UNDP selects Zambia as host for mining center of excellence in Africa

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has selected Zambia to host a Center of Excellence for Mining in Africa, with plans to establish it along Airport Road in Lusaka.

Technology and Science Minister, Felix Mutati, announced that the UNDP had allocated US$1 billion for setting up Centers of Excellence in 10 African countries, focusing on various sectors including mining.

Speaking at the 58th Zambia International Trade Fair in Ndola, Mutati confirmed that the Engineering Institution of Zambia had finalised the center’s architectural plans, paving the way for its development.

Named “Timbuktoo,” the Center of Excellence aims to provide guidance on advanced mining techniques and operations across the continent.

Mutati further revealed that a Kenyan venture capitalist would visit Zambia in October to engage local innovators and potentially fund promising projects.

UNDP Resident Representative, James Wakiaga, emphasized the organization’s commitment to collaborating with government and private sectors to bolster the innovation ecosystem.

Wakiaga encouraged innovators in Zambia, particularly on the Copperbelt, to leverage resources like the UNIPOD at the Copperbelt University in Kitwe, established in partnership with the Ministry of Technology and Science.

Ezra Chabuka, Chief Executive Officer of the Zambia International Trade Fair, affirmed the event’s dedication to supporting innovators by providing platforms to showcase their solutions to societal challenges.

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