Zimbabwe’s traditional medicine sector is earning global recognition while reinforcing the country’s Education 5.0 policy, following the success of Sekuru Nyangatayani, a renowned traditional healer from Glendale, whose products won first-class awards at the Hong Kong International Chinese Medicine and Traditional Medicine Conference 2025.
Nyangatayani’s medicines, derived from indigenous trees, underwent laboratory testing at the conference and received approval for health use.
Three of the products — including Samba Mupfumo (used as incense to ward off evil spirits and treat respiratory illnesses), a remedy claimed to cure cancer, and another that boosts and cleans the immune system — stood out for their efficacy.
Speaking on arrival at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport last Thursday, Nyangatayani expressed gratitude for the recognition.
“We are grateful that our products were tested and approved by international authorities. The results show that there is great potential in our traditional medicines. We now appeal to local universities to partner with us in advancing research and innovation in line with Education 5.0,” he said.
He added that Chinese universities have already expressed interest in collaborating with Zimbabwean institutions to further research into the potential of traditional remedies.
The development underscores the role of indigenous knowledge systems in complementing Zimbabwe’s Education 5.0 policy, which emphasises research, innovation, industrialisation, and community development.
The University of Zimbabwe and Bindura University of Science Education’s innovation hub have already been exploring natural products and drug discovery, tapping into local resources to create healthcare solutions, while giving students practical training in research and entrepreneurship.
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Experts say integrating traditional medicine with modern science not only enhances healthcare options but also promotes industrialisation and economic growth.
As Zimbabwe continues implementing Education 5.0, traditional medicine is expected to play a greater role in healthcare innovation, rural development, and sustainable economic growth.
