From improving public communication to integrating R&D into everyday policy planning, Mazhandu explores how practical, forward-looking decisions can help governments build strong innovation ecosystems and long-term advantage. Drawing on Asia’s rapid progress and Africa’s growing potential, he outlines a clear framework any country can use to leap ahead — by investing in both people and platforms. For those determined to thrive, not just survive, in the emerging tech landscape, this conversation offers a valuable guide.

This interview was conducted by Jesse Samasuwo (Senior Policy Manager, Apolitical) and edited by Rui Yi Ang (BSc in Politics and Philosophy, LSE and Communications Intern, Apolitical). You can also read the first interview in this series.

Building a quantum talent pipeline through policy

Samasuwo: Working at a research organisation, what do you see as the major blockers that governments should address to build a stronger pipeline of talent in quantum technology?

Mazhandu: Changing the narrative. This means promoting the development of our human capacity and engaging with global advancements to consider what we should be doing locally. Policymakers must lead these conversations, address challenges and connect with their communities to identify solutions suited to their context.

Letting these discussions flourish is crucial. In my home country, Zimbabwe, some viral trends don’t serve us well, and the government has a role in guiding public discourse. Just as they amplify elections and political campaigns, they should similarly promote meaningful science and technology discussions. This has happened before — when Jonathan Moyo was Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, he championed “STEM-atising,” emphasising capacity building in engineering, research and innovation. Investing in young minds in schools and universities lets those ideas take root early.

Policymakers hold the megaphone and control its use. They should leverage it to create an enabling environment where people excited about quantum or STEM know where to go. For example, workshops run online in Zimbabwe already exist but need better publicity. People passionate about STEM want to attend these events because they understand the pathway: university, scholarships, and jobs at big tech firms. This fuels an ecosystem and economy.

What policymakers can do is direct the flow of relevant information to drive national progress. They must create spaces that bring players together, connect the dots, and understand the ecosystem — who are our experts, where are they, and what are they working on? Engage with them, listen, build capacity, and craft policies that enable collaboration. Identify and remove barriers to cooperation. Enforce policies requiring companies to invest in education and research — for instance, mandating a percentage of corporate funds for R&D. Governments have the capacity to implement such policies; it’s a matter of will.

Policymakers should care deeply about sovereignty and capacity building. To build capacity, they need skilled people aware of cutting-edge and emerging technologies. Equipped with this knowledge, individuals can find niches that strengthen key sectors policymakers prioritise.

To earn respect and foster innovation in their communities, policymakers must prioritise equipping people with essential skills—working with emerging tech and thinking holistically about the future. Securing that future is their responsibility: for society, the nation, and the domains they value most.

Geopolitical forces shaping quantum’s future

Samasuwo: Are there any countries that are taking the lead in supporting the growth of quantum physicists and technicians needed for the future?

Mazhandu: Countries in Asia, particularly China and Singapore, are clearly taking the lead in building the quantum workforce of the future. They have the right mix — strategy, skilled people, cultural discipline and deep pockets. China, in particular, is investing heavily in quantum communication and other key areas, often behind the scenes. They may not say much, but their actions signal a clear intent to dominate globally and secure technological independence. Their recent collaboration with South Africa on quantum communication is a quiet but strong indicator of just how far ahead they are.

The West faces growing challenges. While it maintains strong financial resources and infrastructure, its workforce is gradually ageing and contracting. Combined with shifting geopolitical dynamics, these factors are making it more difficult to maintain traditional leadership roles.

Meanwhile, Africa is waking up. Young people across the continent are becoming more informed, more driven and more committed to Pan-African self-determination. They're realising the grass isn’t greener elsewhere — we can build from within. They’re connected, curious, entrepreneurial and inspired by seeing peers succeed. Access to information has cracked the gate open, and this generation is ready to walk through.

In this global race, the edge belongs to whoever can mobilise talent with purpose. Asia is doing that. Africa must now do the same — on our own terms.

Samasuwo: There has historically been considerable collaboration and openness in research. Given the current geopolitical tensions, how do you see this trend playing out in the coming years?

Mazhandu: Collaboration in research is shifting. I see it evolving into selective partnerships — countries are more interconnected than ever, yet driven by competing interests. Protectionism is rising, but so is the need to cooperate where strengths complement each other.

Some nations have the infrastructure and funding but lack people. Others — like many in Africa — have the people: skilled, driven, and grounded in a strong work ethic and culture. The mismatch is clear. That’s why we're building the Africa Quantum Consortium — to consolidate what makes us special. If we don't, others will keep exploiting these gaps. This is also why so many seek partnerships with smaller African institutions—we aim to flip that power dynamic.

Geopolitical alliances are shifting. Take BRICS — countries like China, South Africa, and others are developing alternative pathways that reflect a changing global order. This isn’t just symbolic; it’s a strategic recalibration. Many nations are preparing to reduce their vulnerabilities, especially around economic pressures like sanctions. There's a growing sentiment globally to pursue more balanced, sovereign development paths. In the end, all nations are navigating a landscape where interests tend to be more permanent than alliances—and the ability to adapt will define resilience.

Africa will increasingly align with partners who respect mutual growth. There's global demand for African talent, and many are eager to collaborate because they recognise the motivation and potential here. These will become the new hubs of collaboration.

While other regions may be ahead in investment and infrastructure, I’m glad we no longer have a single dominant world power. That shift opens up new possibilities. How it unfolds, I can’t say. But I do know Africa must maximise these openings to educate our people and build true capacity.

We don’t just need scientists and physicists. We need people in liberal arts — diplomacy, international policy, cultural literacy — to help Africa engage the world on its own terms.

It’s time to build systems that work for us, solve problems that matter to us, and harness our strengths to lead. And we can absolutely make that happen.

Africa’s position in the quantum field

**Samasuwo: What type of role do you expect Africa to play in this transition? **

Mazhandu: Africa has a big role to play because this is where a lot of the world’s future lies. We’ve got the rare earths, the geography ideal for quantum communication and rocket launches and a deep well of untapped talent. We're a unique kind of community. People often don't fully get how we operate, but global interest is growing—and that gives us leverage. Our minerals, our geography, our talent — they're already in demand, already moving outward. The real question is: will we keep exporting the value, or finally build it here?

We also have the youngest population on the planet, and that's not changing anytime soon. That’s where the real energy is. But if we don't nurture it, we risk losing it. Our young people will keep looking elsewhere, and the world will keep wringing its hands over immigration without ever addressing why people leave in the first place.

The smarter move is to build ecosystems that allow our youth to stay, create, and solve problems right here. At the same time, our diaspora is a goldmine—bringing back experience, networks, and know-how we can put to use immediately. We’ve got more leverage than we realise. It’s time we used all of it.

As for me — I’m fully focused on making this real for Zimbabwe and the continent. At this stage, it’s about giving back. My heart’s with my people. I want to see young Africans thrive with real choices and real futures at home. If they leave, let it be to explore and learn — not to escape. That’s the mission.

This interview is part of a series of expert perspectives on key quantum computing issues for policymakers. Learn about quantum computing in more depth, register for a place on upcoming cohorts of our course: Quantum Computing: Understanding the Technology and its Implications, developed in collaboration with Google Quantum AI.

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