Staff Reporter
Zimbabwe’s scientific and academic landscape is set for a major transformation as France prepares to hand over a new, state-of-the-art biotechnology laboratory to the University of Zimbabwe (UZ) on 21 May.
The facility, established under the PACMAN (Pathogen Contamination Management) project, is a product of collaboration between the French Development Agency (AFD), the French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD), the French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD), and UZ.
The new lab is expected to boost research and innovation in biotechnology, benefitting both scientists and students by providing a modern platform for cutting-edge experimentation, diagnostics, and training. The initiative is seen as a significant step forward for Zimbabwe’s research capacity in areas such as infectious diseases, agriculture, and food safety.
In an interview with this publication, this Tuesday, ahead of the official handover, analysts and education experts have praised the development, describing it as a timely investment in Zimbabwe’s knowledge economy.
“This is a game-changer for Zimbabwe’s higher education and research sectors. It signals a shift toward serious international collaboration in science and technology, which is essential for national development,” said Dr. Tawanda Jera, a Harare-based science policy analyst.
Education consultant and former university lecturer, Susan Macheka, also welcomed the move, highlighting its importance for students.
“Giving students access to modern biotech infrastructure will inspire a new generation of innovators and researchers. It creates real opportunities for skills development, global exposure, and academic excellence,” she said
Meanwhile, the PACMAN project focuses on strengthening laboratory systems and research on pathogens and contaminants affecting human and animal health, with a strong emphasis on local capacity building. The new lab will be housed at the University of Zimbabwe’s Faculty of Science, serving both faculty researchers and students across multiple disciplines.
University officials say the lab will play a key role in achieving the institution’s strategic goals in science and innovation. The project also aligns with Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030, which places science and technology at the heart of economic transformation.
The handover ceremony will be attended by senior officials from the French development agencies, the University of Zimbabwe, and the Zimbabwean government, marking a new chapter in Franco-Zimbabwean cooperation in science and education.
