Mnangagwa to open research symposium

Preparations have been finalised for the 14th Zimbabwe International Research Symposium, which begins in Harare on Wednesday and runs until Friday, with President Emmerson Mnangagwa expected to attend as guest of honour.

The symposium, hosted by the Research Council of Zimbabwe (RCZ), will bring together researchers, policymakers, academics, development partners and innovation stakeholders from Zimbabwe and across the region to discuss the role of research, science and innovation in national development.

RCZ executive director Partson Chikudza said all preparations had been completed ahead of the three-day event.

"It is all systems go ahead of the symposium and I am glad to say that President Mnangagwa will be the guest of honour, which goes on to tell the level of importance our country places on research," Chikudza said.

The symposium comes at a time when Zimbabwe is seeking to strengthen its research and innovation ecosystem and increase the commercialisation of research outputs following amendments to the country's research legislation.

Chikudza said the event would provide an important platform for collaboration between researchers, government institutions and industry while promoting research that delivers measurable economic and social benefits.

"The RCZ is determined that research should not remain in laboratories or only produce prototypes, but should be converted into practical solutions that create jobs and support economic growth," he said.

"Research without impact is just like making noise. We want to showcase research products that do not just end at prototypes, but also to energise our researchers to commercialise research for the generation of employment and also goods and services."

Among the high-profile participants expected at the symposium is Peter Kiuluku, Director-General of the Eastern and Southern African Management Institute, who arrived in Zimbabwe ahead of the event and is scheduled to deliver the international guest address.

The programme will feature research exhibitions, academic presentations, policy discussions and awards recognising outstanding contributions to research and innovation.

According to the RCZ, the symposium has attracted participation and interest from several regional and international organisations, including representatives from South Africa, Zambia, ESAMI and the Science Granting Councils Initiative.

Organisers say the gathering will serve as a key platform for aligning research activities with national development priorities while strengthening partnerships between universities, government institutions, the private sector and development partners.

The symposium also reflects Zimbabwe's broader strategy of leveraging science, technology and innovation to drive industrialisation, job creation and sustainable economic growth.

With increasing emphasis on turning research into commercially viable products and services, the event is expected to highlight opportunities for innovation-led development and foster collaboration aimed at addressing common challenges across the region.