Zimbabwe’s Country Report on Genome Editing (GEd) Landscape Analysis
Executive Summary
Background and Purpose
Genome editing (GEd) is advancing rapidly and offers significant opportunities to improve crop yields, disease resistance, and climate resilience. This study maps the GEd landscape in Zimbabwe—covering regulatory frameworks, research and development (R&D), human and infrastructure capacity, funding, and potential products that will enable decision-makers have a clear view of current strengths, gaps, and trajectories across the agricultural biotechnology sector.
Methodology
The study combined:
- Secondary data: Targeted literature review and institutional website sources.
- Primary data: In-person interviews conducted by trained enumerators at key institutions and in special cases, an online link was used to share the questionnaire through emails.
The outcome of this study will be important in decision making and essential to establish policies and guidelines that facilitate the use of GEd technology to enhance agricultural productivity.
Key Findings:
Regulatory framework:Zimbabwe has created an enabling environment for biotechnology facilitated by its national development plan i.e., National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) and Science and Technology Innovation Policy which promote a knowledge-based innovation led economy. The country enacted the National Biotechnology Authority Act [Chap.14:31] of 2006 and established the National Biotechnology Authority (NBA) to regulate Research and development in Biotechnology in the country. As far as Genome Editing (GEd) is concerned, the NBA Act allows for research, development and application of properly evaluated biotechnology products. GEd is not explicitly mentioned hence (for clarity the NBA has now drafted guidelines for regulating GEd products and awaiting endorsement by the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development (MHTE-STD).
Genome Editing Programs and Projects: There is no approved GEd projects in Zimbabwe as the guidelines for research, development and application have not yet been approved. There were however, GEd project proposals that was shared with enumerators during the primary data collection.
Research and Development activity: Zimbabwe is actively exploring CRISPR-Cas9–based genome editing for crop improvement. Research teams at the University of Zimbabwe, Midlands State University, Lupane State University, Chinhoyi University of Technology, Kutsaga Research Station and the Biotech Institute are the major drivers of the technology with research proposals ready to start when the guidelines are approved.
Private-sector involvement: The private sector has played a critical role in pushing for the adoption of technologies that will boost agricultural productivity. With industry players such as Zimbabwe Plant Breeders Association, SeedCo, Mukushi Seeds and many others, their main concern is that there is an enabling environment that will allow them to conduct cutting edge research for the continuous improvement of agricultural systems.
Training and human capital: The government, through the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development, has integrated Genome Editing (GEd) into its Education 5.0 policy, encouraging its introduction in higher education curricula to foster innovation and industrialization. This aligns with broad initiatives to enhance the nation's biotechnology capabilities and develop regulatory frameworks for GEd's safe application in areas like agriculture. Zimbabweans have also benefited from national and international training courses.
Priority crops/value chains: Staples, indigenous, and commercial crops that could benefit from GEd improvement have been identified. Traits like higher yield, disease and pest resistance, drought tolerance, and nutritional enhancement feature prominently for improvement.
Funding:Zimbabwe invested 0.41% of its GDP in Research and Development (R&D) in 2022. Researchers compete and collaborate for local international grants on Agricultural Biotechnology projects.
Intellectual property Rights (IPR):Management of intellectual property rights in Zimbabwe,s agriculture sector is protected by various legal instruments, including patents, copyrights, and plant variety rights. GEd technology introduction is still evolving, and decisions may depend on whether the new guideline classifies GEd products as genetically modified organisms (GMOs) or not.
Trends: Agricultural biotechnology, particularly genome editing, is revolutionizing African agriculture by enhancing crop yields, quality, and resilience. This cutting-edge technology has shown immense potential in addressing food security challenges across the continent. These include disease resistance, drought tolerance, nutritional enhancement and crop improvement. By harnessing the power of genome editing, researchers and scientists aim to develop resilient, high-yielding crops/livestock/forestry and fisheries that can withstand Zimbabwe's toughest challenges, ensuring a food-secure future for generations to come.
Policy Implications and Recommended Actions
Short term (next 12–18 months)
Approval of GEd Guideline: The NBA has been working closely with AUDA-NEPAD and other stakeholders to develop biosafety guidelines for genome editing. Lobbying and pressure should be put for the draft guideline to be endorsed.
Targeted capacity-building: Encourage researchers to participate in courses (African Plant Breeding Academy (AfPBA), TReND, Outreach etc) and laboratory upskilling workshops on gene editing, bioinformatics, quality management, risk assessment, regulatory compliance and to completely integrate GEd in higher education curriculum.
- Seed competitive grants: Launch small grants and encourage private sector participation in the grants to start developing proof of concept.
- Data consolidation: Set-up a national GEd registry/portal to reduce information fragmentation and track projects, trials, and outcomes.
Medium to long term (2–5 years)
- Invest in infrastructure: Equip core laboratories and field sites; establish shared facilities and QA/QC standards.
- Foster public–private partnerships: Incentivize industry participation beyond trials (scale-up, seed systems, stewardship).
- Sustainable financing: Create multi-year funding lines and facilitate access to regional/international funds.
- Strengthen IP and benefit-sharing: Operationalize plant variety protection, licensing templates, and fair access models for locally developed crops/livestock/fisheries and forestry products.
- Regional cooperation: Align with African regional initiatives to share protocols, training, and regulatory best practices.
Conclusion:
Genome editing in Zimbabwe is still at an early stage. With clear, enabling policy/guidelines; targeted investment in people and infrastructure; and better data coordination, GEd can help deliver climate-resilient, high-yielding crops, high performing livestock/fisheries and forestry industry which will advance national food-security objectives of Zimbabwe.
Priority GEd Organisms
Overview
Zimbabwe's agricultural landscape is characterized by diverse agro-ecological regions with varying rainfall and soil fertility, supporting staple crops like maize and commercial exports such as tobacco and cotton. Agriculture is largely dependent on rain-fed agriculture that is facing challenges from land reform impacts, climate change, inadequate infrastructure, and soil degradation. The agricultural landscape includes large commercial farms in high-potential areas and extensive communal lands in marginal zones, with smallholder farming and an evolving commercial sector forming the core of the economy.
In 2024, the agricultural sector contributed 8.7% to the nations GDP down from 11.5% in 2023 due to drought. The sector is crucial to the economy, employing 60-70% of the population, supplying raw materials for manufacturing, and accounting for a significant portion of export earnings (Coleman 2025). The country National Agricultural Policy Framework (NAPF) 2019-2030, aims at boosting productivity, sustainability, and competitiveness to achieve 'Upper Middle Income Status' by 2030. Key development priorities include mobilizing investment, integrating smallholder farmers into markets, improving infrastructure, and enhancing resource management. Programs focus on strengthening agricultural value chains, promoting climate-smart agriculture (CSA), and adopting AgriTech through initiatives such as the Zimbabwe Agriculture Investment Plan (ZAIP).
