Dr. Eng. Willie Ganda

By Enia Dube

The Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development, Hon. Dr Fredrick Shava, has thrown his weight behind biotechnology as a key driver of the country’s industrialisation and modernisation agenda.

Speaking at the National Biotechnology Authority (NBA) Strategic Planning Workshop in Kadoma, Dr Shava urged the Authority to identify biotechnology-led opportunities that can boost national production and accelerate economic growth.

“Biotechnology serves as a key catalyst for NDS2 implementation, advancing inclusive economic growth, job creation, and sustainable industrial development,” Dr Shava said, emphasising the need to integrate biotechnology into national value chains to unlock a biotechnology-driven economy. He added that this would turn innovation into industry, knowledge into enterprise, and science into jobs.

The NBA has made notable progress in establishing a strong regulatory framework, promoting biotechnology research and commercialisation, and raising public awareness about the sector’s potential. The Authority has successfully commercialised products such as Mapfura wine and Cofsol cough syrup, and has several other biotechnology products in the pipeline.

Incoming NBA Board Chairperson, Professor Idah Sithole-Niang, echoed Dr Shava’s sentiments, emphasising that the Authority’s five-year strategic plan must meaningfully contribute to the attainment of Vision 2030. “This event marks a significant milestone in the Authority’s ongoing efforts to enhance the role of biotechnology in Zimbabwe’s socio-economic development,” she said.

The workshop aimed to realign priorities and resources in response to emerging technologies and global biotechnology trends, and develop a strategic roadmap to strengthen biotechnology as a key driver of Zimbabwe’s socio-economic transformation. The rapidly evolving global biotechnology landscape, including advancements in gene editing, bio-manufacturing, and climate-smart innovations, presents both new opportunities and challenges for Zimbabwe.

“We recognise the pressing need for an inclusive and forward-looking strategic plan that can navigate the complexities of the biotechnology landscape,” Professor Sithole-Niang noted. The workshop was attended by researchers, government officials, and NBA staff, who are optimistic about the potential of biotechnology to drive Zimbabwe’s economic transformation and achieve Vision 2030.

Pupils and teachers in rural Kariba were treated to an energetic and enlightening experience this week as Team B of Parliament’s public education outreach programme visited several local schools. Mayovhe Primary and Secondary Schools, Kauzhumba Primary, and Matau Primary School in Zvipani welcomed the team with palpable excitement, eager to engage with lessons on governance and civic responsibility.

During the visits, students actively participated in interactive sessions that highlighted the workings of Parliament and the broader structures of national governance. Teachers also joined the discussions, gaining fresh insights on integrating civic education into their classrooms. Correct answers to questions were rewarded with prizes, adding an element of fun and recognition to the learning experience.

“The learners were over the moon to share their knowledge about their heritage studies and were captivated by the legislative lessons,” said a member of the Hurungwe District Parliament outreach team, who visited Matau Primary School on the ninth day of the tour.

The programme went beyond conventional teaching; it inspired students to see themselves as future contributors to Zimbabwe’s democratic journey. Educators left the sessions energized and motivated to nurture leadership, responsibility, and active citizenship among their pupils.

As Team B continues its outreach across Kariba, the initiative underscores Parliament’s commitment to fostering an informed and engaged younger generation, planting seeds of civic awareness that could shape the country’s democratic future.

The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) has begun construction of its new national head office in Mt Pleasant, Harare, marking a major step in the agency’s drive to modernise its operations and improve service delivery.

The groundbreaking ceremony was held yesterday at 872 Betterment Close in Mt Pleasant Office Park, where senior government officials, ZIMRA executives, and key stakeholders gathered to witness the start of the multi-million-dollar project.

The event was officiated by the Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, Professor Mthuli Ncube, who said the new headquarters would strengthen ZIMRA’s capacity to support government revenue collection, digital transformation, and economic reforms.

Professor Ncube said the investment reflected the Second Republic’s commitment to building strong public institutions capable of driving national development.

He noted that ZIMRA’s current infrastructure is no longer adequate for the authority’s expanding mandate, and that a modern head office would improve efficiency, enhance staff productivity, and provide a centralised environment for innovation.

“The construction of this new headquarters is a strategic step towards enhancing service delivery, embracing new technologies, and strengthening our national revenue systems,” he said.

ZIMRA officials say the state-of-the-art complex will house advanced ICT infrastructure, improved customer service facilities, and environmentally sustainable features aligned with global best practices.

The authority believes the project will also support its ongoing transition toward digital tax administration, a key component of Zimbabwe’s broader economic modernisation agenda.

Construction is expected to begin immediately, with timelines and additional project details to be announced in due course.