Online Reporter
The Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development is hosting the third edition of the Presidential Innovation Fair today.
The event is being held at the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC).
President Mnangagwa is set to address delegates at the event which brings together innovators, researchers and institutions showcasing cutting-edge solutions aimed at driving national development.
The Presidential Innovation Fair continues to promote creativity, technology advancement and collaboration across sectors as Zimbabwe strengthens its innovation ecosystem.
Our Reporter Harmony Agere is bringing live updates.
Innovation in focus
The Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development, Ambassador Fredrick Shava, closely observes the proceedings at the Innovation Fair.
Since his arrival earlier, Ambassador Shava has been engaging with innovators and researchers as they showcase groundbreaking technologies and solutions aimed at enhancing national progress.
Presidential Innovation Fair Awards highly subscribed
The Presidential Innovation Fair Awards ceremony, currently underway at the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC), has drawn overwhelming interest.
Here, delegates follow presentations on various innovations at the 2025 Presidential Innovation Fair and Awards.
Pictures: Kudakwashe Hunda
Zim’s innovations shine
The exhibition floors are a hive of activity.
The National Biotechnology Authority of Zimbabwe is showcasing briquettes made from marula nutshells, Muzarabani wine from masau, as well as mapfura wine and vinegar produced from the mapfura fruit.
Students from Masvingo Teachers College are visibly excited as they welcome visitors to explore displays at their institution’s exhibition stand.
Chifamba Pepukai, a ZINGSA geo-spatial scientist, explained to students how a drone works for agricultural purposes, attracting a captivated audience.
Innovation continues to shine across institutions.
A Gweru Polytechnic College student demonstrated how a solar-powered hydraulic jack operates, while the Midlands State University exhibition stand is drawing attention with a wide variety of products on display.
The vibrant atmosphere underscores the high subscription and growing appetite for innovation across the country.
President Mnangagwa arrives
President Mnangagwa has arrived at HICC for the 2025 Presidential Innovation Fair Awards ceremony.
He was welcomed by Vice President Chiwenga and other senior Government officials.
The President will address delegates shortly before presiding over the awards ceremony.
Wild cheers as President enters auditorium
There are loud cheers as President Mnangagwa enters the main auditorium.
He is accompanied by Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga and Harare Provincial Minister, Senator Charles Tawengwa.
The national anthem is sang to mark the beginning of the ceremony.
‘We are moving away from prototypes to startups’
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development, Professor Fanuel Tagwira says Zimbabwe’s innovation ecosystem is entering a new phase where the focus is shifting from creating prototypes to building viable start-ups that are capable of transforming the economy.
Speaking at the Presidential Innovation Fair, he said the event demonstrates the country’s growing capacity to nurture solutions with real-world impact.
He noted that Government is recognising excellence from a diverse pool of innovators whose work reflects both creativity and national ambition.
Professor Tagwira expressed satisfaction with the innovations and presentations showcased so far, emphasising that the momentum gained should propel innovators towards commercialisation and sustainable entrepreneurship.
Innovation key to vision 2030: Minister Tawengwa
The Minister of State for Harare Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Senator Charles Tawengwa says innovation is key for the realisation of Vision 2030.
Speaking at the Presidential Innovation Fair, Minister Tawengwa said the growth of Harare also relies on technology.
He said he is proud that higher learning institutions in Harare have produced brilliant students and innovations, some of which are spurring industrialisation.
The Minister congratulated those who had done well in their presentations and exhibitions at the Fair.
Education system shifts focus to fuel industrialisation
Zimbabwe is transitioning from an education system aimed primarily at employment to one that fosters industrialisation and modernisation, the Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development, Dr Frederick Shava has said.
Speaking at the Fair, Dr Shava emphasised that the country’s educational framework is now designed to ensure that various socio-economic sectors benefit from education and innovations.
This year’s event is themed “Innovation for Economic Growth: From Prototype to Commercialization,” and will include awards for outstanding innovators.
Dr Shava remarked, “The Presidential Innovation Fair is not only a showcase of talent; it is a testament to the success of Your Excellency’s visionary policies under the heritage-based Education 5.0.”
He further stated, “Our institutions are no longer just centres for learning; they have evolved into innovation factories producing solutions that add value to our economy.”
He also highlighted that the theme aligns with the President’s call to ensure innovations graduate to start-ups, thereby creating jobs for the youth.
This year, the Ministry received an impressive 269 submissions from universities, polytechnic colleges, start-ups, and community initiatives.