Zimbabwe is actively developing regulatory guidelines for GEd to harness its potential for improving agricultural productivity and food security, aligning with its broader NAPF (2019-2030) and the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1). The process involved collaboration with the African Union Development Agency-New Partnership for Africa's Development (AUDA-NEPAD, with the National Biosafety Authority playing a key role in risk assessments and drafting of Zimbabwe’s GEd guideline that is awaiting endorsement.
In line with continental goals, Zimbabwe has actively engaged with the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) and the Kampala Declaration, aligning its national agricultural policies to prioritize development and transformation. Since signing the CAADP Compact in 2013, the country has improved its score in evidence-based policies and multi-sectorial coordination and has also improved in ending hunger and boosting intra-African trade for agricultural commodities.
The Kampala Declaration's goals aligns with improving agriculture and food systems in Africa, which includes boosting production, creating resilient systems, and empowering women and youth. The declaration sets new standards for Africa's agricultural transformation by integrating it with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and AU's Agenda 2063, and Zimbabwe's Agriculture and Rural Transformation Strategy reflects these objectives by focusing on modernizing the sector, enhancing value chains, and building resilience against climate change. Zimbabwe is committed to implementing strategies aligned with the declaration, demonstrating a national priority for agricultural transformation.
By adopting modern agricultural technologies, Zimbabwe can significantly boost agricultural productivity, contributing to economic growth and global GDP. However, the agricultural sector faces significant challenges including increased drought frequency, soil degradation, limited access to finance and technology, inadequate infrastructure like crumbling irrigation systems, and weak market access, all of which contribute to low production, food insecurity, and hinder economic growth. Zimbabwe is working to address climate change impacts on agriculture by promoting climate-smart agriculture encouraging the use of drought-resistant crops, efficient irrigation practices, and soil conservation. The Zimbabwe Agriculture Recovery Plan (ZARP) is supporting smallholder farmers, on improving the irrigation network, and strengthening market connections. Through the Command Agriculture program, the government is helping farmers with seeds, fertilisers, and equipment, especially for growing maize, to increase food production (https://theafricandreams.com/zimbabwes-agricultural-sector/). As Zimbabwe continues to invest in modern agricultural biotechnologies, climate adaptation, digital farming, and infrastructure upgrades, the future of its agriculture sector remains bright. Claims of Africa being “uniquely poised to benefit” from this latest breeding technology are worth scrutinizing.
The general (overall) objective of the Genome Editing (GEd) Landscape Analysis, therefore, is to obtain an in-depth assessment and analysis of existing policies, infrastructural, institutional, funding opportunities and technical capabilities to encompass product development and commercialization in a select number of African countries. Specifically, for Zimbabwe, like the other selected countries, the objectives/aims of the Landscape Analysis are/were to:
Provide an evidence-based description and analysis of the status of modern biotechnology and GEd in Zimbabwe highlighting key trends, intervening factors and areas for attention, as well as fundamental aspects such as science/technical, political, geo-political, social, human, culture and traditions, etc. that support or hinder advances in the application of genome editing in agriculture and food systems in Zimbabwe.
Identify the emerging needs in Zimbabwe that genome editing can readily address, especially those which require rapid responses at scale. These needs will focus on food systems i.e., agricultural productivity, reduction of postharvest losses, climate adaptation, food and nutrition security, diversified and healthy diets and
Identify staple and indigenous crops based on Zimbabwe’s national context that can improve the livelihoods of people through food security, better nutrition, climate resilience, and sustainable productivity.
Secondary data (literature review) for Zimbabwe was gathered and assembled from published literature and institutional website databases while primary data was collected by a team of trained enumerators who visited the key institutions and conducted face to face interviews with key stakeholders. In special cases, an online link was used to share the questionnaire. Primary data collected through live interviews was captured using an online data kit (ODK) and stored at the Africa Harvest server. Data from these two sources (primary and secondary) were then analysed, synthesized and packaged giving detailed narratives in terms of the following:
Status of and biotech/GEd regulatory and policy frameworks.
Components of the regulatory and policy framework in Zimbabwe collected during the secondary and primary data were retrieved, gathered, assembled, synthesized and packaged into tables to give a perspective of the functionality and preparedness of Zimbabwe to embrace and adopt GEd technologies.
Projects, crops, livestock, fisheries, forestry and traits ready for commercialization and scaling.
Like regulatory and policy frameworks, biotech and particularly GEd projects, crops, livestock, fisheries, forestry and traits including key stakeholders (partnerships) involved, and sources of funding were documented through secondary and primary data acquisitions. The synthesized and analysed data from GEd projects, crop, livestock, fisheries, forestry and traits were used to further:
identify emerging needs to address economic, social and environmental/climate benefits.
provide information on the status of existing human and infrastructures capacities in GEd technologies in Zimbabwe.
Staple, Indigenous and Commercial crops that need improvement using GEd technology.
The data on GEd projects, crops and traits were further disaggregated (categorized) in terms of those with highest potential that need GEd technology for national socio-economic impact and the possibility of successful completion in view of national acceptance, resource requirements and scalability.
Institutional capacity (human capital, laboratory and field infrastructure, equipment).
During primary data collection, respondents were asked questions on existing institutional capacities in terms of human capital, lab and field infrastructure, equipment to engage in GEd R&D, commercialization and scaling. This information was pooled together to give each institution its data on human capital and infrastructure capacity.
Stakeholder mapping.
Targeted sampling was employed, only selecting individuals knowledgeable and currently engaged in modern Agricultural Biotechnology/ GEd (regulating, policy, R&D and commercialization). Some of these key individuals were identified through 1) secondary data, published literature (scientists), 2) databases of institutional websites (regulators and scientists), and 3) referrals through institutional heads (regulators and scientists) or personal knowledge by the country PI. These individuals are spread across the five (5) stakeholders categories identified in the Questionnaires (Data collection tools), namely, regulatory agencies, research organizations/institutions, universities, private sector/industry and government departments/ministries and policymakers.
Database Systems and Database Management.
The consortium and sponsors of the project had technical backstopping meetings to develop appropriate data collection tools (Questionnaires) and platforms to support primary data collection. The questionnaires were tailor-made and specific to identified and mapped stakeholder categories, namely, regulatory, research, universities, private sector and government platforms and frameworks to produce data sets (data systems) that gauged Zimbabwe’s preparedness (capabilities) or lack of it to fully embrace, engage and scale up GEd technologies. The data collection tools and platforms were pre-tested before use.
