PRESS RELEASE: UK Chief Scientific Advisor Visits Zimbabwe to Strengthen Science and Innovation Partnerships
Written by Staff Reporter on September 26, 2025
Harare, 24 September 2025 – The UK Government Chief Scientific Advisor, Professor Dame Angela McLean DBE FRS, has arrived in Zimbabwe for a visit aimed at deepening UK-Zimbabwe collaboration in science, innovation, health, education, and climate change.
Professor McLean’s visit will spotlight shared priorities in sustainable development and scientific cooperation. She will engage with senior government officials, researchers, and innovators across a series of high-level meetings and field visits.
Key engagements include:
- A visit to Foundations for Farming to explore sustainable agriculture and climate-smart practices, including Pfumvudza.
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A bilateral meeting with the Professor Fanuel Tagwira, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology to discuss science innovation in education.
- A roundtable with leading health and science stakeholders, including Neotree, Fleming Fund, and Clinton Health Access Initiative, focused on public health innovation.
- A reception on climate adaptation, bringing together policymakers, scientists, and youth leaders including Permanent Secretary Washington Zhakata and senior officials from the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife.
- A meeting with Dr Agnes Mahomva, Public Health Adviser to the President.
- A discussion with Professor Stephen Chivasa, Zimbabwean Associate Professor at Durham University, on diaspora-led research collaboration, including on drought resistance and climate resilience.
Speaking ahead of the visit, Professor McLean said:
“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.”
Ambassador Pete Vowles added:
“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.”
The visit builds on the UK’s broader engagement in Zimbabwe, supporting green growth and building human capital.
Media contact: Margret.Masanga@fcdo.gov.uk
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