Online Reporter
Debra Matabvu, Harare Bureau
ZIMBABWE’S Education 5.0 model is shifting the country’s higher education system from producing employment-seeking graduates to nurturing innovators who are actively contributing to the country’s industrialisation and modernisation drive.
Speaking at the 3rd Annual Presidential Innovation Fair held in Harare yesterday, Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development Minister, Dr Frederick Shava, said learning centres are changing into “factories” that produce solutions to the country’s socio-economic challenges.
The Presidential Innovation Fair also awarded exceptional innovations from various sectors and institutions.
This year’s Fair ran under the theme, “Innovation for economic growth: From prototype to commercialisation”.
Dr Shava said this year’s Fair has taken place at a crucial point in the country’s journey as it is transitioning from National Development Strategy (NDS) 1 to NDS 2.
“With His Excellency’s guidance, we have moved from education for employment to education for empowerment and industrialisation,” he said.
“As a ministry, Your Excellency, we contribute to the development of an innovation-led and knowledge-driven economy.”
Dr Shava added that the Presidential Innovation Fair is not only a showcase of talent, but a testimony to the success of the President’s visionary policies under the Heritage-Based Education 5.0.
Institutions of higher learning are no longer mere centres for learning, but they have become innovation factories producing solutions that add value to the economy, said Minister Shava.
In addition, the innovation fair is also meant to provide a platform for commercialisation and to also seek investments for various prototypes.
“The first objective is to showcase innovations and technologies emerging from Zimbabwe’s universities, polytechnics, research institutions, startups, and community enterprises that address national priorities and that support the realisation of Vision 2030,” said Dr Shava.
“The second is to provide a platform for commercialisation, investment matchmaking and technology transfer, linking innovators with finances, with industries, and with public procurement opportunities.
“Your Excellency, the third one is to recognise and reward excellency through the Presidential Innovation Awards, that is honouring those outstanding innovators who have demonstrated not only creativity, but also the potential for real economic impact, for job creation, and for scalability,” he said.
Innovation without commercialisation remains a potential energy, said Dr Shava, adding that Government’s task now is to convert that potential into tangible outcomes that transform livelihoods, grow industries and contribute to the national economy.
This year’s Fair received 269 submissions from across the country, coming from universities, polytechnics, technical colleges, startups and community innovators.
Some of the winners included Zimpapers reporter, Raymond Jaravaza who won Presidential Innovation Award for the Best Innovation Journalist and was awarded a shield, a certificate and a cash prize of US$2 000.
The Presidential Innovation Award for the Best Innovative Government Research of a shield, certificate and cash of US $10 000 was awarded to the National Biotechnology Authority.
University of Zimbabwe student Tendai Makore won the main prize of the ED Mnangagwa Presidential Best Commercialised Innovation of the Year accolade.
She walked away with a shield, certificate and US$50 000 cash.