Data synthesis and statistical analysis.
Where appropriate (quantitative), data collected was synthesized and statistically analysed using the SPSS package. Scatter plots were employed to map the projects, crops and traits in a continental interactive map.
Interactive map.
An interactive map akin to that of the Agenda 2063 dashboard was developed.
National Regulatory Framework
Regulatory Agencies
The competent authority that supports and manages research, development and use of GMOs and GEd products and finally issues authorizations is the National Biotechnology Authority (NBA). currently under the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development (MHTE-STD). The NBA has a full board membership with a chairperson knowledgeable in biotechnology research and development, environmental management, agriculture, business or administration and law, a deputy chairperson and not fewer than four or more than nine other members. Other representatives are from the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Ministry of Environment, Water and Climate and Ministry of Health and Child Care.
Regulations and Guidelines
The NBA Act of 2006, formally known as the National Biotechnology Authority Act 3 of 2006 in Zimbabwe, established the National Biotechnology Authority (NBA) and the National Biotechnology Fund. The Act aims to regulate and promote biotechnology research, development, and application in the country, including setting quality standards for biotechnology products. NBA Act subsection 3(2)c provides for the regulation of all new and emerging technologies in the field of biotechnology including GEd and synthetic biology. To this end, the Government of Zimbabwe has developed guidelines on GEd Regulatory Processes awaiting approval and enactment.
Functionality of the Regulatory Framework
Since the enactment of the NBA Act of 2006, Zimbabwe conducted and approved field testing of genetically modified cotton around 2010-2012 and more recently last 2022-23. These trials were part of Zimbabwe's efforts to evaluate the potential benefits of GMO crops, such as pest resistance and increased yields. Further analysis is happening. Meanwhile, the NBA regulates all GM food and feeds that come into the country to ensure they contain the required certification. Zimbabwe GM imports include maize and soyabean products for animal feed and human consumption from Argentina, America and Zimbabwe. Despite the consumption of GMO products from imports, Zimbabwe has not yet commercially released a GM product from its innovation system. Furthermore, the NBA is awaiting final approval of the GEd guidelines and hence no project has been approved in the country for genome editing.
Components of the regulatory framework for GEd products:
The components of the regulatory framework for GMO/GEd products can be found in Table 1 and Table 2 below.
Table 1: Status of Zimbabwe’s Participation in Key Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs)
Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) / Treaties | Date of Ratification / Accession by the Country | Reference |
|---|---|---|
Codex Alimentarius Commission is a joint body of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization established to develop international food standards, guidelines, and codes of practice. critical for risk assessment of food developed through genome editing | 1985 Member | https://www.fao.org/fao-who-codexalimentarius/about-codex/members/en/ |
UNEP, RIO Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) | 1992 Ratified | |
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate, UNFCCC convention on climate change (UNFCCC) | 1992 Ratified
| |
EPA, Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety | 2005, Ratified | |
Nagoya Protocol, Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) | 2017 Ratified |
Table 2: Regulatory and Institutional Landscape for Genome Editing (GEd) in Zimbabwe
Regulatory Agency | Components of regulatory frameworks | Year (Enacted / published) | Coverage/scope | Reference(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
GMO regulations | National Biotechnology Authority Act 2006 | 2006 | R&D, Commercialisation and Trade | |
National Biotechnology Authority (Food and Feed Additives and Seed) (Import and Export and Transit) Regulation Statutory Instrument 157 | 2018 | R&D, Commercialisation and Trade | ||
National Biotechnology Authority (Genetically Modified Food and Feed) (Labelling) Regulations Statutory Instrument 159 | 2018 | R&D, Commercialisation and Trade | ||
National Biotechnology Authority (Agricultural Biotechnology Products) Regulations 160 | 2018 | R&D, Commercialisation and Trade | ||
GEd Regulation: | Guideline for the Regulation of Genome Edited Plants in Zimbabwe | To be approved | R&D, Commercialisation and Trade |
|
Regional Perspective
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) does not have a unified, regional-level regulation specifically for plant genome editing. Instead, each member state independently regulates genome-edited crops, often within existing frameworks for genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Some countries classify genome-edited plants as GMOs, while others may adopt a more nuanced approach based on the presence or absence of foreign DNA. The regional Agricultural policy of 2013 (https://www.nepad.org/publication/sadc-regional-agricultural-policy-0) and the broader SADC agricultural and science and technology policies (https://www.sadc.int/pillars/science-technology#:~:text=Part%20of%20the%20vision%20of,States%20within%20the%20SADC%20region.) provide a framework for encouraging these technologies
Socio-economic considerations for decision-making:
The landscape study revealed that in Zimbabwe, socio-economic considerations would play a vital role in decision-making regarding GEd, particularly in the agricultural sector. These considerations involve assessing the potential impact of GEd technologies on various aspects of society, including economic conditions, social structures, cultural practices, and ethical values.
Key economic outputs captured during the study included:
Increased agricultural productivity: GEd could potentially improve crop yields and food security, leading to higher incomes for farmers, reduced food insecurity and reduce import substitution on some major commercial crops. However, the impacts on the income, practices, and knowledge of small-scale farmers, as well as the broader seed sector and seed sovereignty was highlighted.
Market access and trade: The introduction of GEd crops could impact international trade and market access, requiring careful consideration of trade regulations and agreements.
Job creation and displacement: GEd could create new jobs in research and technology development but might also displace workers in traditional agricultural practices.
Intellectual Property (IP): Issues related to IP, which can affect the accessibility and control of GED technologies for local farmer.
Social Impact outcomes:
Public perception and acceptance: Public awareness and understanding of GEd is crucial for successful adoption of GEd in Zimbabwe. Concerns about safety, ethics, and potential risks were highlighted and need to be addressed.
Health and nutrition: GEd could offer solutions for addressing nutritional deficiencies and diseases, but careful consideration must be given to potential health risks and equitable access to benefits.
Social equity and justice: GEd technologies should be developed and implemented in a way that promotes social equity and does not exacerbate existing inequalities.
Cultural and Ethical Considerations coming out from the study include:
Respect for traditional practices: GEd technologies should be introduced in a way that respects local cultures and traditional farming practices.
Ethical concerns: Ethical considerations related to the manipulation of genes and the potential for unintended consequences was highlighted and needs to be carefully addressed to inform the public that GEd is not GMO.
