Online Reporter
Herald Reporter
The GOVERNMENT has reiterated its commitment to empowering young innovators and unlocking the vast potential of science and technology, with three Cabinet ministers rallying behind a church-led initiative designed to drive inclusive development and propel the country towards Vision 2030.
The pledge was made at the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Harare City Centre Church Science Palooza that is being held in Mazowe. The event has brought together technology firms, young innovators, church leaders and senior Government officials in a vibrant exhibition of home-grown solutions and cutting-edge prototypes.
Youth, Empowerment Development and Vocational Training Minister Tino Machakaire, who was the guest of honour, his deputy, Kudakwashe Mupamhanga, Agriculture, Mechanisation and Resources Development Minister Dr Anxious Masuka and Information Communication Technology and Courier Services Minister Tatenda Mavetera, on Wednesday, toured the exhibitions alongside church leaders, witnessing first-hand the creativity and technical acumen of Zimbabwean youth.
Seventh-day Adventist Church leadership acknowledged the pivotal role of science and innovation in national development, describing the Science Palooza as a timely platform for nurturing talent and fostering collaboration between faith and the State.
“Science and innovation are key towards shaping the future of our country, and the support from government is crucial towards achieving such milestones,” said SDA East union Conference President, Pastor Godfrey Musara.
Elder Kudakwashe Tagwirei of SDA City Centre Church underscored the divine origins of science and the importance of innovation in nation-building.
“It is a privilege to have this Science Palooza, as sciences come from God—He created the heavens and the earth. Innovation is critical towards the growth of a nation, which we can do while waiting for the second coming of Jesus. We have financial institutions, robotics, agricultural firms, and clinics, all driven by science. As a church, we want to work with government, and your presence here is key towards achieving that goal,” said Elder Tagwirei.
Harare City Mayor, Councillor Jacob Mafume, urged young people to seize the vast opportunities being created by the Second Republic across various economic sectors.
“Young people must take charge of the vast opportunities created by Government in various sectors of the economy. Our duty as city fathers is to create an environment for businesses to thrive while coming up with regulatory frameworks that address challenges facing the youth,” said Councillor Mafume.
Minister Mavetera applauded the church for aligning its initiatives with President Mnangagwa’s vision of promoting science and technology as a national priority, revealing that the Government had already crafted an Artificial Intelligence policy to underpin youth innovation.
“I want to applaud the church for aligning its initiatives with President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s vision of promoting science and technology. We came up with an Artificial Intelligence policy which allows young people to dream such that they are ready for anything. Young people must innovate, and government is ready to support,” she said.
Dr Anxious Masuka, the Agriculture Minister, highlighted the vast opportunities in the agricultural sector, expressing confidence that the creativity on display signalled the realisation of Vision 2030.
“There are various opportunities in agriculture which young innovators can utilise, and with such creativity I can smell Vision 2030—I can touch it. Science Palooza is critical for the growth of the sector. Vision 2030 lies beneath our feet; let’s take the value chains seriously,” said Dr Masuka.
Youth Minister Tino Machakaire called on young people to become job creators rather than job seekers, emphasising the transformative power of home-grown solutions to address the nation’s challenges.
“Creativity and intelligence within our young people can shape our country. We need to come up with solutions to emerging problems; we need job creators. Why Science Palooza is critical is because it is an investment in our future. Zimbabwe needs your innovation and creativity,” said Minister Machakaire.
The Second Republic has been instrumental in creating platforms for young people to thrive through innovation and science, a commitment that has seen tertiary institutions developing prototypes and commercialising research outputs.
The growing partnership between Government and the church in promoting STEM subjects is proving critical towards unlocking endless opportunities for young innovators, bridging the gap between faith, science, and national development. As Zimbabwe marches towards an upper-middle-income economy by 2030, initiatives like the Science Palooza are emerging as vital catalysts for nurturing the next generation of scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs.
