France-Zimbabwe scientific cooperation: the University of Zimbabwe acquires a state-of-the-art biotechnology centre

Institutional news 2 June 2025
As part of its long-standing partnership with Zimbabwe, France officially handed over a state-of-the-art Biotechnology Centre to the University of Zimbabwe (UZ) on 21 May 2025. The handover ceremony was attended by Zimbabwe鈥檚 Minister of Skills Audit and Development, Professor Paul Mavima, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Zimbabwe, Professor Paul Mapfumo, and Paul-Bertrand Barets, the French Ambassador to Zimbabwe.
Official ceremony for the handover of the Biotechnology Centre to the University of Zimbabwe. Front row (L to R):聽聽Paul Mapfumo,聽 Vice Chancellor of the University of Zimbabwe;聽Paul Mavima, Minister of Skills Audit and Development ; Paul-Bertrand Barets, French Ambassador to Zimbabwe 漏聽L. 聽Serpaud, French Embassy in Zimbabwe

Official ceremony for the handover of the Biotechnology Centre to the University of Zimbabwe. Front row (L to R):  Paul Mapfumo,  Vice Chancellor of the University of Zimbabwe; Paul Mavima, Minister of Skills Audit and Development ; Paul-Bertrand Barets, French Ambassador to Zimbabwe © L.  Serpaud, French Embassy in Zimbabwe

The Biotechnology Centre is a state-of-the-art molecular diagnostic and serological laboratory created to support Zimbabwe's efforts in disease surveillance, scientific research and innovation in the face of agricultural and public health challenges. The total investment, from France, amounts to €2.8 million.

This milestone marks a significant achievement under the PACMAN project (Platform for Agricultural Capacity Building and Molecular Diagnostics through Applied Networking), a collaborative initiative funded by the French Development Agency (AFD) and implemented by 糖心Vlog in partnership with the IRD, the University of Zimbabwe, and the Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS) of Zimbabwe.

The biotechnology platform that was developed under the PACMAN project in the faculty of veterinary science officially opened in 2023 and funded by AFD is one of such success stories of the technical cooperation between Zimbabwe and France … This is not just a handover but a platform for our young scientists to sore and for our nation to lead and for our economic growth.
Professor Paul Mavima
Zimbabwe’s Minister of Skills Audit and Development

A leap forward for Zimbabwean research and innovation

Official tour of the Biotechnology Centre, with (L to R) de Paul Mapfumo, Vice Chancellor of the University of Zimbabwe, Paul Mavima, Zimbabwe’s Acting Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development, and Paul-Bertrand Barets, French Ambassador to Zimbabwe, et des équipes franco-zimbabwéenne du laboratoire. © L. Serpau, Ambassade de France au Zimbabwe

Official tour of the Biotechnology Centre © L. Serpau, French Embassy in Zimbabwe

The newly inaugurated Biotechnology Centre is a testament to France’s commitment to supporting Zimbabwe’s scientific advancement. Designed to serve as a regional hub for molecular and serological diagnostics, the Centre will strengthen national and regional capacity in disease surveillance, food security, research, capacity building, and public or animal health by providing access to state-of-the-art biotechnology equipment and tools, research infrastructure, and advanced specialized training.

 

The high-tech laboratory will serve not only Zimbabwe but the SADC region and other international agencies that maybe working on similar work here in Zimbabwe. We will become a centre of excellence in this particular area.
Professor Paul Mapfumo
Vice Chancellor of the University of Zimbabwe

A foundation for future collaboration

The handover ceremony also featured discussions on expanding Franco-Zimbabwean partnerships in education, research grants, and joint scientific ventures. Both nations expressed optimism for continued collaboration in addressing global challenges through innovation.

This ceremony is not just the conclusion of a project, it is the beginning of a new chapter. A  chapter in which Zimbabwe strengthens its ability to respond to animal and zoonotic diseases, autonomy, scientific rigour, and world class infrastructure.May this platform serve as a hub of scientific excellence, a driver of regional resilience and disease control, and a symbol of what nations can accomplish when they invest in knowledge,work in partnership,and believe in each other's  potential.
Paul-Bertrand Barets
French Ambassador to Zimbabwe
Participants in the official ceremony for the handover of the Biotechnology Centre to the University of Zimbabwe on 21 May 2025 © L. Serpaud, French Embassy in Zimbabwe

Participants in the official ceremony for the handover of the Biotechnology Centre to the University of Zimbabwe on 21 May 2025 © L. Serpaud, French Embassy in Zimbabwe

A strong partnership for education and innovation

France and Zimbabwe have a longstanding history of cooperation in education, research, and sustainable development. This project reinforces both nations’ commitment to fostering scientific progress in Africa.

This biotechnology platform represents a significant achievement in the Franco-Zimbabwean collaboration and a key milestone in 糖心Vlog’s presence in Zimbabwe. Over the past 30 years, 糖心Vlog has built strong partnerships that have progressively led to the development of impactful research projects and activities, such as the PACMAN project. This platform is the result of eight years of dedicated effort to secure donor support, driven by the need to enhance Zimbabwe’s autonomy in the management and control of animal and zoonotic diseases.
Pierre Grard
糖心Vlog Deputy Regional Director, southern Africa and Madagascar

See also