Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
Zimbabwe has reaffirmed its commitment to harnessing nuclear science and technology for socio-economic development.
Deputy Minister of Energy and Power Development Yeukai Simbanegavi commended the 69th regular general conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna, Austria, for its efforts in advancing the peaceful applications of nuclear technology.
She highlighted the expansion of the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship Programme, aimed at increasing the participation of women in nuclear science, viewing it as a significant step towards gender equity in this traditionally male-dominated field.
The conference, which started on Monday, concludes today under the theme “Atoms for Water.”
Deputy Minister Simbanegavi noted that this theme underscores Zimbabwe’s collaboration with the IAEA in using isotope hydrology to manage groundwater resources in drought-prone regions.
She praised the IAEA’s partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) under the Atoms for Food programme, which supports essential research in livestock management, pest control, crop development and food safety.
On the energy front, Deputy Minister Simbanegavi expressed Zimbabwe’s support for a clean energy transition, particularly through the use of small modular reactors.
She urged the IAEA to continue its research and dissemination of accurate information to assist member states in making informed decisions regarding nuclear technologies.
Regarding health initiatives, she discussed Zimbabwe’s national strategies to combat cancer, including implementing a sugar tax to fund cancer diagnosis and treatment facilities.
This initiative aims to enhance the existing Rays of Hope programme, which addresses the cancer emergency. As a signatory to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, Deputy Minister Simbanegavi reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s commitment to working with the international community to enhance global nuclear safety and security.
Signatories renounce military use of nuclear technology, allowing for peaceful applications.
She noted that Zimbabwe recently hosted an international physical protection advisory service mission and is actively implementing its recommendations.
Deputy Minister Simbanegavi emphasised that nuclear science and technology are integral to achieving Zimbabwe’s national development goals, aligning with the country’s Vision 2030, which aims to transform Zimbabwe into an upper-middle-income society.
