Online Reporter
Debra Matabvu
Senior Reporter
THE Education 5.0 model is shifting the nation’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 stated that 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 transitions 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; they have become innovation factories producing solutions that add value to the economy, he explained.
In addition, the Innovation Fair is also meant to provide a platform for commercialisation and seeking investments for various prototypes.
“The first objective is to showcase innovations and technologies emerging from Zimbabwe’s universities, polytechnics, research institutions, start-ups, and community enterprises that address national priorities and 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 excellence through the Presidential Innovation Awards, honouring those outstanding innovators who have demonstrated not only creativity but also the potential for real economic impact, job creation, and scalability,” he said.
Innovation without commercialisation remains potential energy, said Dr Shava, adding that the 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, start-ups, and community innovators. Some of the winners included Zimpapers reporter Raymond Jaravaza, who won the Presidential Innovation Award for Best Innovation Journalist and was awarded a shield, a certificate, and a cash prize of US$2 000.
The Presidential Innovation Award for Best Innovative Government Research, comprising 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.
