Herald Reporter

Zimbabwe should demonstrate the high literacy rate it enjoys in Africa through innovation of science and technological research projects that enhance the country’s economy and the Gross Domestic Product, a Government official has said. The Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology principal director, Retired Air Commodore Ivan Dumba, said while some neighbouring countries had successful research projects to their name, the same could not be said for Zimbabwe despite it being the leading country in literacy in Africa.

Rtd Air Commodore Dumba said this while representing the ministry’s secretary Dr Machivenyika Mapuranga at the crowning ceremony of Southern Africa Network for BioSciences student ambassador for Zimbabwe Ms Joyce Fati Masvaya.

“We need evidence to demonstrate that we are the best brains in Africa. With the brains that Zimbabwe has, it is a known leader in the academic field in Africa. We need to show evidence that we are the leader. Let us embrace the Sanbio initiative,” said Rtd Air Commodore Dumba.

He said some neighbouring countries have developed a niche in different economic sectors, something that has enhanced their economies because of networking yet Zimbabwe is still to transform itself into a force to reckon with in the area of research.

“I am advised that through the support of SANbio, countries such as Malawi have been able to establish successful fishery projects. Mauritious has been able to establish bioinformatics project with the support of SANbio, Namibia has established a successful mushroom project, Zambia has been able to establish a plant genetics resources mode, South Africa has established an indigenous knowledge system,” said Rtd Air Commodore Dumba.

“I know you expect to hear what Zimbabwe has been able to do. Sadly, Zimbabwe is not among the statistics of countries that has been able to partake in this joint initiatives which networks many scientists. Therefore, I think it’s a challenge to you all.”

The National Biotechnology Authority chief executive, Dr Jonathan Mufandaedza said Sanbio was a shared bioscience research development and innovation platform for working collaboratively to address Southern Africa’s key biosciences issues in health, nutrition, agriculture and environment.

“The aim of SANbio is to provide access to world-class laboratories for African and international scientists conducting bioscience research. It also seeks to support an effective and dynamic regional research network, including the establishment of sustainable funding structures for collaboration,” said Dr Mufandaedza.

The event was attended by academics from the country’s tertiary institutions.

You Might Also Like

Comments

Take our Survey

We value your opinion! Take a moment to complete our survey