Zimbabwe
Country Representative
Prof. Robson Mafotti (Scientific and Industrial Research and Development Centre)
Scientific and Industrial Research and Development Centre (SIRDC)
The Scientific and Industrial Research and Development Centre (SIRDC) was established by the Government of Zimbabwe in February 1993 under the provisions of the Research Act Chapter 10.22 with a mandate of:
- Carrying out strategic research and development (R&D) for the benefit of manufacturing, service, agricultural and mining sectors of Zimbabwe
- Collaborating with other local and international institutions and universities in strengthening local R&D capacity and its application to industrial processes
- Adapting imported technology to suit local needs
- Providing consultancy services to local and regional enterprises
- Promoting technological partnerships and quality culture in business
- Serving as a repository and disseminator of information on technology
Its performance is measured half-yearly in three key result areas (KRAs): IR&D, Industrial support and IR&D Commercialisation. It has twelve IR&D institutes and operates in cross-cutting disciplinary teams based on the Stage Gate ® Process. It is a member of WAITRO, RRA, KAFACI, KOPIA among other networks.
Representative:
Prof. Robson Mafotti
He holds a Doctorate (PhD) degree in Biotechnology & Biochemical Process Technology; Doctorate awarded by the Vienna University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU) in December 1999. He took advanced Dissertation courses at BOKU & the Technical University of Vienna (TU-Wien) between 1997 and 1999). Currently he is employed as the Executive Director – Technical (Deputy Director General – Technical) at the Scientific and Industrial Research and Development Centre (SIRDC) since January 2005 to date. He sits on the University Council of the Harare Institute of Technology (HIT) and is a Board Member of the Standards Association of Zimbabwe (SAZ). He is the Focal point Person for the following International Research Programs: Regional Research Alliance (Southern Africa); Korea-Africa Food and Agricultural Co-operation Initiative (KAFACI), and the Korea Program for International Agriculture (KOPIA)-Zimbabwe. He has published in refereed scientific journals and has made presentations and keynote speeches at various conferences and seminars on science, technology, innovation and intellectual property rights.