By Munyaradzi Chiondegwa
Harare – The 13th edition of the Zimbabwe International Research Symposium kicked off today at the Harare International Conference Centre, with His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa delivering the opening address.
In his speech, President Mnangagwa emphasized the critical role of research and innovation in driving sustainable industrialization in Zimbabwe and the broader African continent. He stated, “Charting the course towards sustainable industrialisation undoubtedly requires a steadfast commitment to research, innovation and the application of cutting-edge technologies.”
The President challenged researchers, innovators, and industry leaders to leverage Zimbabwe and Africa’s competitive advantages, saying, “I challenge researchers, innovators and captains of industry gathered here today, to leverage on the competitive advantage of Zimbabwe, SADC and the entire African Continent to leap frog the modernisation and industrialisation of our country.”
President Mnangagwa highlighted the government’s support for innovation, noting, “In keeping with the Lagos Plan of Action, my Government is availing support dedicated to innovation, research and development. The establishment of centres of excellence, innovation hubs and industrial parks, should see the production of relevant good and services which address our present and future development needs.”
Further, President Mnangagwa praised the achievements of local researchers and innovators, stating, “It is pleasing to note that some discoveries being made by our researchers and innovators, across diverse fields, are paving way for a more sustainable and prosperous future.” He expressed his expectation that the symposium would, “reflect further improvements we are making in this critical sphere towards emerging as a hub of research excellence.”
Acknowledging the rapid pace of technological advancements, President Mnangagwa urged the participants to be “bold, innovative and relentless in pursuit for shared progress that realises the broader aspirations outlined in the Africa Union Agenda 2063.” He expressed confidence in the continent’s people, saying, “We are ready to support you to scale new heights in scientific, innovation and technological achievements.”
President Mnangagwa highlighted successful collaborative research projects undertaken by the Research Council of Zimbabwe with partners in the region, including breakthroughs in mineral processing technology and the development of innovative bio-fertilizer solutions. He praised these initiatives as examples of how “by pooling our shared capacities and skills as well as resources we can achieve far more than any nation or institution can accomplish alone.”
President Mnangagwa also acknowledged the Research Council of Zimbabwe’s partnerships with international organizations, stating, “It is commendable that the working relationship with the People’s Republic of China Academy of Contemporary Studies and ongoing engagements with the Spanish Research Council are equally being pursued for mutually beneficial research outputs.”
Concluding his address, the President congratulated the recipients of research awards and praised the projects showcased at the symposium’s exhibition stands. He challenged the Research Council of Zimbabwe to continue driving research and innovation for the modernization and industrialization of the country; declaring the symposium officially open.
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