To mark its chairmanship of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), Zimbabwe is hosting a public lecture at the University of Zimbabwe, at which President Mnangagwa will deliver the keynote address.

The presentation entitled “Building research capacities and innovation ecosystems for a sustainable industrialised SADC economy” is in line with the overarching theme of the 44th SADC Heads of State and Government Summit: “Promoting innovation to unlock opportunities for sustainable economic growth and development towards an industrialised SADC.”

The event, organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Higher Education, aims to provide a framework for improving research capacity and innovation ecosystems at all levels of education in the SADC region, laying the foundation for supporting the industrialisation and sustainable development of the region.

In addition to President Mnangagwa, the event will be attended by Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, SADC Executive Secretary Elias Magosi and other regional leaders. The public lecture will include a high-level panel discussion with policymakers and academic leaders, as well as tours of the University of Zimbabwe’s Innovation Centre and other facilities.

The lecture will serve as a precursor to the arrival of the SADC Heads of State who will meet for the 44th Summit. At the Summit, Angolan President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço will hand over the SADC Chairmanship to President Mnangagwa. The event will also include visits to key sites such as the Geo Pomona Waste Management Facility and the Museum of African Liberation.