Story by Josephine Mugiyo
PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa has stressed the importance of embracing and utilising science and technological innovation in the development of the African continent.
The African continent celebrates Africa Day this Saturday amid growing calls for African countries to unite and work together in pursuit of inclusive development for the benefit of the people in line with Agenda 2063.
This year’s Africa Day theme; “Rethinking African Education Systems for the 21st Century: Building Resilient Education Systems for Increased Access to Inclusive, Life-long, Quality and Relevant Learning in Africa,” draws attention to the key role of education in Africa’s well-being.
Speaking in Victoria Falls this Thursday, President Mnangagwa said science and technology are key pillars for Africa’s development objectives.
“To build the Africa we want, there are certain pillars that are necessary that we need to achieve that vision and those pillars relate to education, science and technology and innovation. We cannot develop our African continent without drastic emphasis and bias towards science and technology, those are the things that build a nation and the continent,” he said.
President Mnangagwa said the current crop of African leaders is well aware of these needs and is working to ensure that science and technology drive economic growth.
“The corner crop of Heads of State have their focus on science and education and that way we are determined we will achieve the Africa we want for Africans,” said the President.
Zimbabwe has put in place deliberate policies that have seen the promotion of science and technology at the country’s tertiary institutions.
