Timbuktoo Mine Technology Hub to Revolutionize Africa’s Mining Industry
Africa’s mining industry is set for a major transformation as the Timbuktoo Mine Technology Hub, supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), was launched at the National Institute for Scientific and Industrial Research (NISIR) in Lusaka.
Speaking on behalf of President Hakainde Hichilema, Technology and Science Minister Felix Chipota Mutati commended the UNDP for selecting Zambia to host this Pan-African innovation hub.
The initiative, aimed at fostering creativity and supporting startups, is expected to drive technological innovation and increase mineral production, contributing to Zambia’s vision of producing three million tons of minerals within a decade.
“The mining sector has already attracted over $5 billion in investment,” Mutati said, adding that the government’s aerial geophysical surveys are unlocking the sector’s potential by providing precise data to enhance decision-making and curb illegal mining.
UN Resident Coordinator Beatrice Munthali emphasized the hub’s role as a center for research and development across the continent. Meanwhile, Timbuktoo Foundation Executive Secretary Natalie Jabangwe called it a “beacon of innovation,” poised to catalyze economic growth.
BongoHive, a key partner, announced a $25,000 funding program for the first cohort of five innovators starting January 2025. Her Excellence Tinguidanke Kamara, an emerging mining entrepreneur, highlighted the importance of initiatives like Timbuktoo in reshaping Africa’s narrative and empowering its people.
