Zimbabwe

Country Representative

Prof. Robson Mafotti (Scientific and Industrial Research and Development Centre)

Scientific and Industrial Research and Development Centre (SIRDC)

Colorful lettering and ornament © 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.

www.sirdc.ac.zw

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.