Regulatory Frameworks:
The need to approve and implement the draft GEd guidelines that is based on a scientific robust, clear, and consistent regulatory frameworks considering international best practice.
Decision-Making Recommendations:
Regulatory frameworks: Zimbabwe needs to lobby for its GEd guidelines to be endorsed.
Public participation and stakeholder consultation: Engaging diverse stakeholders, including farmers, consumers, and communities in decision-making processes is crucial for building trust and ensuring that GEd technologies are developed and used in a way that is socially acceptable and beneficial.
Capacity building, infrastructure and international networking: Investing in training and education to build local capacity, upgrade selected infrastructure and establish local and international networks collaborating with experts in the GEd field.
An Analysis of Genome Editing Programs and Projects
There is no approved GEd projects in Zimbabwe as the guidelines for research, development and application have not yet been approved. There are however, GEd project proposals discussed when collecting primary data.
Table 3: Proposed GEd projects in Zimbabwe
Organism: Crop | GEd interventions (Yes / No) | Traits | Problem(s) being addressed | Institutions involved and Reference |
Sorghum | Yes | Striga resistance | Weeds | Proposal stage-Personal Communication-Names cannot be shared at this stage. |
Donkey | Yes | Reproductive rate | Genetics | Proposal stage- |
Human | Yes | Interferon toxicity in Lewis Lung Cancer | Disease | Proposal stage |
Cassava | Yes | Flowering | Metabolomics | Proposal stage |
Tobacco | Yes | Nicotine level | Agronomy | Proposal stage |
Tobacco | Yes | Potato Virus Y tolerance | Disease | Proposal stage (Kutsaga Research Station)
|
Maize
| Yes | Drought tolerance and Fall army worm resistance | Drought and Pest | The Biotech Institute Proposal stage [5] |
Analysis of Human Capital and Institutional Capacity
Zimbabwe has universities and research institutions that are training graduates in GEd technology. A few of these researchers have participated and served as trainers on GEd course. The landscape study revealed that there is no dedicated, formal genome editing courses within the universities in the country. However, there are ongoing efforts to introduce and train individuals in this technology especially with the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development’s determination on integrating Genome Editing (GEd) into its Education 5.0 policy. Researchers who have participated in the specialised courses could now become ambassadors for the technology in their different host institutions. There is need for more researchers to participate in these international courses.
The landscape study identified some capacity gaps / needs and knowledge transfer gaps that are slowing down the application of gene editing in many crops, especially for underutilized indigenous crops where R&D work has started. These include:
Transformation and Regeneration: Lack of human capital with experience in transformation and regeneration protocols in many crops, especially underutilized ones slowing down the application of gene editing
GEd Skilled Personnel: The country has very few trained GEd researchers scattered in the universities and research institutions. Zimbabwe researchers must participate in specialized GEd courses like AfPBA, IITA courses, ICGB courses, TReND etc. Researchers also need to be trained in related fields like bioinformatics, genomics, and molecular biology.
Collaborative Research and Networking: Collaboration is crucial, and this is not peculiar to Zimbabwe researchers only. Genome editing is a new science, and it is advisable for researchers to work in consortium with experienced local and international partners. Having such networks will lead to knowledge transfer and easy grant access.
Regulatory Frameworks: A lack of clear, forward-thinking regulations can lead to skilled researchers pursuing opportunities elsewhere, potentially in countries with more favourable biotech policies.
Research, Development and Academic Institutions
Zimbabwe has fourteen state and seven private universities (https://www.zimche.ac.zw/registered-heis/). In the landscape study, eight indicated that they provide some form of training on GEd and five can carry-out GEd related work. In addition, two public and three private universities have the capacity to conduct GEd work.
Research Councils: Zimbabwe’s main research council is the Research Council of Zimbabwe (RCZ). RCZ is mandated to promote, direct, supervise and coordinate research, across all sectors including health, education, environment, mining and agriculture, in accordance with the Research Act [Chapter 10:22] of 1986. To enable the RCZ to effectively discharge its mandate the Government set up sectoral councils namely the Agriculture Research Council (ARC) and Medical Research Council of Zimbabwe (MRCZ).
Agriculture Research Council (ARC)The ARC, which operates under the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, is mandated through the Agricultural Research Act [Chapter 18:05] of 1979 to promote all aspects of agricultural research in Zimbabwe, while focusing on aligning research with the specific needs of the nation.
The Scientific and Industrial Research and Development Centre (SIRDC) was established in February 1993 by the Government of Zimbabwe through the Research Act [Chapter 10:22] (https://sirdc.ac.zw/). Its mandate is to carry out strategic Research and Development for the benefit of the manufacturing, service, agricultural as well as to commercialise the Research and Development outputs. It consists of 12 research institutes including the Biotechnology Research Institute (BRI) which has been instrumental in advancing GEd in the country in collaboration with AUDA NEPAD.
Kutsaga Research Station is a centre of research excellence in crops under the Tobacco Research Board. Kutsaga has a molecular laboratory where they are currently conducting research in biopharming, genetic transformation and plant GEd is still at infancy stage. Kutsaga has human expertise to conduct GEd activities, with some of their personnel eloquently trained in CRISPR-Cas9 based gene editing techniques. Their laboratory is equipped with PCR, RT-PCR, laminar airflow, incubator shaker, sequence studio genetic analyser. In addition to the work they are currently conducting, they would like to increase their scope of work to include research such as inducing disease resistance particularly potato virus Y (PVY) resistance in potato. To conduct more GEd research, their laboratory would require electroporation kits, whole genome sequencer and plasmid extraction kits.
The Applied Genetic Testing Centre is a DNA analysis laboratory housed at the National University of Science and Technology. The well-equipped laboratory offers services such as human identification, medical diagnostics, relationship DNA testing and forensic analysis. The laboratory requires additional few pieces of equipment in order to conduct GEd work.
