Zambia Hosts Innovation Summit to Support 100 Start-ups
The Ministry of Technology and Science, in partnership with the National Technology Business Council and key stakeholders, has launched the Innovation and Technology Summit – ITS Kopala 100, aimed at promoting Zambia’s growing start-up ecosystem and unlocking investment opportunities.
The two-day summit, taking place at the Garden Court Hotel in Kitwe from 29 to 30 April 2026, has brought together entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers and development partners to support innovation-led economic growth.
Held with support from partners including the European Union under its Global Gateway initiative, NAPSA, AMREF, UNDP and the Finnish Embassy, alongside corporate sponsors such as Zanaco, ZISC Life and the Women Entrepreneurship Access Centre (WEAC), the summit is positioning itself as a key platform for advancing Zambia’s digital and innovation agenda.
At the centre of the event is the “100 Start-ups Showcase”, a flagship initiative designed to identify and promote some of the country’s most promising entrepreneurial ventures. The programme aims to connect innovators with investors and industry leaders, while highlighting the role of start-ups in driving economic transformation.
Organisers say the summit is providing opportunities for start-ups to pitch their ideas to potential investors, engage in structured networking sessions, and form strategic partnerships. It also features masterclasses, panel discussions and exhibitions showcasing innovative products and services from across the country.
The initiative is expected to strengthen collaboration within the innovation ecosystem by bringing together key players, including government institutions, private sector actors and development partners.
Officials say the broader goal of ITS Kopala 100 is to catalyse investment, enhance visibility for local innovators and create pathways for start-ups to scale their businesses.
