adminSifelani Tsiko Senior Writer
Zimbabwe is set to benefit from a R4,8 million funding from Southern Africa Network for Bio-sciences (SANBio) for use in developing leadership, technological and business skills in female-owned bio-businesses in 13 Sadc countries.
Zvikomborero Tangawarima, a SanBio programme manager, told the Herald on Friday that Zimbabwe will receive more than R300 000 to run the programme which will help to empower female-run enterprises in the bio-sciences space targeting health and nutrition innovation.
“It’s an exciting programme which showcases the work that women are doing that addresses some of the challenges in health and nutrition within the Sadc region,” she said.
“Most importantly, it creates a platform to train women to understand their businesses better in order to grow their businesses, access capital and markets outside Zimbabwe.”
Under the project initiative dubbed: “SANBio FemBioBiz Acceleration Programme Season 2,” more than 250 women are set to be supported in the four targeted areas that cover – innovative business, growth business, social enterprise and student entrepreneurship.
“We hope to support over 250 women in 13 Sadc countries under this initiative which seeks to help commercialise research outputs by female researchers,” Tangawarima said.
“The call for application is open for any woman with an innovative technology that can have a positive impact on health and nutrition.
“Examples include e-health solutions, diagnostic technology and businesses that use scientifically proven solutions using indigenous resources like wild plants to respond to health and nutrition challenges.”
SANBio is a shared biosciences research, development and innovation platform for working collaboratively to address some of Southern Africa’s key biosciences issues in health, nutrition and health-related intervention areas such as agriculture and environment.
It was established in 2005 under the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), as one of the five networks established under the African Biosciences Initiative (ABI), to cover the SADC region.
The platform provides access to world-class laboratories for African and international scientists conducting research on African biosciences challenges.
The network has 12 member states which include: Angola, Botswana, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Lesotho, South Africa, Seychelles, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
National Bio-technology Authority (NBA) head, Dr Jonathan Mufandaedza welcomed the initiative saying it will help to strengthen women in business.
“This is an important development for female researchers in Zimbabwe,” he said.
“It’s basically about translating research results into final beneficial products.
“This programme is coming at a critical time when much emphasis is being placed on women who often lack business acumen skills.”
The SANBio initiative, supported by the South Africa and Finland is expected to run until 2019.
Major areas of support will also include training in entrepreneurship, commercialization , IP, women bio entrepreneur competition and a Student Ambassador scheme.
Online Reporter