Loading...
This record has been deleted. Since it is linked to a published record, it is available here for reference purposes only.
Click here to view the deleted recordThis document has been updated. This is not the latest published version. Click here to view the latest version of the record.
Biosafety Expert
(EXP)
last updated: 14 Oct 2026
Dr Frank Magama is an accomplished research scientist and agricultural leader with extensive experience in research management, biosafety governance, and higher education. He serves as a Committee Member to the Faculty of Agriculture and Guest Lecturer at the Midlands State University (MSU), where he contributes to academic and professional development through the sharing of expertise in agricultural research, biotechnology, biosafety, and innovation management. His engagement with the university has strengthened collaboration between academia and industry while mentoring students and young professionals in scientific research and leadership.
In addition, Dr Magama serves as Chairman of the Biosafety Committee at the TobaccoResearch Board (TRB), providing strategic oversight on biosafety policies, regulatory compliance, and the safe application of biotechnology in research programmes. In this role, he guides the review and monitoring of research activities involving biological materials, ensuring adherence to national and international biosafety standards. His leadership has been instrumental in promoting responsible research practices, risk management, and the advancement of science-driven agricultural development.
Person:Dr. Frank MagamaChief Executive Officer, Policy and AdministrationPhone:Fax:Email: fmagama@kutsaga.co.zw,Website:Related OrganizationKutsaga Research ()Academic or research instituteAirport Ring RoadHarare, Harare
00263, ZimbabwePhone: +2638688002604,Fax:Email: kutsaga@kutsaga.co.zw,Website: https://kutsaga.co.zw/,
1980
Zimbabwe
- Zimbabwean
Tobacco Research Board (t/a Kutsaga)
EN
Academic or research institute
Chief Executive Officer
EN
Policy and Administration
EN
2022-09
Academic or research institute
Dr Frank Magama is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Tobacco Research Board (TRB) and a highly experienced agricultural research scientist with extensive expertise in research management, strategic leadership, biosafety governance, innovation, and agricultural development. As CEO, he provides overall leadership and direction for the organisation, overseeing research and development programmes, corporate strategy, stakeholder engagement, resource mobilisation, financial stewardship, and the translation of scientific research into practical solutions that enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability.
In addition to his executive role, Dr Magama serves as Chairman of the Biosafety Committee at the Tobacco Research Board, where he leads the development and implementation of biosafety policies, regulatory compliance frameworks, risk assessment processes, and the safe application of biotechnology in research activities. His responsibilities include ensuring adherence to national and international biosafety standards, promoting responsible research practices, and fostering collaboration among researchers, industry stakeholders, government agencies, and development partners. Through his leadership, he has contributed significantly to advancing science-based innovation, strengthening institutional performance, and supporting sustainable agricultural development.
Tobacco Research Board
EN
Plant Breeding and Genetics
EN
2004-07
2022-09
Academic or research institute
Dr. Frank Magama served as Plant Breeder and later Head of Plant Breeding and Genetics at the Tobacco Research Board (TRB), providing scientific and strategic leadership for tobacco varietal development in Zimbabwe.
Key Responsibilities:
· Varietal Development: Led breeding programs—from germplasm collection and hybridization to field testing—releasing high-yielding, disease-resistant cultivars.
· Research Leadership: Directed research strategy, managed multi-disciplinary teams, and allocated project budgets aligned with national agricultural priorities.
· Collaboration & Regulatory Oversight: Partnered with local and international institutions on crop innovation while ensuring full biosafety, phytosanitary, and regulatory compliance.
· Industry Impact: Promoted technology transfer to drive yield productivity and long-term sustainability across the tobacco sector.
Bachelor of Science (BSc Hons) in Crop Science
EN
University of Zimbabwe
EN
2000-01
2003-12
Master of Science (MSc) in Plant Sciences and Biotechnology
EN
University of Leeds, England
EN
2009-01
2010-10
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics
EN
University of Dundee, Scotland
EN
2010-11
2014-12
B. Other professional qualifications
- Master of Business Administration (MBA), National University of Science and Technology (NUST), Zimbabwe (2018-2019).
- Executive Diploma in Leadership, Zimbabwe Institute of Management (ZIM) (2018-2020).
- Corporate Director Certification Programme, Institute of Corporate Directors (2025).
