Biotechnology pushed as NDS2 growth lever as Shava tours National Biotechnology Authority in Harare

Biotechnology pushed as NDS2 growth lever as Shava tours National Biotechnology Authority in Harare
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HARARE – Government is stepping up its innovation drive under National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), with biotechnology identified as a priority area for industrial growth and broader economic transformation.

This position was highlighted by the Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development, Frederick Shava, during a visit to the National Biotechnology Authority (NBA) head office in Harare. The Authority described the engagement as a milestone and an uncommon high-level visit to its headquarters.

After touring the facilities, Shava said the NBA is central to national development through advancing research, supporting innovation and enabling the application of biotechnology across key sectors. He also commended the Authority for promoting the commercialisation of research outputs and improving linkages between science and industry.

During the tour, the minister viewed exhibitions of biotechnology-based products described as having commercial potential, including innovations based on indigenous resources. He pointed to opportunities around expanding the Mapfura value chain, citing Mapfura oil, briquettes and Mukumbi brandy as examples of how value addition could support job creation and rural industrialisation.

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“These initiatives reflect Zimbabwe’s broader efforts to boost value addition, reduce imports, and expand exports as the country moves towards a science and technology-driven economy,” Shava said.

He further said the establishment of a national biobank and a genomics centre is important for developing Zimbabwe’s pharmaceutical industry, arguing that the facilities would strengthen research capacity, support drug discovery and improve the country’s preparedness for emerging health challenges.

Shava added that Government intends to support innovation through policies, increased investment in research and development, and platforms that enable technology transfer and entrepreneurship.

NBA Board chairperson Prof Idah Sithole-Niang welcomed the visit and said it reinforced the Authority’s mandate. “We greatly appreciate the visit by the Honourable Minister and the clear policy direction he has provided. This engagement reinforces our mandate and strengthens our resolve to deliver impactful biotechnology solutions for national development,” she said.

She also thanked the ministry for what she described as consistent support over the years.

NBA chief executive officer Dr Deckster Tonny Savadye said the Authority’s priorities under NDS2 include completing the Genomics Centre to expand advanced research, diagnostics and pharmaceutical development, and advancing the Muzarabani Masawu Project aimed at unlocking value from indigenous resources and promoting rural industrialisation.

Savadye also said the NBA plans to build on the Mapfura Value Addition Project, which includes products such as Mapfura oil, briquettes and beverages, while exploring new value addition projects in other provinces to support decentralised industrial growth.

“Our focus is to ensure that biotechnology innovations are translated into tangible economic benefits through value addition, industrialisation, and job creation, in line with Zimbabwe’s vision of becoming a knowledge-based and industrialised economy,” he said.

For Mashonaland Central, the mention of the Muzarabani Masawu Project is likely to draw attention from communities interested in local beneficiation of indigenous resources, rural industrialisation and new employment opportunities linked to NDS2 and biotechnology.

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