PRIME Minister Morgan Tsvangirai yesterday said it was a “sad scenario” that Zimbabwe was failing to commercialise its innovations, including the army MAP45 and the MPCV army troop vehicles that were developed in this country, but were modified in other countries. Report by Moses Matenga Staff Reporter
Speaking during the official opening of the Science, Engineering and Technology Week yesterday, Tsvangirai said other countries had copied Zimbabwe’s innovations on the army vehicles and were now making money out of mass production of the models.
“It is not surprising to see us importing our own technology. How can such a sad scenario be reversed?
“I believe both the government and the private sector have roles to play. Government policy is responsible for the establishment of an environment conducive to the commercialisation of research and development outcomes.” he said.
Science and Technology minister Heneri Dzinotyiwei said firm leadership to make bold decisions was important in the field of science and technology.
Meanwhile, in an unrelated matter, Finance minister Tendai Biti yesterday described the action by war veterans who picketed his office on Tuesday as “vampire attacks” which were not genuine, but political.
