Online Reporter
President Mnangagwa will today officially open the 14th Zimbabwe International Research Symposium at the Harare International Conference Centre as Zimbabwe continues to strengthen its national research and innovation agenda.
Our Reporter Debra Matabvu and Photographer Believe Nyakudjara are at the Harare International Conference Centre and will be bringing live updates from the event.
The Research Council of Zimbabwe (RCZ) and Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) are hosting the symposium, which is expected to strengthen the country’s research ecosystem as Zimbabwe seeks to deepen the role of science, technology and innovation in national development.
President Mnangagwa is expected to tour various exhibitions before delivering his keynote address.
The symposium is running under the theme ‘Exploring the nexus between research, artificial intelligence, innovation and sustainable community development’.
The three-day event brings together local, regional and international researchers, policymakers, academia and development partners to promote innovation, collaboration and the commercialisation of research.
It highlights the Government’s continued drive to ensure that research translates into tangible socio-economic benefits for Zimbabwe.
The symposium programme includes research exhibitions, presentations and awards recognising outstanding researchers.
Live scenes from HICC
The tone is vibrant as President Mnangagwa is set to officially open the event, drawing attention to the growing momentum behind Zimbabwe’s research and innovation agenda.
Delegates and researchers from across the country are gathered in a lively atmosphere, moving between exhibition stands showcasing new ideas, projects, and innovations.
With meaningful conversations unfolding and researchers presenting their work, the symposium highlights the enthusiasm for collaboration and discovery. There is a shared focus on turning research into tangible solutions – especially through the theme exploring the nexus between research, artificial intelligence, innovation, and sustainable community development.
Research and innovation: The backbone of sustainable development
Zimbabwe is pushing research and innovation, which are crucial in national development as they turn ideas into practical solutions that address real challenges facing communities.
Through research, Zimbabwe generates evidence and new knowledge to guide better decisions in areas like health, agriculture, energy, education, and the environment.
Innovation then helps transform that knowledge into improved technologies, products, and services that boost productivity, create jobs, and strengthen local industries.
When research is supported and linked to implementation, it also builds national capacity and reduces dependence on imported solutions.
Ultimately, research and innovation help development become more sustainable, inclusive, and effective by ensuring that progress is grounded in what works and delivers tangible socio-economic benefits.
Exhibitors shine at symposium
Some of the exhibitors at the symposium include tertiary institutions such as State universities, teachers colleges, polytechnical colleges, primary and secondary schools.
The exhibitions range from domestic, industrial, agricultural innovations.
President Mnangagwa has arrived and is now touring various exhibitions on display
President Mnangagwa has completed tour of exhibitions where he was shown various innovations mainly in the industrial and agriculture sectors.
The President has now entered the main auditorium, signalling the beginning of the main programme.
‘Africa should own its researches and innovations’
In his remarks, Director of Eastern and Southern Africa Management Institute, Professor Peter Kikuyu said the people of Zimbabwe are resilient and this shown through their creativeness, innovations and research despite facing various challenges over the years.
He applauded the country for hosting the Liberation Museum, which stands as a custodian of african liberation history.
Prof Kikuyu said it is important for Africa to be able to tell its own story, as well as own its researches and innovations.
He urged researchers to ensure artificial intelligence and other innovations are used to develop Africa and enhance sustainable development.