Zimbabwe hosts two major Consultative Groups on International Agricultural Research, (CGIAR) centres namely the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) in Harare (https://www.cimmyt.org/contact/zimbabwe-office/) and the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) at Matopos. (https://genebank.icrisat.org/Bulawayo). These centres are collaborating with other organisation across the continent in driving adoption of novel technologies including GEd for achieving food security in Africa. Zimbabwe has benefitted from research outcomes of these institutions. Drought tolerance crops and reduction of post-harvest losses caused by weevils and agro processing are some of the technologies shared with the communities. The presence of these CGIAR centres is big advantage for the country and the region. Table 4 below gives an overview of Academic and Research Institutions Working on Genome Editing (GEd) and Related Capacity in Zimbabwe
Table 4: Overview of Academic and Research Institutions Working on Genome Editing (GEd) and Related Capacity in Zimbabwe
Institution Name | Dept / Unit | GEd Projects | # of GEd Researchers | Collaborating Partners | Notable Outputs | Gaps Identified | Reference |
Lupane State University | Applied Biotechnology | 0 | 1 | TReND, Bindura University of Science Education, | CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing in crop breeding for climate change resilience: | Funding GEd lab Collaboration with GEd Researchers | Ndlovu et al 2024 |
Marondera Univ. of Agricultural Sciences and Technology | Crop Science | 0 | 1 | Hebei Agricultural University, Institute of Biotechnology (IoB), AAU, Ethiopia, African indigenous vegetables institute | Cereal Crop Genomics for Resilience under Climate Change
| Funding GEd lab Collaboration with GEd Researchers | Zenda et al 2021 |
University of Zimbabwe | Genomics and Biotechnology | 0 | 1 | Cirad, France, University of Johannesburg (UJ), Norwegian Development Agency, British Council and the University of Greenwich | Cowpea virus resistance | Funding GEd lab Collaboration with GEd Researchers | Mutengwa et al 2004 |
National Univ. Science& Tech. | Agricultural Genetics and Cell Technology | 0 | 0 | Cape Peninsula University of Technology, University of Lusaka, Uppsala University | Drought resistant crops | Funding GEd lab Collaboration with GEd Researchers |
|
Chinhoyi University of Technology |
| 0 | 3 | Alliance Bioversity International – CIAT, Midlands State University | Climate resilience and disease resistance in crops | Funding GEd lab Collaboration with GEd Researchers | Josia et al 2021 |
Midlands State University | Crop Improvement and Seed Systems | 0 | 3 | Zimbabwe Sugar Association Experiment Station (ZSAES), the Seed Company of Zimbabwe (Seedco), the Tobacco Research Board, and the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT | Sorghum improvement | Funding GEd lab Collaboration with GEd Researchers | Makuvaro et al 2023 |
Kutsaga Research Station | Crop Production and Molecular technologies | 0 | 1 | University of Zimbabwe Hwange Colliery Co SIRDC | Plasmid DNA extraction and Design of PCR and RT-PCR primers | Funding GEd lab Collaboration with GEd Researchers | Shava et al. 2020 |
The Biotech Institute | Biotechnology | 0 | 1 | SIRDC, University of Leipzig, Germany. Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Zurich, University Bremen | Crops resistant to drought and pests. | Funding GEd lab Collaboration with GEd Researchers | Tsanni 2021 |
ICRISAT (Matopos) | Genebank | 0 | 0 | IIPR-Uttar Pradesh, RPCAU-Bihar, and IARI-Assam, local and international universities | Sorghum and Millet Research | Funding GEd lab Collaboration with GEd Researchers | - |
CIMMYT (Harare) | Maize & Wheat Genebank | 0 | 0 | Univ. Zimbabwe SIRDC | Maize and Wheat Research | Funding GEd lab Collaboration with GEd Researchers | - |
Scientific and Industrial Research and Development Centre (SIRDC) | Biotech Research Institute | 0 | 1 | ICRISAT CIMMYT Univ Zimbabwe | Maize Improvement Project: Rice Breeding | Funding GEd lab Collaboration with GEd Researchers | - |
| Kadoma Cotton Research Institution | Crop Research Division | 0 | Chiredzi Research Station – Institute, Bayer, | New high yielding cotton varieties | GEd Researchers | - |
Training and Professional Development
Training and professional development on GEd in Zimbabwe is an ongoing process primarily supported by the government and AUDA-NEPAD focussing on building the capacity of local scientists and regulators through workshops and pilot programs. Key initiatives that have taken place include capacity-building workshops in biosafety and regulation, the drafting of genome editing guidelines, and collaborations to accelerate the adoption of the technology, with an emphasis on agriculture. There are a few scientists that have benefited from regional and international initiatives like the IITA's CRISPR courses for crop improvement. Table 5 below presents an overview of the training programmes on GEd in Zimbabwe.
Table 5: Overview of Training Programmes on Genome Editing
| Institution / Organizer | Training Programme | Target Audience / # of Trainees per annual | Frequency | Duration | Gaps Identified |
National |
| ||||
| Zimbabwe National Biotechnology Authority (NBA) | Bioinformatics Research Symposia | Postgraduate
(+16) | 2016, 2019, 2021 | 1 day | Researchers come back-No lab to practice and implement the technology |
| Regional | |||||
| AUDA-NEPAD | Promote the application of Genome Editing technology in agriculture | Government
(+16) | 27 Feb 27 February-3 March 2023 -3 March 2023 15-19 May 2023 | 5days | Political will to implement |
| International | |||||
| Michigan State University | Agric. biotechnology, biosafety systems, Science communication and tech transfer | Postgraduate
(+2) | Yearly | 10-15 days | Researchers come back-No lab to practice and implement the technology |
| Innovative Genomic Institute- IGI, AOCC, AfPBA-UC Davis and IITA | CRISPR Course | PhD (1) | Yearly | 1 year | Researchers come back-No lab to practice and implement the technology |
| Teaching and Research in (Neuro) science for Development (TReND) in Africa | Genome-editing techniques | Postgraduate (22)
| 2022 | 10 days | No equipment in laboratories |
Training Courses for GEd in Zimbabwe
The Zimbabwe National Biotechnology Authority (NBA) hosted a total of three Bioinformatics Research Symposia, in 2016, 2019 and 2021 respectively. These symposia were held in partnership with local tertiary institutions such as Chinhoyi University of Technology, Harare Institute of Technology, National University of Science and Technology; as well as the Southern Africa Network for Biosciences (SANBio), University of Mauritius (SANBio Bioinformatics Node), H3Abionet and International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB). The main goal of the symposia was to improve bioinformatics application awareness across the country’s research institutions, as well as to explore recent advances in bioinformatics applications in the broad area of basic and applied sciences (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6264469/#:~:text=In%202016%2C%20the%20National%20Biotechnology,well%20as%20some%20international%20collaborators.).
The African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) and the Government of Zimbabwe concluded engagements aimed at enhancing genome editing (GEd) capabilities and uptake as well as scaling-up biotechnology development for commercialisation in order to optimise agriculture in Africa. The objective of these engagements was to promote a more comprehensive understanding of GEd in Government and among R&D institutions, media, and the private sector. High level government officials that participated included Mrs Florence Nazare, the Acting Director of Knowledge Management and Programme Evaluation, Prof Fanuel Tagwira, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science, and Technology Development, Mr Willard Manungo, Deputy Chief Secretary of Policy Analysis, Coordination, Devolution, and Development Planning – Office of President and Cabinet. Others include Josephine Manda from NBA.
