The Zimbabwe Ministry of Science and Technology has adopted a National Nanotechnology program, in partnership with the Zimbabwe Academy of Sciences and Zimbabwe Research Council, to help guide local industry to take advantage of this emerging technology. Heneri Dzinotyiwei, the Minister of Science and Technology, says the nanotechnology field is expanding rapidly and there is great promise for Zimbabwe, but he is disappointed by the lack of seriousness from government leadership. “In Zimbabwe we used to do a lot in terms of science and technology until 2000. Now Zimbabwe’s biggest challenge is to accept the thesis that we need to invest in S&T to improve the economy. I am afraid and disappointed that government has not grasped that yet. They do not realise that we can contribute at least 1% of GDP within a short time through this ministry,” Dzinotyiwei said. Promoting such policies in poor countries is difficult, he added, particularly when the specter of hunger and poverty looms so large, but he feels the future is bright for his country. “We have reached a stage in global development when even the poorest countries can readily derive material benefits from investments in science and technology,” said Dzinotyiweyi. The article can be viewed online at the link below.
http://www.newsday.co.zw/article/2011-01-27-zim-adopts-nanotechnology-programme