Zim to boost R&D
DEVELOPMENT
By BiztechAfrica - Aug. 6, 2012, 11:10 a.m.
By Alfonce Mbizwo, Harare, Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe’s government says it will allocate 1% of its national budget towards scientific research and development, to keep up with the latest technological advancements.
That translates to USD34 million from the revised 2012 budget, but Science and Technology Minister Professor Heneri Dzinotyiwei says that is not enough.
“As Government we have made a commitment to invest at least 1% of the budget on research and development.
“However, we also invite private sector participation in research activities,” he said.
Dzinotyiwei wants the private sector to engage government on incentives to boost investment in the sector.
“I encourage the scientific community to create strategic partnerships and collaborations that will ensure expansion and growth of technology and research."
“We hope to see institutional and multi-sectoral collaborations that pool resources and expertise towards development and research,” he said.
In March, the Zimbabwe government launched the second science, technology and innovation policy to make science and technology a critical part of national development.
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