Harare (New Ziana) – President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Monday challenged stakeholders in the research and development ecosystem to continue working together and complementing each other in an effort to create more quality products and services that transform their countries.
Speaking at the 13th Zimbabwe International Research Symposium in the capital, President Mnangagwa said as Zimbabwe stays the course in its innovation, research and development journey, there is need for unity of purpose to build a future that is equitable, just, sustainable and prosperous for all.
“Our innovation drive and industrialisation must be rooted on the day-to-day needs of our societies and economies. Ladies and Gentlemen; I commend the Research Council of Zimbabwe for working with other Ministries, Departments and Agencies as well as supporting research projects,” he said.
“This has seen some researchers being rewarded at the Presidential Innovation Fair Awards Ceremony held last month. The efforts resonate well with the Whole-of-Government approach of my Government, which discourages tendencies of silo mentality,” he said.
President Mnangagwa applauded the Research Council of Zimbabwe, in partnership with the Botswana Digital and Innovation Hub, for remarkable breakthroughs in mineral processing technology and also hailed the collaborative research projects conducted by the Midlands State University and the Botswana International University of Science and Technology which have enabled the development of nano- engineered mineral froth flotation reagents, that are now ready for commercial application.
These are set to enhance efficiencies and environmental performance of mining operations, benefiting both industries and communities.
“Other initiatives between the Research Council of Zimbabwe and Malawi’s National Commission for Science and Technology, through the National University of Science and Technology and the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, have culminated in the development of innovative bio-fertilizer technologies,” he said.
Such cases, said President Mnangagwa, bear testimony that by pooling capacities and skills as well as resources with countries, Zimbabwe can achieve far more than it can working alone.
Beyond the region, he said it is commendable that the working relationship with the People’s Republic of China Academy of Contemporary Studies, and ongoing engagements with the Spanish Research Council, are equally being pursued for mutually beneficial research outputs.
“This is more critical as the future of research and innovation lies in deepening regional and international partnerships, particularly to combat climate change vulnerability, eradicate poverty, improve global health access and advance sustainable alternative energy solutions, among other critical areas.
“Research institutions, the academia and industry should, therefore, continue to demonstrate the ability to make impacts that transcend boundaries and work collectively towards the common good,” he said.
He said this year’s theme, ‘Embracing Research and Innovation for Sustainable Industrialisation’ is timely as the world contends with the challenge of advancing industrial growth.
President Mnangagwa said that charting the course towards sustainable industrialisation required a steadfast commitment to research, innovation and the application of cutting-edge technologies.
He said he was hopeful that through the Symposium, the country will see the forging of greater synergies and collaborations by players involved.
“These should result in transformative innovations which give impetus to the realisation of the Sustainable Development Goals, and improve the quality of life for our citizens. In keeping with the Lagos Plan of Action, my Government is availing support dedicated to innovation, research and development,” he said.
He said the establishment of centres of excellence, innovation hubs and industrial parks in the country, should see the production of relevant goods and services which address present and future development needs.
“Resultantly, this must have trickle down effects in the reduction of production and environmental costs, while increasing production and productivity to drive sustainable industrial development,” he said.
New Ziana
