Govt allocates K22 million to support innovative solutions, mitigate energy crisis, climate change

Government has allocated K22 million in grants to support innovators and inventors in bringing their prototypes to life, with a focus on addressing Zambia’s energy deficit and climate change challenges.

Technology and Science Minister, Felix Mutati, announced the funding on Tuesday while officially opening the Consultative Workshop on the Development of a Generic Commercialisation and Technology Transfer Framework in Lusaka.

The grants are intended to support the development of solutions to the country’s pressing energy and climate issues.

“The New Dawn Administration under the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema has allocated a total sum of K22 million in grants to support innovators and inventors in the country in order to bring their prototype to life,” he said.

Mutati reiterated government’s commitment to fostering innovation, particularly among young people, to develop marketable products that can address societal challenges.

“There is a lot of creativity and expertise that can be harnessed to tackle the many pressing issues in the country,” he stated.

He said there was need for innovative technologies to mitigate the effects of the ongoing drought, highlighting the importance of deploying solutions that can withstand climate change impacts.

Mutati also revealed that the government was reviewing the Science and Technology Policy to address various challenges.

He mentioned the upcoming Start-Up Bill, which aimed to attract venture capital to support start-ups and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

National Science and Technology Council Acting Executive Secretary, Guest Mugala, affirmed the institution’s commitment to supporting innovation, noting that it plays a crucial role in responding to societal problems.

The two-day workshop had drawn dozens of delegates from eight African countries.

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