Zimbabwean Scientist Prof Gift Mehlana Wins TWAS-Atta-ur-Rahman Award in Chemistry

Zimbabwean Scientist Prof Gift Mehlana Wins TWAS-Atta-ur-Rahman Award in Chemistry

Zimbabwean scientist Professor Gift Mehlana has been honoured with the 2025 TWAS-Atta-ur-Rahman Award in Chemistry.

He received the award for his groundbreaking work on porous materials used as support platforms for biological and chemical catalysts.

Prof Mehlana received the award at the 17th World Academy of Sciences Conference held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

An inorganic chemist and research leader, he is celebrated for advancing materials chemistry and sustainable technologies in Africa.

Zimbabwean Scientist Wins Prestigious International Chemistry Award (Image Credit: X @daddyhope)

The UN-supported conference noted that his work continues to inspire young scientists and elevate Zimbabwe’s profile on the global scientific stage.

Prof Mehlana also serves as a scholar at Midlands State University, where his academic and research contributions have positioned him as a leading figure in African science.

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Zimbabwe Excels at 2025 Enactus World Cup

Meanwhile, in a separate international achievement, Donald Mhlanga and his team from Bindura University of Science Education (BUSE) claimed second place at the 2025 Enactus World Cup in Astana, Kazakhstan, triumphing over hundreds of teams worldwide.

The Enactus World Cup is an annual international competition where university students present entrepreneurial projects addressing social, economic, and environmental challenges in their communities. Teams first compete nationally before representing their countries on the global stage, presenting innovations to panels of business leaders, academics, and experts.

BUSE Team’s Innovative Projects

Donald Mhlanga led a dynamic team that included Last Baloyi, Tadiwa Takawira, Vimbai Euphasia Nyahuma, Jabulani Charity Mugonderwa, Tanyaradzwa Chanetsa, Tanaka Chimpelo, Tanaka Tempo, Billy Chitanda, and Liturgy Kufa.

Their projects included a seed coating initiative and an energy access innovation — shoes capable of generating electricity to charge gadgets — showcasing Zimbabwean ingenuity on the global stage.