Online Reporter
Trust Freddy
Herald Correspondent
THE Government has challenged the National Biotechnology Authority to penetrate international markets and move towards full-scale industrialisation of indigenous resources to drive the country’s modernisation agenda.
The call was made by Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development Minister, Dr Frederick Shava, during a tour of the NBA offices in Harare yesterday.
Dr Shava commended the authority for its pivotal role in regulating and coordinating biotechnology, noting that its work sits at the critical intersection of science and national development.
“The NBA is steadily positioning itself as a key enabler of our country’s industrialisation and modernisation agenda in line with Vision 2030,” said Dr Shava.
The minister expressed satisfaction with the commercialisation of indigenous knowledge, specifically citing the success of mapfura-based products and the COFSOL cough syrup.
The NBA has diversified its mapfura line to include wine, oil, vinegar, and brandy—products that are already featuring on the shelves of major retailers.
“This is exactly the kind of innovation and beneficiation of our indigenous resources that we must continue to promote. These are not just scientific achievements; they are national assets.”
Dr Shava urged the NBA to consolidate these gains by partnering with ZimTrade to explore export markets, while also calling for stronger ties with the private sector to unlock investment and scale up production.
However, the Minister raised concerns regarding the maintenance of the mapfura processing plant.
“I encourage the authority to urgently improve the general appearance of the plant, including addressing issues of rust and maintaining cleanliness. A well-maintained facility strengthens your brand image as you target premium and international markets,” Dr Shava added.
NBA board chairperson, Professor Idah Sithole-Niang, detailed the authority’s “zero-waste” philosophy, explaining that even the by-products of mapfura processing were used to create charcoal briquettes.
“We throw out nothing. You must be exploitative and broad in your thinking to protect the opportunities that come with this technology,”
Prof Sithole-Niang said NBA was already making inroads into the Sadc region and tourism hubs.
NBA chief executive officer and registrar Dr Deckster Tonny Savadye welcomed the minister’s visit as a sign of high-level Government support.
“I am thrilled because we have clearly captured the minister’s attention. He arrived with the good news that new support will be provided to implement technology nationwide; however, our main challenge remains financial resources.”