Michigan State Univ. under the World Technology Access Programme. Policymakers, regulators, researchers, and technology developers offered personnel from the NBA an opportunity to participate in a short course to build capacity in agricultural biotechnology, biosafety systems, science communication and the responsible transfer of technology
Innovative Genomic Institute: The CRISPR Course is a year-long program offered by the Innovative Genomics Institute in partnership with the African Orphan Crops Consortium, the Seed Biotechnology Centre at University of California Davis, and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, as part of the African Plant Breeding Academy. Course participants from Zimbabwe include Aleck KondwakWenda from the Crop breeding Institute in was an AFPBA 2018/19 Class IV graduate.
TREND Course: The GeneConvene and TReND course on genome editing took place at the Midlands University in Gweru, Zimbabwe from the 31.10.2022 to the 12.11.2022. The course was split into two course phases. The first part was theoretical introduction into genome editing and its applications in Africa (Days 1 & 2). The second part was a practical course on molecular biology, genome editing and their applications in various model systems (zebrafish, fruit flies, and mosquitoes). After the course, participants were equipped with the required knowledge to set up their own genome editing experiments and successfully perform genetic manipulations related to their research question. Course Organizers and partners from Zimbabwe were Reagan Mudziwapasi, Innovation Manager, Professor Laurine Chikoko (PhD,) the Executive Director of Research and Innovation, Professor Upenyu Guyo, Deputy Director, Dr. Winmore Kusena, Environmental Scientist and a Research Manager, Dr. Fanuel Songwe Biotechnologist, Fortune N. Jomane, Acting Director of the Innovation Lupane State University, and Dr. Ryman Shoko, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Biological Sciences at the Chinhoyi University..
Analysis of Infrastructure and Equipment for GEd in Zimbabwe.
The Government of Zimbabwe set up innovation hubs at state universities and these have some equipment for biotechnology work. However, more than half of these tertiary institutions do not have molecular biotechnology equipment. The few that are equipped for GEd activities mainly have Bioinformatics Software, CRISPR-Cas9 technology Sequencing Technologies (e.g., Next-Generation Sequencing), Fluorescence Microscopes, Electroporation Devices, Synthetic Biology Platforms and Flow Cytometers. The institutions without the requisite equipment have wish lists that include all the below-mentioned (Table 6) equipment as well as Microinjection devices.
Table 6: Status and Needs Assessment of Biosafety Laboratory Facilities by Institution
| Institution | Type of Facility | Biosafety Level | Status (see Annex A) | Limitations | Support Needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BSL 1, or BSL 2, | Fully equipped, Not-fully equipped | Political issue (non-enabling national procurement law), inadequate funding, unstable supply of power, maintenance challenge, | Specialized procurement/ waiver/ exemptions, | ||
| Lupane State University | Lab | 1 | Not Fully | Funding
| Exemptions for good cause allowed for certain procurement made by research institutions. |
| Marondera Univ. of Agricultural Sciences and Technology | Lab Greenhouse | 1 | Not Fully | Funding | Same |
| University of Zimbabwe | Lab | 1 | Not Fully | Funding | Same |
| National Univ. Science& Tech. | Lab | 1 | Not Fully | Funding | Same |
| Chinhoyi University of Technology | Lab | 1 | Not Fully | Funding | Same |
| Midlands State University | Lab | 1 | Not Fully | Funding | Same |
| Kutsaga Research Station | Lab and greenhouse Field trials | 1 & 2 | Not Fully | Funding | Same |
| The Biotech Institute | Lab | 1 | Not Fully-Has sequencers | Funding | Same |
| ICRISAT (Matopos) | Lab and greenhouse Field trials | 1 | Not Fully | Funding | Same |
| CIMMYT (Harare) | Lab and greenhouse Field trials | 1 | Not Fully | Funding | Same |
| Scientific and Industrial Research and Development Centre (SIRDC) | Lab and greenhouse Field trials | 1 & 2 | Not Fully | Funding | Same |
| Kadoma Cotton Research Institution | Lab and greenhouse Field trials | 1 | Not Fully | Funding | Same |
Other Staple, Indigenous and Economic Crops with Potential for GEd Improvement.
Other indigenous and commercial crops that have the potential for GEd research in Zimbabwe are listed in Table 7 below.
Table 7: Commercial and Indigenous crops that need improvement using GEd technology
Crop | Challenge | Trait Improvement | Economic Importance | Actual vs Expected Annual Production Capacity (tonnes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Cereals |
|
|
|
|
Sorghum | Striga, drought stress and nutrition | Improved yield & high nutrition | Provides food security, income, and livestock feed, especially in areas where maize struggles. | 82,000 vs 180,000 https://ipad.fas.usda.gov/countrysummary/Default.aspx?id=RH&crop=Sorghum Silas et al 2021 |
Maize | Viruses/ weeds/Pests e.g. Fall army worm (FAW) | Yield/ herbicide resistance | Stable food, livestock feed, and a source of income for many farmers. Contributes significantly to food security, livelihoods, and GDP. | 1.3 million vs 2.0 million https://agbiz.co.za/content/open/23-june-2025-sa-agri-market-viewpoint-340
|
Millet | Drought Stress, nutrition | Improved yield & high nutrition | Drought tolerant, vital food source and a source of income for rural farmers. | 25,000 vs 65,000 https://ipad.fas.usda.gov/countrysummary/Default.aspx?id=RH&crop=Sorghum Silas et al 2021 Dube et al. 2023 |
Legumes |
|
|
|
|
Cowpea | Pests and Disease | Pest and Disease resistance | Subsistence crop, particularly for smallholder farmers in drier, resource-poor areas |
11,750 vs 15,000
Nkomo et al. 2020 |
Annual crop |
|
|
|
|
Tobacco | Nicotine level & virus | Flavour/Yield | Major source of economic income, contributing significantly to GDP, agricultural exports, and foreign currency generation. No 1 producer of tobacco in Africa | 235 million vs 300 million kg https://farmonaut.com/africa/zimbabwes-2024-tobacco-selling-season-challenges-opportunities-and-market-trends/#:~:text=Production%20Outlook%20and%20Government%20Targets,enhance%20the%20industry's%20economic%20impact.&text=These%20targets%20are%20ambitious%2C%20especially,associated%20with%20raw%20tobacco%20exports. |
Cotton | Pests | Insect resistance | Cash crop for farmers and employment | 215,000 vs 250,000 https://ipad.fas.usda.gov/countrysummary/default.aspx?id=RH). |
Tuber crops |
|
|
|
|
Cassava | Viruses | Yield | Food security crop, particularly in drier areas, and as a potential cash crop with diverse applications | 253,835 vs 300,000 Mupakati and Tanyanyiwa, 2020. |
The five most important crops in Zimbabwe based on their production and consumption include maize, sorghum, millet, cotton and tobacco. Maize (Corn) is the staple food for the majority of Zimbabweans, used for both consumption and livestock feed and production in the 2022/2023 season approximated 1.3 million tonnes according to the Agricultural business Chamber (https://agbiz.co.za/content/open/23-june-2025-sa-agri-market-viewpoint-340 ) while consumption was 2 million tonnes annually, with significant imports to bridge the gap. Imports were mainly from South Africa.
