Zimbabwe Accelerates Modernisation

Zimbabwe Accelerates Modernisation Through Innovation and Industrialisation

In a move to propel Zimbabwe’s economy forward, the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development is focusing its efforts on fostering a culture of innovation and industrialisation across the country through education 5.0

This was highlighted by the ministry’s Director of Tertiary Education Programmes, Douglas Damba during the third Bulawayo Polytechnic College Research and Innovation event held at the institution.

Representing Professor Fanuel Tagwira, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Damba underscored the government’s commitment to transforming Zimbabwe into a competitive, industrialised, and modernised nation by 2030.

“The theme for this year’s research and innovation week, ‘Collaborative, Innovate, Industrialise: Practical Solutions for Sustainable Development through community engagement,’ is appropriate and speaks to the vision of my ministry,” Damba said.

He emphasised the ministry’s heritage-based orientation, which focuses on education, innovation, science, and technology development as the driving forces behind the country’s industrialization.

“The ministry’s thrust is to develop a new economy driven by science and technology. The thrust targets industrialising the economy, subsequently creating employment and improving people’s lives,” said Damba.

The ministry of tertiary education, innovation science and technology development, with its trust on innovation and industrialization, is largely aimed at accelerating modernization through innovation and industrialization,” Damba explained.

To achieve this goal, the ministry has established innovation hubs at various universities across the country.

“These innovation apps enable active knowledge transfer between researchers, institutions such as Bulawayo Polytechnic and NUST, as well as between industries, institutions, and the government,” Damba said.

He encouraged researchers, institutions, and industry players to make use of these facilities to incubate their ideas and develop prototypes that have the potential to be commercialised.

“We expect the polytechnics, especially the lower polytechnic, to make use of these facilities for commercialization of their ideas. Indeed, all institutions that are exhibiting your work are greater innovators,” said Damba.

The ministry is also supporting the establishment of technology centres and common facility centres across the country. These centres are designed to support skills development, education, and higher education institutions, as well as to assist industry with the design of new tools and reverse engineering of machine components.

Furthermore, Damba mentioned the ongoing value-setting project that will be implemented in the region, showcasing the ministry’s commitment to driving practical solutions for sustainable development.

The ministry’s focus on innovation and industrialisation is not limited to academia and research institutions. Damba also emphasised the military’s role in developing a new economy driven by science and technology.

“The military has established industrial parks and health-based production centres for useful, innovative innovation goods and services from high-intentional institutions,” Damba said.

He added, “Techno-entrepreneurs and businesses shall be transformed into commercial goods and services.”

The objective, according to Damba, is to increase the production of industrial goods and services in the region and to improve the standard of living for all Zimbabweans.

“The task targets industrialising the economy and subsequently creating employment and improving people’s lives,” Damba said.

As the ministry continues to support these initiatives, Damba expressed pride in the projects coming out of the country’s institutions.

“As a ministry, we are proud to support the projects coming out of our institutions,” he said. “Let us continue to produce tangible solutions, produce goods and services that will improve people’s lives.”

The Zimbabwean government has emphasised the crucial role of collaboration, innovation, and industrialization in driving sustainable development, with a strong focus on community engagement.

Speaking at the same event, the Permanent Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, who was representing Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Judith Ncube, stressed the government’s vision for sustainable progress.

“In today’s interconnected world, the challenges we face, environmental, social, and economic, require bold and innovative solutions,” the Permanent Secretary stated.

He added, “Collaboration, not just among government or businesses, but among all stakeholders, including academia, non-governmental organisations, small and medium enterprises, communities, and individuals, is crucial.”

Nyoni highlighted the importance of harnessing collective wisdom and resources to tackle complex issues such as climate change, poverty alleviation, and sustainable development.

“It is through collaborative efforts that we can harness collective wisdom and resources to tackle complex issues such as climate change, poverty alleviation, and sustainable development,” the Permanent Secretary said.

The breakfast meeting, organised under the theme “Collaborate, Innovate, Industrialise,” served as a platform to showcase the government’s commitment to these principles. The event featured presentations and discussions from industry leaders, academics, and community representatives, all with the aim of fostering practical solutions for sustainable development.

The Permanent Secretary commended the Bulawayo Polytechnic for hosting the International Research and Innovation Conference, where international presenters participated, as well as the Research and Innovation Week, which showcased innovative projects from primary and tertiary institutions, industry, and commerce.

“We have also witnessed today, at these stairs, Research and Innovation Week, the innovative projects and displays showcased from primary and tertiary institutions and industry and commerce,” the Permanent Secretary said.

He added, “Bulawayo Polytechnic understands the power of innovation as it is the catalyst that transforms ideas into actionable solutions.”

The government official emphasised the role of educators and researchers in fostering a culture of innovation, empowering students and the community to think creatively and critically, and developing solutions that benefit society as a whole.

“Our role as educators and researchers is to foster a culture of innovation, to empower our students and community to think creatively and critically, and to develop solutions that benefit society as a whole,” the Permanent Secretary stated.

The address also highlighted the importance of aligning industrialization with sustainability principles, stressing the need for industrial practices that minimise environmental impacts, promote resource efficiency, and prioritise the well-being of communities.

“By embracing a green and circular economy approach, we can ensure that our industries contribute positively to both economic prosperity and environmental stewardship,” the Permanent Secretary said.

The Permanent Secretary also emphasised the significance of community engagement in achieving sustainable development, noting that communities are not just passive beneficiaries but active agents of change.

“Sustainable development cannot be achieved without meaningful community engagement. There is no development without the community. Communities are not just passive beneficiaries. They are active agents of change,” the Permanent Secretary said.

The Permanent Secretary expressed optimism about the potential for partnerships and practical solutions to emerge from the event, stating, “Together we can collaborate, innovate, and industrialise in ways that benefit not only our immediate community, but also future generations.”