- Biotechnology research and development
- Capacity development
- Information and knowledge management
- Policy and legal
- Public awareness, education and participation, including access to information
- Risk management
- Trade issues
- Zvobgo, G., Magama, F., Mavuka, R., Dimbi, S., & Kashangura, C. (2023, October). Eukaryotic translation factor (eIF4) targeted sequence analysis of PVY tolerant Kutsaga accession to determine nucleotide responsible for PVY resistance and CRISPR/Cas9 mutagenesis of a Kutsaga line for PVY resistance (Paper AP51) [Conference presentation]. CORESTA Agronomy & Leaf Integrity and Phytopathology & Genetics Conference (AP2023), Cancun, Mexico
- Mateva KI, Mahenga E, Matibiri T, Kamutando CN, Magama F and Dimbi S (2024) Genotype-specific morphophysiological adaptations and proline accumulation uncover drought adaptation complexity in hemp (Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica). Front. Plant Physiol. 2:1441262. doi: 10.3389/fphgy.2024.1441262
- Muzerengwa, Reward & Muzhinji, Norman & DAHLIA, Garwe & Chisango, Tawanda & Nyoni, Makomborero & Magama, Frank. (2025). Reverse Transcriptase-PCR-based techniques for the detection and identification of potato virus Y and tobacco mosaic virus in tobacco. 10.21203/rs.3.rs-5932739/v1
- President, Zimbabwe Plant Breeders Association (ZPBA) (2020-2022).
- Member of the African Plant Breeders Association
- Member, Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD), Zimbabwe (2025 to Present)
- Board Member, Farmers Development Trust (FDT) Board - Provides strategic guidance on agricultural development, farmer capacity building, sustainable production systems, and industry growth initiatives. Contributes technical expertise in crop improvement, research translation, and stakeholder engagement to support the Trust's mandate.
- Board Chairman, Mosi Oa Tunya Cigars Pvt Ltd. - Provides leadership on corporate governance, strategic planning, risk management, and business development. Oversees initiatives aimed at promoting value addition, market expansion, and sustainability within the tobacco industry.
- Advisory Board Member and Guest Lecturer, Midlands State University (MSU) Master's Programme in Genetics. - Provides academic and technical guidance on curriculum development, postgraduate research, student supervision, and industry-academia collaboration. Shares expertise in plant breeding, molecular genetics, biotechnology, and biosafety to strengthen capacity development in agricultural sciences.
- English
| Language | Level |
|---|---|
| English | excellent |
Dr. Frank Magama’s leadership as CEO of Kutsaga (the Tobacco Research Board) was central to securing the bid to host the prestigious CORESTA Congress 2026 in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.
Under his direct executive stewardship, Kutsaga positioned Zimbabwe as an international hub for tobacco research, sustainable agricultural technology, and science-driven agronomy. Key executive contributions include:
1. Championing Global Scientific Credibility
Dr. Magama leveraged his extensive background as a plant molecular geneticist and long-standing tobacco scientist to reinforce Kutsaga’s reputation within the international scientific community. By ensuring Kutsaga remained at the forefront of breeding drought-tolerant crop varieties, biological crop protection, and modern tissue culture propagation, he established the institutional authority required to convince CORESTA’s global board that Zimbabwe possessed the scientific rigor to host a world-class congress.
2. Strategic Institutional Rebranding and Modernization
Following his appointment as CEO, Dr. Magama led the transformation and strategic alignment of the Tobacco Research Board under the Kutsaga brand. His focus on modernizing infrastructure, expanding green technologies, and driving sustainable agricultural research aligned Kutsaga’s mission directly with CORESTA’s international priorities on sustainability, harm reduction science, and good agricultural practices.
3. Executive Bidding & International Advocacy
As CEO, Dr. Magama spearheaded the formal invitation and pitch process to the CORESTA Scientific Commission and Board. He championed Zimbabwe’s role as Africa's premier tobacco producer, articulating a vision where holding the congress at Elephant Hills Hotel in Victoria Falls would bridge high-level international science with real-world African agricultural practices.
4. Operational Leadership & Stakeholder Mobilization
Securing and organizing an international event of this scale required uniting key national stakeholders. Dr. Magama aligned Kutsaga’s host proposal with national economic frameworks (such as the Tobacco Value Chain Transformation Plan), gaining the institutional and government backing necessary to guarantee conference logistics, event security, international delegate facilitation, and hospitality standards.
