Online Reporter
Kuda Bwititi in MUTARE
UNIVERSITIES must intensify efforts to commercialise research and innovations, in line with President Mnangagwa’s vision for 2025 to be the year of commercialisation at higher and tertiary institutions, a Cabinet Minister has said.
In a speech read on his behalf by Permanent Secretary Professor Fanuel Tagwira, Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development Minister Ambassador Frederick Shava said institutions of higher learning must drive Zimbabwe’s economic growth by translating innovations into tangible benefits for communities.
“Research and inventions must move beyond laboratories and classrooms into the marketplace to create jobs, generate revenue and improve livelihoods,” said Minister Shava.
“In line with His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s declaration of 2025 as the year of commercialisation, we are now called upon to intensify our efforts to translate research and innovation into tangible economic value.”
The speech was read at Africa University during the institution’s 31st graduation ceremony yesterday.
Universities, he said, should align their outputs with the country’s National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) and Education 5.0 policies, which promote industrialisation, innovation and modernisation.
“Our commitment is very clear: to leave no one behind as we build a knowledge-driven economy that rewards merit, nurtures talent and provides every citizen with the tools to shape their own future.”
He commended the institution for positioning itself as a leader in innovation, including its readiness to roll out 30 start-ups. He also urged other institutions to follow suit by building industry linkages, establishing innovation hubs and mentoring student entrepreneurs.
“Your efforts in the fields of agriculture, climate change, health sciences, peace and governance, artificial intelligence and entrepreneurship are directly contributing to the transformation of the Africa we want,” he said.
“This is the kind of higher education that speaks to the requirements and needs of the continent. The goal is clear: to ensure that our ideas, prototypes and discoveries become products, services and enterprises that power the development of the continent.
“Let 2025 be the year we make innovations work for our people.”
Amb Shava praised Africa University for upholding high academic standards and fostering Pan-African education.
“Africa University has consistently demonstrated excellence in higher education, and we commend the leadership of the university; the board; the Vice Chancellor, Professor Peter Mageto; and his team for doing an excellent job,” he said.
In his remarks, Prof Mageto said the university is vigorously pursuing innovation after it unveiled a 600-kW solar plant at its campus on Friday, one of the most significant infrastructure developments in its history.
“This solar plant frees up space on the national grid, allowing more underserved and off-grid communities to gain access to electricity.
“This, as Africa University, is our contribution to the country’s goal of broadening energy access, fostering equity and reducing the urban-rural divide,” said Prof Mageto.
Over 620 graduates were conferred with doctoral, master’s and bachelor’s degrees at yesterday’s ceremony.
In total, 59 percent of the graduates were female.
Manicaland Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Advocate Misheck Mugadza, senior Government officials, diplomats from African embassies and other dignitaries attended the ceremony.
