News / National
France to hand over biotech lab to UZ
6 hrs ago | Views
Zimbabwe's scientific and academic sectors are poised for a significant leap forward following the official handover of a new biotechnology laboratory to the University of Zimbabwe (UZ) by the French government today.
The cutting-edge facility, developed under the PACMAN (Pathogen Contamination Management) project, is the result of a collaboration involving the French Development Agency (AFD), the French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD), the French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD), and the University of Zimbabwe.
Designed to enhance Zimbabwe's research capacity in biotechnology, the lab is expected to support advanced experimentation, diagnostics, and training in critical areas such as infectious diseases, agriculture, and food safety.
"This is a game-changer for Zimbabwe's higher education and research sector. It signals a shift towards serious international collaboration in science and technology, which is essential for national development," said Harare-based science policy analyst Tawanda Jera, ahead of the handover ceremony.
Located within the UZ Faculty of Science, the facility will serve as a hub for students and researchers across multiple disciplines, helping to build local expertise and promote innovation.
Education consultant and former university lecturer Susan Macheka praised the development, noting its potential to transform learning and research outcomes.
"Giving students access to modern biotech infrastructure will inspire a new generation of innovators and researchers. It creates real opportunities for skills development, global exposure, and academic excellence," she said.
The PACMAN project aims to strengthen laboratory systems and research on pathogens and contaminants affecting both human and animal health, with a strong focus on building local scientific capacity.
University officials said the new lab aligns with UZ's strategic goals in advancing science and innovation and supports Zimbabwe's Vision 2030, which places science and technology at the centre of the country's economic transformation agenda.
The official handover ceremony will be attended by senior representatives from French development agencies, UZ leadership, and Zimbabwean government officials, symbolising a deepening partnership between France and Zimbabwe in the fields of science, research, and education.
The cutting-edge facility, developed under the PACMAN (Pathogen Contamination Management) project, is the result of a collaboration involving the French Development Agency (AFD), the French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD), the French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD), and the University of Zimbabwe.
Designed to enhance Zimbabwe's research capacity in biotechnology, the lab is expected to support advanced experimentation, diagnostics, and training in critical areas such as infectious diseases, agriculture, and food safety.
"This is a game-changer for Zimbabwe's higher education and research sector. It signals a shift towards serious international collaboration in science and technology, which is essential for national development," said Harare-based science policy analyst Tawanda Jera, ahead of the handover ceremony.
Located within the UZ Faculty of Science, the facility will serve as a hub for students and researchers across multiple disciplines, helping to build local expertise and promote innovation.
Education consultant and former university lecturer Susan Macheka praised the development, noting its potential to transform learning and research outcomes.
"Giving students access to modern biotech infrastructure will inspire a new generation of innovators and researchers. It creates real opportunities for skills development, global exposure, and academic excellence," she said.
The PACMAN project aims to strengthen laboratory systems and research on pathogens and contaminants affecting both human and animal health, with a strong focus on building local scientific capacity.
University officials said the new lab aligns with UZ's strategic goals in advancing science and innovation and supports Zimbabwe's Vision 2030, which places science and technology at the centre of the country's economic transformation agenda.
The official handover ceremony will be attended by senior representatives from French development agencies, UZ leadership, and Zimbabwean government officials, symbolising a deepening partnership between France and Zimbabwe in the fields of science, research, and education.
Source - newsday
