Zimbabwean Scientist Mukaro Among Africa’s Top Plant Breeding Fellows

Zimbabwe’s Deputy Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Hon. Vangelis Haritatos, has applauded the achievements of 12 outstanding plant breeding fellows, including Zimbabwean scientist Ronica Mukaro, describing them as “torchbearers of a new generation of African scientists.”

Speaking during the recognition ceremony, Hon. Haritatos commended the fellows for their contribution to advancing agricultural innovation across the continent under the CGIAR Plant Breeding Fellowship Program a transformative initiative designed to empower Africa’s next generation of plant breeding leaders.

“This is a transformative initiative designed to empower Africa’s next generation of plant breeding leaders. Through a partnership between CGIAR and national breeding programs, the program equips fellows with advanced technical expertise, socio-economic insights, and critical leadership and management skills,” said Hon. Haritatos.

He emphasized that the program’s holistic approach ensures that graduates emerge not only as skilled scientists but as visionary leaders capable of driving collaboration and innovation within Africa’s agricultural networks.

“Technical skills alone are not enough. Africa needs leaders who can drive collaboration, innovation, and operational excellence across plant breeding networks,” he added.

Among the 12 fellows, Zimbabwe’s own Ronica Mukaro a maize breeder stood out as a testament to the nation’s growing influence in agricultural science and innovation. Her success, Hon. Haritatos said, underscores Zimbabwe’s commitment to advancing food security, climate resilience, and scientific excellence.

“Ronica’s achievement reflects Zimbabwe’s potential to lead in agricultural innovation. She represents the spirit of determination and excellence that defines our national vision for a food-secure future,” He said.”

The graduating fellows were honored for demonstrating leadership, teamwork, and innovation qualities central to the CGIAR Capacity Building for Leadership Program (CBLP) mission of producing well-rounded professionals.

Their work focuses on developing resilient, high-yielding crop varieties tailored to Africa’s diverse environments, a vital contribution to the continent’s agricultural transformation agenda.

The event marked a significant milestone in strengthening Africa’s agricultural research capacity. Hon. Haritatos noted that programs such as the CGIAR Fellowship are essential to building a self-sufficient, food-secure, and climate-resilient Africa.