
Private Sector Urged to Commercialize Innovations
President Mnangagwa called on the private sector to play a more active role in supporting local research and innovation.
He emphasized the need for stronger partnerships between industry and academic institutions to transform promising ideas into commercially viable products and services.
“I call upon the private sector to support local innovations and collaborate with researchers to commercialize new technologies,” he said.
Industry experts believe that increased investment from businesses could help bridge the gap between research and market adoption, enabling Zimbabwean innovations to compete regionally and internationally.
Such collaborations are also expected to create jobs, attract investment and stimulate economic growth through technology-driven enterprises.
Young Innovators Impress at Exhibition
Before officially opening the symposium, President Mnangagwa toured exhibition stands showcasing innovations from universities, colleges, research institutions and schools.
The President expressed admiration for the creativity and ingenuity displayed by both tertiary institutions and primary school learners.
“The Government remains committed to supporting local inventions and empowering young innovators,” he said.
“I visited the exhibition stands prior to the symposium and was impressed by the innovative displays from tertiary institutions and primary school learners.”
The exhibition featured a wide range of projects, including agricultural technologies, renewable energy solutions, digital platforms, educational tools and healthcare innovations.
Observers noted that the participation of young learners highlighted the growing culture of innovation being nurtured within Zimbabwe’s education system.
Innovation Key to Vision 2030
The symposium reinforced Zimbabwe’s determination to harness science, technology and innovation as key drivers of national development.
Government officials, researchers and industry stakeholders agreed that strengthening collaboration across sectors will be essential for achieving the country’s development goals.
As Zimbabwe advances towards becoming an upper-middle-income economy by 2030, research and innovation are expected to play an increasingly important role in addressing economic challenges, improving public services and creating sustainable opportunities for citizens.
President Mnangagwa expressed confidence that the country’s researchers, innovators and entrepreneurs possess the talent and determination required to transform Zimbabwe’s future.
“Together, we are making progress towards Vision 2030,” he said.
The 14th Zimbabwe International Research Symposium is expected to generate new partnerships, foster knowledge exchange and inspire innovative solutions that contribute to the country’s modernization and industrialization agenda.
For more insights on Zimbabwe’s innovation and technology landscape, read our related article;
https://www.zimglobalmedia.co.zw/the-impact-of-digital-transformation-on-african-businesses/