mbulelo smpofuRutendo Nyeve, Zimpapers Writer
VICE-PRESIDENT Constantino Chiwenga has urged Zimbabwe to embrace research and innovation as powerful tools to drive sustainable industrialisation, economic recovery and national development.
Addressing delegates at the inaugural Research Indaba held in Bulawayo on Wednesday, the Vice-President commended the Research Council of Zimbabwe (RCZ) for funding projects that demonstrate tangible, real-world impact.
The Indaba, hosted in partnership with the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF), ran under the theme “Research for Sustainable Industrialisation and Economic Development.”
The platform showcased pioneering innovations such as the Mining Reagents Initiative and the High-Energy Lithium Battery Project, both emblematic of the Government’s commitment to building an economy grounded in knowledge and research.
VP Chiwenga said in a world grappling with unprecedented challenges ranging from climate change to economic inequality, research emerges as the cornerstone for crafting effective solutions.
He stressed that Zimbabwe’s path to economic stabilisation and growth does not lie in conventional strategies but in bold, research-driven innovations.
“Our path to economic stabilisation and recovery is neither straightforward nor singular. Zimbabwe, like many nations, has contended with significant obstacles, including global economic shocks, disrupted supply chains and the lingering effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. Yet, amid adversity, opportunities abound,” said VP Chiwenga.
He stressed that research and innovation are the keys to unlocking these opportunities.
“In an ever-changing global landscape, industries that rely solely on traditional methods are at risk of stagnation. Already, Zimbabwe has witnessed the transformative power of research in agriculture, with advancements such as climate-smart technologies and improved farming techniques yielding resilient and productive systems,” he said.
Among the stand-out initiatives, the Vice-President highlighted the Artificial Insemination Goat Project by Lupane State University, which has revolutionised goat breeding in the Lupane District, improving livelihoods in the process.
He also commended the Midlands State University-led Coal Tar Project, which is nearing commercialisation and is expected to significantly reduce road maintenance costs while preserving foreign currency.
“Local coal tar production will dramatically lower road maintenance and construction costs in Zimbabwe while conserving critical foreign currency. These projects exemplify the real-world impact that research can deliver and I am eager to see more initiatives of this calibre,” said VP Chiwenga.
Particularly praising the Coal Tar Project, he said, “This project is indeed a game-changer and I once again commend the RCZ for funding and managing the innovation through its commercialisation phase.”
VP Chiwenga called for deeper collaboration across sectors and borders, asserting that Zimbabwe’s innovation ecosystem must be underpinned by robust public-private partnerships and regional co-operation.
He stressed that research should not exist in isolation, but must directly inform policy, guide investment and empower communities.
“The partnership between Government, the private sector and academia is crucial for translating research into viable solutions that drive economic recovery. Researchers, policymakers, industry leaders and communities must work collectively to ensure that research outcomes are implemented and commercialised for the benefit of society,” said the Vice-President.
He also underlined the importance of embracing digitisation, enhancing technological infrastructure and building an entrepreneurial ecosystem capable of translating research into market-ready products.
“As we pursue industrialisation, we must understand that it transcends the mere expansion of production capacity or output. True industrialisation lies in creating value, value for people, the economy and the environment.
“Sustainable industrialisation ensures that our pursuit of progress does not compromise the needs of future generations. Research allows us to harness renewable technologies, streamline production processes and nurture industries that promote environmental sustainability.”
Highlighting Zimbabwe’s competitive edge, VP Chiwenga said the country’s wealth of natural resources and skilled workforce positions it to lead in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture and green technologies.
To unlock this potential, he said, Zimbabwe must prioritise research and foster a culture of innovation that encourages close collaboration between academia, industry and Government.
The Research Indaba was attended by members of the diplomatic corps, academia, policymakers and innovators from various sectors. — @nyev14
Online Reporter