THE Midlands State University (MSU) has produced coal tar needed for the rehabilitation of the country’s dilapidated road network.
This emerged at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair whereVice-President Constantino Chiwenga applauded the university for the initiative. Chiwenga said local innovations were key for Zimbabwe’s industrialisation trajectory.
“We applaud MSU for making coal tar for commercialisation as this will help in the construction of our national roads as it can be purchased using local currency hence this shows that research is key for national development,” Chiwenga said during the Sustainable Industrialisation and Economic Development indaba held in the city on Wednesday.
“We urge our researchers to embrace the use of local materials while conducting their research and to put their products for commercialisation so that we reduce loss of revenue due to importation of products that can be manufactured using local materials,’’
“We encourage the uptake of STEM subjects as they are key for industrialisation within our nation and in order to achieve it we have to continue to work on engaging universities.”
Information Communication Technology (ICT), Postal and Courier Services deputy minister, Dingumuzi Phuti, acknowledged the immense potential innovation holds in addressing the country’s challenges.
“As we embark on this journey towards economic revitalisation, we must acknowledge that innovation is not merely an option; it is an imperative,” Phuti said.
“The challenges we face today — economic instability, unemployment and resource scarcity — demand innovative solutions that are both smart and sustainable.”
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Phuti acknowledged the global shift towards sustainable practices and youth-led initiatives in driving industrial growth and stimulating economic development.
“We must create an ecosystem that nurtures these budding entrepreneurs, one that provides them with access to resources, mentorship and platforms that showcase their ideas,” added Phuti.
ZB Financial Holdings executive head innovation Patrick Maseko said the ideas availed dove-tailed with this year's ZITF theme, emphasising on the importance of innovation in driving economic growth
Chinese ambassador to Zimbabwe Zhou Ding said use of local raw materials was key for industrialisation.
“Zimbabwe is heading in the right direction of industrialisation as it is encouraging the use of local materials by researchers and that’s the route China took long back to achieve industrialisation,’’ he said.
