SADC to Host Public Lecture on Building Research Capacity and Innovation Ecosystems

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) will hold a significant Public Lecture at the Diamond Lecture Theatre of the University of Zimbabwe on 15th August 2024. 

This event, organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation Science and Technology Development of Zimbabwe, will be graced by prominent figures including His Excellency Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, President of Zimbabwe and the incoming Chairperson of SADC.

Dr. Mnangagwa will deliver the keynote address, accompanied by General (Rtd) Dr. Constantino D. G. N. Chiwenga, Vice President of Zimbabwe, and other SADC Ministers. His Excellency Mr. Elias M. Magosi, Executive Secretary of SADC, will also attend the lecture.

Themed “Building Research Capacity and Innovation Ecosystems for a Sustainable Industrialised SADC Economy,” the Public Lecture aligns with the focus of the 44th SADC Heads of State and Government Summit: “Promoting Innovation to Unlock Opportunities for Sustained Economic Growth and Development Towards an Industrialised SADC.”

The lecture aims to lay the groundwork for a SADC framework dedicated to enhancing research capacity and innovation ecosystems across various educational levels. The framework is intended to harness knowledge, science, technology, and innovation to meet global market demands and improve livelihoods.

Key objectives of the lecture include:

• Demonstrating the role of research and innovation in transforming SADC into an industrialised region.
• Identifying strategies to boost research and innovation in SADC schools, colleges, vocational training centres, and universities.
• Exploring ecosystems that drive industrialisation and support sustained economic and social development.

The event will feature a high-level panel discussion with policymakers and academic leaders from SADC Member States. Attendees will also have the opportunity to tour exhibitions, the University of Zimbabwe Innovation Hub, and the University’s National Transtech Solutions Centre.

The Public Lecture will be broadcast live on the SADC Facebook page (facebook.com/sadc.int) and the SADC YouTube channel (youtube.com/SADCnews).