Iran to Support Zimbabwe Technologically

Dr. Olivia Muchena, the Zimbabwe Minister of Women's Affairs, Gender and Community Development., a photo by Pan-African News Wire File Photos on Flickr.

Iran to support Zim technologically

November 5, 2013
Herald Reporter

Iran has pledged to support Zimbabwe’s higher and tertiary institutions by facilitating the transfer of technology to enhance development, an Iranian official has said.

Speaking after meeting with Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development Minister Dr Olivia Muchena last week, the head of the Centre for Innovation and Technology Co-operation (CICT) of Iran Prof Hamid Reza Amirinia said his country would support Zimbabwe’s technology research sector through the transfer of science and technology to relevant institutions.

“Iran is prepared to co-operate with the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development in the field of nanotechnology and biotechnology since Iran is successful in that area,” he said.

“We are ready to work with your universities so that they acquire the proper facilities to develop Zimbabwe technologically.”

Prof Amirinia said the two countries would soon start an exchange programme for students from both countries to share experiences and collaborate in various research programmes.

“We need to start engaging the students in research and development programmes and it would be necessary for students in relevant fields to visit the Tehran University in Iran.

For the learning, the students would get a 50 percent discount on their tuition fees,” he said.

Minister Muchena expressed her gratitude to the delegation which was keen to explore areas of mutual co-operation.

“We are happy to be part of this initiative which is aimed at developing our nation and aligning with the main focus of our manifesto which is to indigenise, empower, develop and create employment,” she said.

“We want to work out a comprehensive five to 10-year-plan and focus on training students in the specific areas of development through science and technology so that we can attain concrete results”.