By: Nana
Appiah Acquaye
Zimbabwe’s Minister of ICT,
Postal and Courier Services, Tatenda Mavetera, has urged local innovators to
move beyond showcasing prototypes and focus on testing, adoption and
commercialisation of solutions that address real-world challenges.
Mavetera made the call at
the closing ceremony of the 2026 POTRAZ Innovation Expo and Conference at the
ZITF Exhibition Centre in Bulawayo, where she said innovation must contribute
directly to economic development, improve livelihoods and create opportunities
for SMEs, women, youth and communities.
She said the energy and
ingenuity displayed at the expo demonstrated the immense potential of
Zimbabwean talent but stressed that prototypes must translate into practical
solutions.
“For innovation to truly
drive our economy, it must solve real world problems, improve livelihoods, and
create opportunities for SMEs, women, youth, and our communities,” Mavetera
said.
The 2026 POTRAZ Innovation
Expo and Conference was held under the theme “Harnessing Local Innovation for
Inclusive Industrial Transformation and Sustainable Development.”
Mavetera said the theme
reflected the opportunities for Zimbabwe’s digital economy but emphasised the
need to move from showcasing innovations towards their testing, adoption and
commercialisation.
She urged innovators to
contribute to building the country through technology and innovation, while
stressing the importance of ensuring that locally developed solutions generate
tangible economic and social benefits.
Mavetera also cited
President Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa’s message on national development,
saying: “Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo/ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanikazi balo.”
“Let us build this nation
together through technology and innovation,” she said.