Sorghum is a traditional staple, especially in semi-arid regions and being actively promoted as climate smart alternative to maize in Zimbabwe. Production (2022/2023 season estimated at 82,000–150,000 tonnes and consumption is similar to production levels and the crop is used domestically for food (https://ipad.fas.usda.gov/countrysummary/Default.aspx?id=RH&crop=Sorghum).
Millet is also a climate-smart vital crop in drought-prone areas with production estimated at around 25,000–50,000 tonnes consumed locally with some export. Dube et al. 2023.
Cotton is an important cash crop for farmers, especially in the cotton-growing regions. Production (2024/25 season) is about 215,000 tonnes of lint mostly for export and local textile industries (https://ipad.fas.usda.gov/countrysummary/default.aspx?id=RH).
Tobacco is a major export crop and foreign currency earner with production (2024) of approximately 296 million Kg mainly for export and domestic use is minimal (https://farmonaut.com/africa/zimbabwes-2024-tobacco-selling-season-challenges-opportunities-and-markettrends/#:~:text=Production%20Outlook%20and%20Government%20Targets,enhance%20the%20industry's%20economic%20impact.&text=These%20targets%20are%20ambitious%2C%20especially,associated%20with%20raw%20tobacco%20exports).
Management of Intellectual Property Rights.
Intellectual Property (IP) in Zimbabwe is protected under a legal framework that includes national and regional (ARIPO) (https://www.aripo.org/) provisions, encompassing areas like trademarks, patents, industrial designs, plant breeders' rights, geographical indications, and copyright. The Zimbabwe Intellectual Property Office (ZIPO) within the Ministry of Justice is the national organization responsible for administering IP matters. ZIPO registers and maintains the registers in respect of trademarks, patents, industrial designs, geographical indications and integrated circuit lay out designs under the respective local statutes and international treaties. There has not been any discussion on IP with regards to GEd products since no crop/livestock/forestry or fish product has been commercialised. Since GEd technology introduction is still evolving, decisions may depend on whether the new guideline classifies GEd products as genetically modified organisms (GMOs) or not.
Private Sector and Industries
The private sector has played a critical role in pushing for the adoption of technologies that will boost agricultural productivity. With industry players such as Zimbabwe Plant Breeders Association, SeedCo, Mukushi Seeds and many others, their main concern is that there is an enabling environment that will allow them to conduct cutting edge research for the continuous improvement of agricultural systems. Mukushi Seeds is currently conducting plant breeding using artificial hybridisation and mutation induction to generate variability for breeding. There is no molecular work being carried out during the breeding, it is all conducted through physical crosses, phenotyping and selections. This process sometimes poses a challenge when there is a need to clean up the linkage drag, which sometimes occurs during breeding. In that respect, genome editing has been identified as a potential solution to address this challenge. However, Mukushi does not yet have any capacity to conduct genome editing and they would require capacity building through training and equipment.
In the molecular laboratory at Seedco, they have the capacity to conduct genome editing activities, in terms of the requisite expertise as well as the funding to procure any required additional equipment. They are currently awaiting the publishing of the genome editing guidance so that they may seek approval to commence activities.
Others include ARDA Seeds, Corteva Agriscience; Bayer, Klein Karoo Africa (K2), Avanos Ent (Pty) Ltd, Syngenta and BASF. – Corteva and Bayer are involved in modern Agricultural Biotechnology and related activities in the areas of Communication and advocacy.
Funding Agencies Supporting GEd in Zimbabwe.
According to the World bank, Zimbabwe invested 0.41% of its GDP in Research and Development (R&D) in 2022. This is a significant increase from 0.03% in 2016.[6] Most of the funds is from government funding (>70%). The investment in biotechnology research especially in GEd is unknown as no projects are approved in the country. Overseas funding has dried over the years in Zimbabwe despite some of the support from AUDA NEPAD on regulatory aspects of GMOs and GEd. However, the potential in the country is high owing to the high human resources capacity.
The government Innovation Fund through the Research Council of Zimbabwe (RCZ) has approximately $1 million annually and further funding coming through the Science Granting Councils initiative. However, these funds have been used mainly for supporting innovation hubs linked to universities across the country and little has gone into basic research.
Stakeholder map and engagement for critical data and high influence.
See separate list
Several key stakeholders were identified and mapped in Zimbabwe to obtain critical primary data and high influence on GEd adoption. These stakeholders were listed/mapped in accordance with the approved data collection tools (Questionnaires). These stakeholders are as follows:
Regulatory and other Government agencies: National Biosafety Authority (NBA), Zimbabwe, Plant Quarantine Services Institute (PQSI), Seed service, Agricultural Marketing Authority, the Grain Marketing Board, and the Agricultural and Rural Development Authority, Research council of Zimbabwe and MHTE-STD.
Teaching and training institutions:Lupane State University, Great Zimbabwe University, Midlands State University, Bindura University of Science Education, University of Zimbabwe, National University of Science and Technology, Chinhoyi University of Technology, Harare Institute of Technology and Solusi University.
National Agricultural Research Institutes (NARIs) and Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) Centers: Zimbabwe Agricultural Research Council, Scientific and Industrial Research and Development Centre (SIRDC), Kutsaga Research Station, The biotech Institute, International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT),
Private sector: Mukushi Seeds , Corteva Agriscience; Bayer; Syngenta, BASF, SeedCo, Zimbabwe.
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA), African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF).
These stakeholders were engaged to collect primary data through live interviews using online data collection kit (ODK) and surveys through emailing of questionnaires
A comprehensive policy plan for genome editing in Zimbabwe requires both short-term and long-term strategies. Short-term goals should ensure that the draft GEd guideline is endorsed, capacity buildiing for research and development, and setting aside seed competitive grants to fund GEd projects. Long-term objectives include fostering innovation, investing in infrastructure and equipment, encouraging public-private partnerships, ensuring responsible use of the technology, and promoting its benefits while mitigating potential risks.
