Zimbabwe’s Vice President, Dr. Constantino Chiwenga, has called on the nation to place research and innovation at the heart of sustainable industrialisation and economic recovery.

He made the remarks while officially opening the Inaugural Research Indaba on Tuesday, which was jointly hosted by the Research Council of Zimbabwe (RCZ) and the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF). The event brought together researchers, academics, policymakers, and business leaders under the theme, “Research for Sustainable Industrialisation and Economic Development.”

In his keynote address, Vice President Chiwenga emphasised that research is not merely a tool for economic growth but a critical instrument for encouraging environmentally responsible, socially inclusive, and economically viable development.

“This event and its theme are both timely and critical as we confront the challenges of the twenty-first-century economic environment,” he said.

He added, “Zimbabwe is championing research and innovation as pivotal drivers of economic transformation, and this Indaba marks a milestone in that journey.”

Highlighting the challenges Zimbabwe faces including economic shocks, disrupted global supply chains, and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Vice President stated that research offers a roadmap out of adversity.

Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe, His Excellency Zhou Ding, also addressed the Indaba, reaffirming China’s enduring commitment to developmental partnerships with Zimbabwe.

“As we celebrate 46 years of the China-Zimbabwe public partnership, we reaffirm our commitment to translating our leaders’ vision into tangible progress,” he said. He cited initiatives such as a high-performance computer centre and solar-powered irrigation schemes as examples of how cooperation is “delivering tenable benefits to people locally.” Zhou added, “These facilities will enhance scientific operations and agricultural productivity,” reinforcing China’s support for innovation-led development.

Chiwenga pointed to agriculture as a sector already benefiting from innovation, citing climate-smart technologies and improved farming techniques as tools that have produced resilient and productive systems. He called for similar approaches across other industries, driven by digitalisation and improved technological infrastructure.

In a practical demonstration of the impact of research, Chiwenga highlighted two RCZ-funded projects with measurable results. He noted that the Artificial Insemination Goat Project at Lupane State University “has revolutionised goat breeding in Lupane District, transforming lives in the process.”

He also commended the Coal Tar Project by Midlands State University, which is nearing commercialisation. “Local coal tar production will significantly reduce road maintenance and construction costs while preserving critical foreign currency. This project is a game changer,” he noted.

Chiwenga concluded with a call for collective action, saying: “Together, let us build a Zimbabwe that flourishes through knowledge, innovation, and sustainable socio-economic development.” With those remarks, he officially declared the Inaugural Research Indaba open.