Harare, (New Ziana) – Zimbabwe’s drive toward modernization and innovation received a major boost on Wednesday with the official handover of a €2.8 million state-of-the-art Biotechnology Centre to the University of Zimbabwe (UZ).
During the handover ceremony, Acting Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development, Professor Paul Mavhima, received the keys to the centre from French Ambassador to Zimbabwe, His Excellency Paul-Bertand Barets, before handing them over to UZ Vice Chancellor, Professor Paul Mapfumo.
Professor Mavhima praised the development as a historic step in advancing Zimbabwe’s technological and research capacity.
“We are proud as a nation to have state-of-the-art equipment that allows our scientists to perform at their best,” he said. “This facility is more than just a building—it is a powerful symbol of technology and skills transfer that will help our institutions excel in research.”
He said the new Biotechnology Centre is aligned with Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030, the country’s roadmap toward a prosperous and empowered upper-middle-income society.
“The Ministry stands firmly at the forefront of Zimbabwe’s modernization and industrialization agenda. This is a critical opportunity for our nation to lead in research, grow our economy, and bring Vision 2030 into reality,” he added.
Funded by the French Development Agency (AFD) and implemented by France’s leading agricultural and development organizations CIRAD and the Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD), the Centre was established under the PACMAN project (Platform for Agricultural Capacity Building and Molecular Diagnostics through Applied Networking).
The initiative also involves the University of Zimbabwe and Zimbabwe’s Directorate of Veterinary Services.
Serving as a regional hub, the cutting-edge molecular and serological diagnostic laboratory is designed to support national and regional efforts in agricultural productivity, public health, and scientific innovation through advanced laboratory diagnostics and disease surveillance.
French Ambassador Paul-Bertand Barets underscored the significance of the partnership, describing it as a reflection of a shared vision between Zimbabwe and France.
“This is not just a handover ceremony. It marks a new chapter where Zimbabwe can respond to animal diseases with autonomy and precision,” said Ambassador Barets. “The Biotechnology Centre is a testament to the historic collaboration between our countries, built on mutual respect, honesty, and solidarity—even during challenging times.”
He reaffirmed France’s commitment to nurturing innovation partnerships with Zimbabwe.
“CIRAD and IRD have stood by Zimbabwe and worked hand in hand with local institutions. The French Embassy remains dedicated to deepening this spirit of cooperation.”
Vice Chancellor Professor Paul Mapfumo said the Centre signaled the height of collaboration between Zimbabwean and French research communities and represents a practical embodiment of Zimbabwe’s Education 5.0 philosophy—anchored in heritage-based innovation, research, and industrialization.
“This facility marks two important milestones,” Professor Mapfumo said. “Firstly, it highlights the strength of our partnership with our French colleagues. Secondly, it empowers us to pursue, in practice, our national vision of education that solves real-world problems.”
New Ziana
