Online Reporter
Trish Mukwazo, [email protected]
THE signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Bulawayo City Council, Research Council of Zimbabwe (RCZ) and two other academic institutions is expected to go a long way in unlocking development opportunities and providing solutions that enhance service delivery.
The local authority sealed the collaborative partnership with RCZ, the Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU) and Bulawayo Polytechnic during the recent Research and Innovation seminar that was held under the theme: “Create, collaborate and commercialise.”
The initiative is part of efforts to help propel Zimbabwe towards an upper-middle-income economy by 2030 through knowledge-driven development and service delivery interventions.
Speaking at the signing event, RCZ executive secretary, Dr Partson Chikudza, said his organisation would work closely with the council in hosting research seminars and conferences that showcase research achievements and promote knowledge sharing.
“We intend to collaborate to develop policies that support research, innovation and technology transfer in the City of Bulawayo,” he said.
“We also intend to jointly develop plans and establish innovation hubs and incubators in the City of Bulawayo to support start-ups and small and medium enterprises (SMEs).”
Bulawayo provincial director for economic development, Mr Simon Saunyama, who was representing Bulawayo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Cde Judith Ncube, said the seminar represents more than just a showcase of ideas but is a testament to the power of innovation in driving Zimbabwe’s industrial and economic transformation.
“This year’s theme resonates deeply with our national agenda to have an upper-middle-income economy powered by innovation, productivity, and sustainable growth,” he said.
Mr Saunyama said the event’s focus on sustainable energy, waste management, water management, climate action, creative economy, agriculture, and tourism was commendable.
“These are also cornerstones of Zimbabwe’s resilience and prosperity. Under NDS1, we are promoting green industrialisation,” he said. “Bulawayo is seeking to lead this charge where they are calling and spearheading innovations in smart waste solutions and water conservation technologies, which are vital for urban sustainability.”
This comes as the Government is seriously investing in infrastructure and embracing the use of artificial intelligence and the Fourth Industrial Revolution to drive innovations.
“Our national blueprint is clear that Zimbabwe’s growth must be inclusive, sustainable, and innovation-driven. Whether it’s a solar-powered irrigation system or a waste-to-energy plant, your ideas can redefine industries,” said Mr Saunyama. “To achieve this. Through collaboration, we can see how innovation thrives in ecosystems. Government, academia, and the private sector must work together.”
Bulawayo mayor, Councillor David Coltart, who was represented by Ward 1 Councillor Mxolisi Mahlangu, said the seminar availed an opportunity to celebrate the power of ideas that have the potential to transform the city into a leading smart and transformative city by 2025.
“As a city, we are committed to supporting the commercialisation of local innovations through initiatives like the Bulawayo innovation hub and partnerships with financial and other institutions. we aim to bridge the gap between invention and enterprise,” he said.
Bulawayo City Council economic development officer, Mr Kholisani Moyo, highlighted the need to embrace collaboration as the key to the city’s success.
He said knowledge sharing and exchange were crucial, hence the establishment of MoUs that will promote collaboration between the city, RCZ and universities.
According to Mr Moyo, the key areas for collaboration include water modernisation, cybersecurity, joint research and innovation projects.
“Knowledge sharing and exchange are also crucial, which is why we have established MoUs with the Research Council of Zimbabwe and other universities,
“Our focus is on promoting creation, collaboration, and commercialisation and by working together, we can achieve our vision of becoming a smart city,” said Mr Moyo.