Based on the landscape studies, the following recommendations are made to ensure Zimbabwe reaps the benefit of GEd technology.
Regulatory frameworks: The NBA has been working closely with AUDA-NEPAD and other stakeholders to develop biosafety guidelines for genome editing. Lobbying and pressure should be put for the draft guideline to be endorsed.
Capacity building: Investing in training and education to build local capacity in GEd research, development, and regulation is essential. More researchers should be encouraged to participate in the short term specialized CRISPR courses. Governments’ effort to integrate GEd into its Education 5.0 policy should be applauded.
Infrastructure and relevant equipment: The selected universities and research institutions have the basic molecular Biology laboratories that need to be upgraded to be able to carry out GEd research and innovation. The process will be faster if at least three institutions are upgraded in 2025/26 with specialized high-end infrastructure.
Funding of strategic GEd project and programs targeting national challenges. The government Innovation Fund through the Research Council of Zimbabwe (RCZ) should fund through a competitive process strategic projects and GEd programs.
Promote Private Sector Participation by encouraging startup incubation programs in agricultural biotechnology and genome editing as well as starting biotech companies targeting public-private partnerships. Universities and Research institutions must work together to ensure that the private sector is innovative and competitive.
Networking: Researchers in Zimbabwe should build their networks and collaborate with international experts in their field. By forming consortiums (e.g. EU funded projects) in executing projects, they will be able to access major funding and training opportunities for their research groups.
Public participation and consultation: Engaging the public in decision-making processes is crucial for building trust and ensuring that GEd technologies are developed and used in a way that is socially acceptable and beneficial.
Indigenous and Staple Crops, Livestock, Agroforestry, and Fisheries Varieties/ Breeds for Improvement Using GEd. Priority crops/livestock/agroforestry and fisheries that could be improved using GEd technology has been listed in these studies. Immediately, the guideline is endorsed, it will be easy for researchers to select their crop of interest based on the socio-economic benefit of the crop.
Agricultural Research Act [Chapter 18:05] of 1990. https://www.parlzim.gov.zw/download/agricultural-and-rural-development-authority-act-18-01/.
AUDA-NEPAD APET Genome Editing Policy Framework, September (2022). file:///C:/Users/Okole%20Blessed/Downloads/Policy%20Framework%20for%20Applications%20of%20Genome%20Editing%20(1).pdf.
Coleman, A. (2025) Minor economic growth in Zimbabwe as agricultural output shrinks. Farmers Weekly. https://www.farmersweekly.co.za/agri-news/africa/minor-economic-growth-in-zimbabwe-as-agricultural-output-shrinks/#:~:text=Bulawayo24%20News%20reported%20that%20the,hydroelectric%20power%20shortages%20constrained%20manufacturing.
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Mupakati T, Tanyanyiwa, V. (2020). Cassava production as a climate change adaptation strategy in Chilonga Ward, Chiredzi District, Zimbabwe. Jamba. 2017 Apr 25;9(1):348. doi: 10.4102/jamba.v9i1.348
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Annexure A: Criteria for Determining Laboratory Status for BSL-1 and BSL-2 Operations
Criteria for infrastructure and equipment for BSL 1: 3-4 rooms containing the following: PCR, Incubator, Sequencers, Freezers (-80, -20), P/ATC room, Access to consumables, LAF chamber, Electrophoresis Apparatus, Autoclave, Microwave, Vortexer, UV illuminator
Criteria for infrastructure and equipment for BSL 2: Standard Microbial Practices + Special practices + All BSL-1 equipment plus a mandatory biosafety hazard sign, special protective gear, special Cabinets (class II), controlled access to rooms etc., handling agents of moderate potential hazards to people + animals + environment
| Conditions | Status |
BSL 1 | If all in (i) above are available with or without the sequencer | Fully equipped |
Missing any of the other equipment in addition to the sequencer | Not fully equipped | |
BSL 2 | Conformance to the criteria in (ii) above | Fully equipped |
Any non-conformance to the criteria in (ii) above | Not fully equipped |
Annex 1. List of institutions and resource persons involved in the interview
SN | SECTOR | MINISTRY/ DEPARTMENT/ INSTITUTION/ |
1. | Universities | Midlands State University (MSU) |
2. | Universities | Harare Institute of Technology |
3 | Universities | University of Zimbabwe (UZ) |
4 | Universities | Marondera University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (MUAST) |
5 | Universities | Midlands State University (MSU) |
6 | Universities | Bindura University of Science Education (BUSE) |
7 | Universities | Bindura University of Science Education (BUSE) |
8 | Universities | Chinhoyi University of Technology (CUT) |
9 | Universities | BUSE |
10 | Universities | Manicaland State University of Applied Sciences (MSUAS) |
11 | Universities | AGTC - DNA Testing Services (NUST) |
12 | Universities | Harare Institute of Technology |
13 | Universities | National University of Science and Technology (NUST) |
14 | Universities | Lupane State University (LSU) |
15 | Universities | Bulawayo Polytechnic College |
16 | Universities | Harare Polytech |
17 | Universities | Harare Institute of Technology |
18 | Universities | Midlands State University (MSU) |
19 | Universities | University of Zimbabwe (UZ) |
20 | Universities | Solusi University (SU) |
21 | Universities | Solusi University (SU) |
22 | Universities | University of Zimbabwe (UZ) |
23 | Universities | Chinhoyi University of Technology (CUT) |
24 | Universities | Great Zimbabwe University (GZU) |
25 | Universities | National University of Science and Technology (NUST) |
26 | Universities | National University of Science and Technology (NUST) |
27 | Universities | Lupane State University (LSU) |
28 | Government Ministries | Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development |
29 | Government Ministries | Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education (ZIMCHE) |
30 | Government Research Organisations | SIRDC |
32 | Government Research Organisations | Kutsaga Research Station |
34 | Government Research Organisations | SIRDC |
35 | Government Research Organisations | Department of Research and Specialist Services |
39 | Government Research Organisations | SIRDC |
40 | Media | The Herald |
41 | Private Sector - Seed Companies & Associations | African Institute of Biomedical Science and Technology |
42 | Regulatory | NBA |
47 | Regulatory | Seed Services |
48 | Regulatory | Research council of Zimbabwe |
49 | Regulatory | Government Analyst Laboratory - |
50 | Universities | Midland University |
53 | Universities | Chinhoyi University of Technology (CUT) |
54 | Regulatory | MRCZ |
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