Zambia and Mozambique have sighed a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, on Science and Technology as tools for enhanced cooperation for the economic development of the two nations.
Science and Technology Minister, Peter Daka signed on behalf of Zambia while Mozambique counterpart, Professor Venancio Massingue, signed for that country at a ceremony that took place at Livingstone’s Protea Hotel.
Speaking after the signing ceremony Mr Daka said science and technology are effective tools for promoting sustainable economic growth and strengthening political cooperation.
He said is determined to employ effective scientific and technological tools to sustaining strong bonds of bilateral ties at all levels of international and local cooperations.
Mr Daka said through effective application of technology,African is able to solve some economic and social challenges affecting the people on the continent.
“We benefit greatly from Western and Eastern technologies but we must always remember that the technology they develop is intended first and foremost to solve their local problems, then ours,” he said.
“There may be skeptics who are wondering what two underdeveloped countries can learn from each other in science and technology. We can for instance learn from the Mozambicans about ICT development, innovation support and coordination of science and technology efforts,” the minister observed.
Mr Daka, who recently was in Mozambique to learnt strides made by that country in embracing science and technology, said Zambia stands to benefit from the MoU as it would avail the country’s access to effective scientific innovations for addressing some economic challenges.
And Mozambican Science and Technology minister, Professor Venancio Massingue, said his country is determined partners with Zambia in efforts of fighting poverty and creating a peaceful environment for promoting sustainable development in the SADC region.
Prof. Massingue said Mozambique has identified science and technology as a vital component in the national efforts of poverty alleviation and sustainable development.
Prof. Massingue further observed that research in science and technology could play a significant role in identifying solutions for tackling the current food and energy crises on the continent.
“They will assist us in increasing not only production and productivity in the fields but also in minimizing losses and assist in job creation and rolling back poverty in our countries”, Prof. Massingue observed.
ENDS/MM/ZANIS/SJK