Online Reporter
Herald Reporter
THE City of Bulawayo took a significant step towards attaining its goal of becoming Zimbabwe’s innovation powerhouse with the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Research Council of Zimbabwe (RCZ), Zimbabwe Open University and Bulawayo Polytechnic during the Research and Innovation Seminar last week.
This agreement aims to foster collaboration on research initiatives and establish innovation hubs to support startups and small to medium enterprises (SMEs).
This initiative aligns with the Government’s economic blueprints, the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) and the upcoming NDS2, which emphasise innovation and economic growth as key drivers for the country’s future.
The MoU is seen as a vital component in bridging the gap between academia and industry, ensuring that research efforts translate into practical solutions for local challenges.
Bulawayo Town Clerk Mr Christopher Dube said the city is committed to fostering research and innovation.
“We are ready to accelerate the piloting of promising ideas into tangible products,” Mr Dube said.
RCZ executive director Dr Partson Chikudza emphasised the importance of collaboration in addressing critical issues such as urban sustainability and youth unemployment.
“Local Authorities like Bulawayo Municipality are not merely facilitators of development, but co-creators of knowledge.”
Dr Chikudza called for unity among all stakeholders to empower researchers and innovators.
The seminar featured a range of presentations on topics such as green financing, translating research into marketable products and case studies from various sectors, including aviation, tourism and agriculture.
Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Judith Ncube, who was represented by the director in her office, Mr Saimon Saunyama, said innovation is important in driving economic growth.
She affirmed the Government’s commitment to creating an environment where innovative ideas can thrive, particularly in sustainable energy and technology.
The collaborative effort is a testament to Bulawayo’s determination to harness innovation for economic advancement, aligning with the broader national strategy for sustainable development.
