Ivan Zhakata
MINISTER of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development Fredrick Shava has urged Southern African Development Community (SADC) member states to strengthen their focus on education, science and innovation as key pillars for regional growth and industrialisation.
Addressing delegates at the end of a SADC High-Level Ministerial meeting on education, training, science, technology and innovation held at the Harare International Conference Centre recently, Minister Shava said the region’s progress depended on the effectiveness and inclusivity of its education systems.
“The region’s development is determined by its education system,” he said.
“This meeting has provided a platform for us to share best practices, address challenges and identify opportunities for collaboration. We look forward to implementing the outcomes and recommendations.”
Minister Shava commended the SADC Secretariat, led by deputy executive secretary for regional integration Ms Angele Makombo Ntumba, for its coordination and leadership in organising the event.
He acknowledged the months of work by technical committees in preparing the documents and agenda adopted at the meeting. He also paid tribute to presenters, panellists, senior officials and cooperating partners for their active participation and contributions.
The minister said the local organising committee, interpreters, support staff and the media played a crucial role in ensuring the event ran smoothly and was widely communicated.
Minister Shava said there was a need to expand access to quality and equitable education, particularly in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and to enhance digital literacy across the region.
He said it was important to foster innovation and entrepreneurship to support economic development and job creation, as well as leverage science and technology to address cross-cutting challenges such as climate change, healthcare and food
security.
Additionally, Minister Shava called for stronger collaboration among SADC member states, regional institutions and international partners to achieve the goals. He observed that regional integration in education and innovation was critical in building a competitive and resilient SADC.
“The import of all we do is to advance our collective vision for a transformed, competitive and industrialised SADC region, anchored in education, innovation, science and technology development,” he said.
The minister also encouraged visiting delegates to take time to explore Zimbabwe’s cultural and natural attractions before returning to their home countries.
The four-day summit brought together ministers, senior officials, experts and development partners from across the SADC region with the aim of shaping a shared agenda for educational transformation and innovation-led development.
The outcomes of the meeting are expected to guide policy and collaboration efforts across the bloc in the coming years.
