Zambia Launches Mukuba UniPoD Innovation Hub to Foster Youth Entrepreneurship and Technological Advancements
The Ministry of Technology and Science, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has unveiled the Mukuba UniPoD Innovation Hub in Kitwe, as part of efforts to bolster Zambia’s innovation landscape and empower its youth.
This launch event, held on February 25th, 2024, stands as a significant milestone in Zambia’s journey toward technological advancement and youth empowerment.
Minister Felix Mutati praised the UNDP for its financial support, totaling One Hundred and Twenty-Five Million US Dollars, dedicated to constructing the innovation hub.
He lauded the agency’s efforts in fostering innovation across the country, particularly highlighting the transformation of student-led initiatives at Copperbelt University (CBU) into tangible prototypes, such as batteries.
During his address, Minister Mutati emphasized the importance of collaboration with the private sector to harness the industrious capabilities demonstrated by the university. He commended the range of ingenuity among students, underscoring their relentless pursuit of innovation.
UNDP Assistant Administrator for Africa, Ahunna Eziakonwa, reiterated the UN’s commitment to supporting innovative endeavors across the continent. Zambia, among other African countries, has been allocated funding under a specified theme to construct an innovation hub aimed at empowering youths to explore various innovations.
Ms. Eziakonwa emphasized the pivotal role of youths as agents of change and stressed the need for gender-inclusive innovation programs to enhance the ecosystem.
Highlighting the importance of private sector engagement in development activities, Ms. Eziakonwa praised Zambia’s efforts in integrating technology and innovation to tackle societal challenges.
She urged for practical solutions to drive integrated development and emphasized the importance of supporting the younger generation to compete globally in innovation programs.
Copperbelt Minister Elisha Matambo underscored the necessity of fostering innovation in today’s evolving world, emphasizing the integration of research, innovation, and technology into the education system from an early age.
He hailed the launch of Mukuba UniPoD at CBU as a significant step towards nurturing a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship among students.
Minister of Sports, Youth Arts, and Culture, Elvis Nkandu, highlighted the alignment of the UniPod launch with Zambia’s youth empowerment agenda, emphasizing the role of the National Youth Policy in addressing youth challenges and promoting various initiatives.
Felicity Chisanga, Chairperson of the Copperbelt University Council, expressed gratitude for the university’s new innovation milestone, recognizing its vital role in cultivating environments conducive to innovation.
She affirmed the university’s commitment to staying abreast of technological advancements and leading the way in fostering innovation.
In his closing remarks, Copperbelt Vice Chancellor Paul Chisale reflected on the UniPoD’s inception journey, emphasizing its significance as a beacon of inspiration and a space for ideation, training, and skill-building for students from diverse backgrounds.
