AUDA-NEPAD and the Government of Zimbabwe concluded engagements aimed at enhancing genome editing (GEd) capabilities and uptake as well as scaling-up biotechnology development for commercialisation in order to optimise agriculture in Africa. The objective of these engagements was to promote a more comprehensive understanding of GEd in Government and among R&D institutions, media, and the private sector. Through communication and advocacy, this initiative contributes to the protection of the environment, climate resilience and adaptation efforts, and it supports the development of sustainable  food systems.

In the engagements, Mrs Florence Nazare, the Acting Director of Knowledge Management and Programme Evaluation, emphasised that science, technology, and innovation is crucial to Africa’s development. She noted that the Ged tool, as part of modern biotechnology will reduce the cost of production and processing in agriculture, while promoting resilience against climate change and other challenges that threaten food security on the Continent. She highlighted that Agenda 2063 seeks to foster the development of STI capacities in Africa towards socio-economic transformation, with a strong focus on industrialisation. Hence, the importance of modern biotechnology led by African scientists to optimise agriculture towards advanced agro-industries and the improvements of livelihoods.

Prof Fanuel Tagwira, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science, and Technology Development, announced during the opening session, in Harare, that the National Biotechnology Authority (NBA) will conduct the necessary risk assessments and develop guidelines for genome editing technology. The NBA will also play a leading role in raising awareness and educating policymakers and the public on the potential of genome editing. Additionally, the engagement with AUDA-NEPAD will enable Zimbabwe to gain more knowledge from the experts in the field and identify local scientists, experts, and other important actors that will accelerate the adoption of genome editing technology.

Mr Willard Manungo, Deputy Chief Secretary of Policy Analysis, Coordination, Devolution, and Development Planning – Office of President and Cabinet, emphasised that the Government of Zimbabwe is fully committed to genome editing, and biotechnology in general. He stated that this initiative is of importance due to its competitive advantage in accessibility, affordability, ease and shortened timeframe for application, and potential to ensure higher productivity, value-addition, and contribute to sustainable food systems.

The workshop served to kick-start a comprehensive programme on genome editing. Preceding the workshop were a series of courtesy visits to key ministries, including a briefing with the  Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science, Innovation and Technology Development,  and the Deputy Chief Secretary of Policy Analysis, Coordination, Devolution, and Development Planning, Office of President and Cabinet.

The courtesy visits included the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Ministry of Health and Child Care, Ministry of Environment, Climate, Tourism, and Hospitality Industry, as well as other public institutions like the National Biotechnology Authority and Scientific and Industrial Research and Development Centre (SIRDC).