Innovation and Technology Summit Kopala (ITS-Kopala) Media Launch Kicks Off in Lusaka
The Innovation and Technology Summit Kopala (ITS-Kopala) has been officially launched at a media event held at Bongo Hive, Zepre House, Lusaka, with Minister of Technology and Science, Hon Felix Mutati MP, officiating.
The summit, driven by key players in Zambia’s innovation ecosystem—including Bongo Hive, the Finnish Embassy, Greentech4ce project, Minetech Hub at Nisir, Mukuba Unipod at Copperbelt University, UNDP Accelerator Lab, Women Entrepreneurship Access Centre, Zambia Business Angels Network, and ZICTA—aims to promote transformative and inclusive innovation across the country.
Hon. Mutati highlighted the partnership between Zambia and Finland, noting that Finland’s approach demonstrates how innovative ideas can catalyse economic transformation. He affirmed the government’s commitment to make ITS-Kopala an annual event and thanked Finnish Ambassador to Zambia, Her Excellency Helinaan Saana, for supporting Zambia through financial aid and ecosystem engagement.
The Minister also emphasised the importance of private-sector involvement, particularly mining companies, in investing in youth-led innovations that address operational, productivity, and environmental challenges.
He announced the finalisation of the Innovation and Inventors Bill, which introduces a Venture Capital Fund to support innovators. The fund will be managed independently, with young innovators included on its board to ensure inclusive investment decisions.
“Collaboration and ideas are the bedrock of innovation. We invite institutions such as Bongo Hive and the Zambia Business Angel Network to actively participate in ITS-Kopala, which will now be elevated as the ‘Kopala Summit’ to attract wider participation and visibility,” Hon. Mutati said.
Mr Hachombwa Ng’andu, Director of the National Technology Business Centre (NTBC), noted that ITS-Kopala builds on the directives from last year’s ITS-Z Forum held in Lusaka. He explained that this year’s summit will take place in Kitwe at Garden Court, expanding inclusion and outreach in line with NTBC’s mandate to promote innovation, technology transfer, and commercialisation.
“NTBC cannot achieve its mission alone. Stronger collaboration among ecosystem partners is essential to ensure the success of this summit,” Mr Ng’andu added.
Her Excellency Helinaan Saana reaffirmed Finland’s commitment to Zambia’s innovation journey and traced the origins of ITS-Kopala to Finland’s world-renowned Slush startup and tech event.
She highlighted the success of Zambia’s first summit in 2023, which brought together over 700 innovators and startups, many of whom secured investments through global networking opportunities.
The Ambassador stressed that ITS-Kopala is not merely an investment platform but a space for transformative, sustainable innovation, empowering young Zambians and driving inclusive growth. She encouraged participation across diverse stakeholders and underscored the summit’s focus on sustainable mining practices through technology.
The ITS-Kopala summit will take place on 6–7 November 2025, with the theme centred on promoting green, inclusive, and sustainable industrial growth.
The media launch highlighted Zambia’s commitment to building a robust innovation ecosystem, supported by government legislation and funding, NTBC’s operational frameworks, and Finland’s ongoing partnership, all aimed at empowering young innovators and attracting investment to Zambia’s technology sector.
