Zambians Set for Global AI Challenge as Government, Liquid and E-Mark Forge Strategic Partnership
The Government has announced a strategic partnership with Liquid Intelligent Technologies and E-Mark Zambia to support Zambia’s participation in the United Nations AI for Good – Robotics for Good Youth Challenge 2025–2026, which will culminate in Geneva, Switzerland.
The collaboration, led by the Ministry of Technology and Science, aims to empower young Zambians to use artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics to address real-world challenges, with food security identified as the global theme for the 2026 competition.
Speaking at the announcement, Minister of Technology and Science Hon Felix Mutati, MP, commended Liquid Intelligent Technologies for its continued contribution to Zambia’s digital transformation, highlighting the company’s role in connecting more than 1,300 schools to the internet. He described the initiative as transformative for education, innovation and national development.
The Minister also praised E-Mark Zambia for nurturing young talent and fostering a culture of purpose-driven innovation. He noted the commitment and determination of Zambian youth participating in the programme, particularly their focus on applying AI and robotics to pressing challenges such as food security.
Hon Mutati emphasised that Zambia’s participation in Geneva is aimed at competitiveness and excellence, rather than symbolic representation. He outlined four pillars critical to success: talent identification and development; strong mentorship and private-sector partnerships; access to quality resources for globally competitive innovations; and Government’s convening role in mobilising partnerships and bridging resource gaps.
He reaffirmed Government’s commitment to mobilising all necessary resources ahead of the national finals in March 2026, enabling participants to focus fully on preparations for the global summit in July 2026.
Acting Chief Executive Officer of Liquid Intelligent Technologies, Mr Mwendamo Mazaba, thanked the Minister for championing the initiative and formally announced Liquid’s partnership with E-Mark Zambia.
He revealed a K250,000 financial contribution to support Zambia’s Road to Geneva programme, adding that Liquid’s support would also include mentorship, technical coaching and capacity-building through its pool of engineers and technology professionals.
Mr Mazaba said the partnership reflects Liquid’s confidence in Zambia’s youth, the power of collaboration and the role of technology in accelerating national development and positioning the country on the global stage.
E-Mark Zambia Chief Executive Officer Mr Mwanza explained that the initiative is part of the UN’s AI for Good framework, targeting young innovators aged 10 to 18 years and equipping them with skills in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
He noted that the Robotics for Good Youth Challenge focuses on AI- and robotics-based solutions to real-world problems, with innovations such as smart solar-powered irrigation systems already emerging from Zambian students.
Mr Mwanza announced that the National Finals will take place on 31 March 2026, following a nationwide call for participation to ensure inclusivity and the selection of top talent from across the country. He stressed that the initiative represents Zambia as a nation, as it prepares to compete against more than 50 countries globally.
He called on additional partners to support the programme, saying investment in the initiative is an investment in Zambia’s future innovators and long-term technological development.
The partnership between the Government, Liquid Intelligent Technologies and E-Mark Zambia marks a significant milestone in advancing youth-driven innovation and positioning Zambia as an emerging technology and innovation hub in Southern Africa.
