Online Reporter
Sifelani Tsiko-Fact Check Editor
ZIMBABWEAN researchers must unlock the potential of biotechnology to drive industrial growth and to improve the quality of life of the people, Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development Ministry Permanent Secretary, Professor Fanuel Tagwira has said.
Speaking at the opening of the country’s first Biotechnology Expo on Wednesday, he said biotechnology had the potential to modernise medicine, agriculture and other critical sectors if properly harnessed.
“This momentous event marks a significant milestone in our journey towards promoting innovation, scientific advancement and sustainable development through the application of biotechnology in Zimbabwe,” he said.
“The Biotechnology Expo serves as a platform to showcase the ingenuity, creativity and collaborative spirit of our biotechnology community, highlighting the immense possibilities that biotechnology offers in addressing some of the most pressing challenges facing our nation and the world.”
Prof Tagwira said the Biotechnology Expo could serve as a catalyst for change that promotes understanding and encourages collaborative research, development and innovation of biotechnology applications.
“In line with Zimbabwe’s current Education 5.0drive, it is time for Zimbabwe to use the latest technologies to revive our industries and economy. We must use the resources at our disposal to align with this industrial revolution,” he said.
“It is imperative for us as a nation to have home-grown solutions to develop our economy and to keep up with emerging global trends in technology. We need to harness indigenous resources to develop local solutions that solve local problems, innovations by Zimbabweans, for Zimbabweans.”
The National Biotechnology Authority of Zimbabwe (NBA) is holding the first Biotechnology Expo to showcase latest advancements in biotechnology and facilitate dialogue on the role of biotechnology in driving sustainable development.
This two-day expo is taking place at the University of Zimbabwe Innovation Hub under the theme: “Innovating Heritage: Pioneering industrialisation through Biotechnology.”
The has brought together representatives from academia, industry, government, and international partners to explore the vast potential of biotechnology in addressing both national and global challenges.
Unlocking biotechnology for industrial growth involves harnessing biological processes and organisms to create more sustainable and efficient products and solutions across various sectors.
This drives growth by reducing costs, lowering environmental impact, creating high-value jobs, and fostering innovation through a multidisciplinary approach.
Speaking at the same event, National Biotechnology Authority (NBA) chief executive officer, Dr Tony Savadye said Zimbabwe was uniquely positioned to harness biotechnology for transformative growth.
“The NBA has played its part in using home-based resources to develop local products through biotechnology innovation, two of these products have successfully made their way from research, through commercialisation,” he said.
“Our Mapfura Wine and Cofsol cough syrup were launched by President Mnangagwa, who on numerous occasions has encouraged the nation to embrace the latest developments in emerging industries.
“These developments include new and emerging advancements in technologies such as biotechnology.”
