Harare, (New Ziana) –Preparations for the third edition of the Presidential Innovation Fair have gathered momentum, with several innovators, researchers, students, and business leaders expected to participate at the exhibition, a Cabinet Minister has said.
Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development Minister Frederick Shava said this on Monday.
He said President Emmerson Mnangagwa will officiate at the innovation fair, which will be held in Harare on Thursday under the theme “Innovation for economic growth: From prototype to commercialisation.”
Various institutions of higher learning, including universities, innovators, polytechnics, and other start-ups, will showcase innovations to celebrate the country’s rising innovation ecosystem and highlight the commercial promise of homegrown solutions.
According to Shava, the Presidential Innovation Fair will reflect the government’s commitment to building an innovation-driven economy in line with Vision 2030.
“The 2025 Presidential Innovation Fair is designed to showcase Zimbabwe’s cutting-edge innovations and technologies developed under our Heritage-Based Education 5.0 model. It provides a national platform where prototypes are transformed into commercially viable products, directly contributing to our industrialisation agenda and the realisation of Vision 2030,” he said.
“Preparations are at an advanced stage. We expect full participation from all key institutions—universities, colleges, innovation hubs, industrial parks, and private-sector partners—have confirmed their participation. Logistical and security arrangements have also been finalised, and the event will proceed smoothly on 11 December 2025. Attendance will be significantly higher than in previous editions.
Shava added that the public can expect a diverse range of innovations across health, agriculture, energy, engineering, ICT, robotics, clean technologies, artificial intelligence, and advanced manufacturing, which are practical solutions developed by Zimbabwean innovators to address national and global challenges.
Youth exhibitors will have a dedicated innovation zone, mentorship sessions with industry leaders, and pitching platforms to secure investment partnerships.
“Government is expanding funding for innovation hubs, providing incentives for innovators, and supporting university spin-off companies. By strengthening our innovation financing ecosystem, we ensure that Zimbabwe remains the best environment for innovators to build globally competitive enterprises,” Shava said.
Officiating at the 2024 edition of the same fair, President Mnangagwa highlighted the crucial role of innovation in driving modernization and industrialization.
He also spoke on the need to embrace the 4th Industrial Revolution, which is characterized by rapid digital and technological transformations, echoing a vision of sustainable economic growth and improved quality of life through scientific discovery.
New Ziana
