Techbytes: BongoHive unveils AI lab to spur innovation, economic growth in Zambia

BongoHive has announced the launch of its Artificial Intelligence (AI) Lab, a dedicated research and development centre focused on advancing AI solutions in the country.

The tech startup said that the lab would serve as a hub for AI research, development, and industry collaboration, enabling businesses, policymakers, and communities to harness the potential of AI for economic growth and social impact.

Commenting on the development on Thursday, Lukonga Lindunda, Executive Director of BongoHive said this would help to foster a vibrant AI startup ecosystem in Zambia and create opportunities for young people to innovate and build businesses using AI.

He added that the BongoHive AI Lab was launched in response to the growing need for AI expertise and solutions in Zambia.

“We believe that AI has the potential to transform Zambia’s economy and society. The launch of our AI Lab is a significant step towards building a vibrant AI ecosystem in the country and positioning Zambia as a leader in AI innovation in Africa,” he said.

According to a recent survey by BongoHive, in collaboration with the Zambia Information Communications Technology Authority and the Ubuntu AI Community, there is a significant gap between the potential of AI and its current adoption.

The survey found that while many organisations recognise the potential of AI, they lack the expertise and resources to implement AI solutions.

This gap presented a significant opportunity for Zambia to leverage AI for economic growth and social development.

“The lab will focus on developing AI applications in key sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, finance, and education, with the goal of driving innovation and creating economic opportunities,” Lindunda added.

He also highlighted that the global AI market was expected to reach $1.5 trillion by 2025, and Africa was expected to account for a significant share of this growth.

Lindunda stated that by investing in AI research and development, Zambia could position itself to capitalise on this growing market and create high-skilled jobs for its citizens.

“We will be collaborating with industry partners, research institutions, and policymakers to ensure that our work is relevant, impactful, and aligned with national development goals,” said Mapalo Lukashi, Data and AI Lead at BongoHive.

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