POTRAZ hosted its annual Innovation Expo 2024 last Friday under the theme “Building Heritage & Community-Driven Solutions: Weaving the Future,” bringing together innovators, entrepreneurs, and young talents from across the country. The event showcased Zimbabwe’s potential in Information and Communications Technology (ICT), science, and technological innovations as part of the national drive towards achieving Vision 2030. Dr. Gift Machengete, Director General of POTRAZ, and Hon. Tatenda Mavetera, Minister of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services, toured the various innovations on display, noting the incredible work done by young Zimbabweans, some as young as 15 years old.
In her address, Hon. Mavetera praised the ingenuity and creativity shown by the participants, emphasizing the importance of these innovations in shaping Zimbabwe’s future. She highlighted the critical role that ICT and science will play in building human capital, which aligns with the country’s economic development agenda. The government’s support for these initiatives, including monetary funding from President Emmerson Mnangagwa, underscores the nation’s commitment to fostering youth-driven solutions.
Hon. Mavetera urged young innovators to think beyond current challenges, encouraging them to use their skills to envision and create solutions that will contribute to the nation’s broader goals. She stressed that the innovations presented at the Expo are not only for today but are essential in “weaving the future” and aligning with Vision 2030. The event featured a wide array of solutions aimed at addressing challenges in agriculture, education, and other critical sectors, all contributing to Zimbabwe’s digital transformation and economic growth.
The Innovation Expo demonstrated how youth-led innovations can directly impact Zimbabwe’s socio-economic development, with a focus on community-driven solutions. As the nation works towards becoming an upper-middle-income economy, platforms like this Expo will continue to play a pivotal role in empowering young talent, driving technological progress, and building a resilient future for Zimbabwe
