Harare – The United Kingdom’s Chief Scientific Advisor, Professor Dame Angela McLean DBE FRS, is in Zimbabwe on a a visit aimed at strengthening bilateral ties in science, innovation, health, education, and climate change.
Her programme includes meetings with senior government officials, researchers and innovators, reflecting a focus on sustainable development and scientific collaboration.
She is expected to tour Foundations for Farming to learn more about climate-smart agriculture initiatives such as Pfumvudza, hold bilateral discussions with Professor Fanuel Tagwira, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology, and take part in a roundtable with leading health and science stakeholders including Neotree, Fleming Fund, and the Clinton Health Access Initiative.
Other engagements will feature a reception on climate adaptation with policymakers, scientists and youth leaders, a meeting with Dr Agnes Mahomva, Public Health Adviser to the President, and discussions with Professor Stephen Chivasa, a Zimbabwean academic at Durham University, on diaspora-led research collaboration in drought resistance and climate resilience.
“Science and innovation are powerful tools for tackling global challenges. I’m delighted to be in Zimbabwe to explore how modern UK-Zimbabwe partnerships can drive progress in climate resilience, public health, and education,” Professor McLean said ahead of the visit.
UK Ambassador to Zimbabwe Pete Vowles described the visit as a signal of growing cooperation. “This visit reflects the UK’s commitment to working with Zimbabwe to build inclusive, evidence-based solutions to the collective challenges we face. From climate-smart agriculture to health innovation, our shared future depends on collaboration,” he said.
The visit underscores the UK’s broader engagement in Zimbabwe, including support for green growth and human capital development.
