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The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has invested approximately US$6 million to establish the Minetech hub in Zambia, with the Zambian government contributing an additional US$3 million, Technology and Science Minister Felix Mutati has announced.
Speaking at the 2024 Tech Expo and Copperbelt University Challenge in Kitwe on Thursday, Mutati highlighted that the Minetech hub would serve as a continental center for providing innovative solutions to Africa’s mining sector.
Read more: UNDP raises the alarm over resource exploitation, pollution in Zambia
“The Minetech will be a center where solutions for the mining industry will be developed and shared across the continent,” he said in a statement released on Thursday.
UNDP Resident Representative, James Wakiaga, confirmed that the Minetech hub was set to be launched soon.
He expressed gratitude to the Zambian government for its commitment to fostering innovation and supporting youth in developing sustainable solutions.
“Government’s investment in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) schools is a strategic move that will increase the number of girls pursuing careers in science,” Wakiaga noted.
He added that the low representation of girls in science fields would benefit from this initiative.
Meanwhile, Education Minister, Douglas Syakalima, revealed that the government was finalising the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy and Startup Bill, which would provide policy guidance for innovation in Zambia.
“The AI Strategy and Startup Bill will create a legal framework for innovators to develop their ideas into sustainable solutions,” Syakalima said.
He stated the government’s commitment to investing in research and innovation. He also thanked the UNDP for selecting Zambia as the host of the Minetech hub.
“The Minetech will be instrumental in addressing challenges facing the mining sector across Africa,” Syakalima added.
In a related development, Copperbelt University (CBU) Vice Chancellor Professor, Imasiku Nyambe, disclosed that CBU required K304 million to modernise its infrastructure and enhance operations.
He appealed to the university’s alumni to support efforts to improve the institution.
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