Zambia Empowers Youth with Innovation at Kopala Technology Summit
The Ministry of Technology and Science, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Government of Finland through its embassy in Zambia, has launched the Innovation and Technology-Kopala Summit at the ECL Convention Centre, Garden Court Hotel in Kitwe.
The two-day summit seeks to strengthen Zambia’s innovation landscape by empowering young people with skills, investment opportunities and a supportive policy framework.
Officially opening the event, the Minister of Technology and Science, Hon. Felix Chipota Mutati, MP, highlighted the importance of creating an enabling environment that turns young innovators’ ideas into sustainable enterprises. He said the government remains committed to fostering a culture of innovation, resilience and strategic partnerships for technology-driven national development.
The Minister noted that young people across the country are rich with ideas, but require resources, mentorship and platforms to grow. He said the government aims to provide financial support and partnership opportunities to ensure youth-led innovations transition from concept to business.
Hon. Mutati reminded young innovators that success does not come overnight. He encouraged them to persevere, learn from setbacks and reinvest their skills and capital to achieve long-term progress.
The Minister announced that the government is formulating the Inventors and Innovation Bill, which will enable innovators to access funding through an independently managed Venture Capital Fund. The legislation is expected to promote accountability while strengthening creativity and entrepreneurship.
Reforms underway in the Data Protection Act will help differentiate between personal data and innovation-use data. The Minister said data has become a valuable economic asset and must be harnessed responsibly to support innovation and commercial growth.
Reliable power supply and internet access remain major pillars in the innovation space. Government is working to enhance connectivity, improve service standards and ensure innovators remain digitally connected.
Hon. Mutati stressed the importance of security in the digital environment, noting that a safe online ecosystem builds confidence and protects innovators from cyber risks. Strengthened cybersecurity measures will form part of the country’s digital transformation efforts.
The summit highlights the role of collaboration, with support from UNDP, Finland and other development partners. Through capacity building, knowledge exchange and shared innovation experiences, Zambia hopes to build an inclusive ecosystem where young creators thrive.
The Minister closed with a call to action for attendees: “Whenever people meet, something must change.” He reaffirmed that the future of Zambia’s innovation lies in the hands of its youth, and with collective effort, the nation will develop a stronger, more connected technology-driven community.
The summit continues with panel discussions, exhibitions and networking opportunities for emerging innovators, investors and development partners.
