Mnangagwa opens MSU incubation hub

Published: 06 June 2018

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has encouraged the country's tertiary institutions to align their teaching and learning of science and technology to the needs of society, industry and commerce.

The President made these remarks when he officially opened the first incubation hub at the Midlands State University in Gweru.

The incubation hub which is part of the 100-day action plan initiated by government through the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development supports the development of life-changing solutions from basic concepts into viable business ventures that promote social and economic development.

It is a facility that will give students and the community a platform to turn their ideas into business ventures that can generate income and in the process creating self-employment opportunities.

Officially commissioning the state-of-the-art facility, President Mnangagwa expressed his government's commitment to the development of science and technology and encouraged students to utilise the incubation hub in coming up with relevant researches that address the country's aspirations and support its socio-economic transformation.

"There is need for institutions of higher learning to create an enabling environment which develops and inclines our youths towards scientific strategies in line with our national aspirations as well as the SADC and AU principles. My government is fully committed to the development of science and technology by ensuring that 1 percent of our gross domestic product is channelled to research and development.

"I am optimistic that the full utilisation of this facility is poised to advance the university's research capacity and general scholarship. I exhort would-be users to undertake robust, relevant, qualitative and quantitative research that addresses and provides answers to issues of national significance," said President Mnangagwa.

Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development Minister Professor Amon Murwira said it's not a building but a vision to industrialise and modernise the country.

Midlands State University Acting Vice Chancellor Professor Victor Muzvidziwa stressed the need to create an enabling environment that allows everyone to play a meaningful role in the development of the country.

The incubation hub was established in 2017 as a facility to promote the development of innovative business solutions that stimulate social and economic development in the country and foster entrepreneurship and small business development during the start up phase.

The official opening of the incubation hub was graced by the Midlands Minister of State Owen Ncube, Local Government, Public Works and National Housing Minister July Moyo, Zanu PF provincial chairman Engineer Daniel Mackenzie Ncube and legislator for Chiwundura constituency Brown Ndlovu and senior government officials.
- zbc

Tags: Mnangagwa,