ITS Kopala 100 Connects Zambian Startups to Investment and Growth
Zambia has reaffirmed its commitment to building an innovation-driven economy following the successful hosting of the Innovation and Technology Summit – ITS Kopala 100, a national platform aimed at connecting startups with investment and growth opportunities.
Convened by the Ministry of Technology and Science in partnership with the National Technology Business Centre and supported by international and private sector stakeholders, the summit took place at the Garden Court Hotel in Kitwe from 29 to 30 April 2026.
The event brought together policymakers, innovators, investors and development partners, including the European Union, United Nations Development Programme and the Finnish Embassy, alongside local institutions such as NAPSA, Zanaco and ZISC Life.
At the centre of the summit was the “100 Startups Showcase”, a flagship initiative designed to elevate high-potential Zambian startups by providing visibility, networking opportunities and access to investment. Organisers said the initiative reflects Zambia’s broader ambition under Vision 2030 to transition towards an inclusive, innovation-led economy.
Minister of Technology and Science, Felix Mutati, emphasised the need for measurable outcomes and sustainable growth, calling for a shift from ideas to commercially viable enterprises.
He outlined five strategic priorities to drive innovation beyond 2026, including improving access to financing, expanding digital infrastructure, enhancing data integration, building trust in data systems, and strengthening partnerships under the concept of “Digital Ubuntu”.
“These building blocks are critical to ensuring that innovation translates into real economic value, job creation and national development,” Mutati said.
The government’s approach includes efforts to simplify funding processes for startups, expand nationwide internet connectivity, introduce a unified digital identity system, and promote responsible data use to support economic growth.
Speaking at the summit, James Wakiaga, Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme, described ITS Kopala 100 as a key platform for linking innovation to investment and scaling entrepreneurial solutions.
He highlighted the importance of digital transformation in expanding access to services and supporting micro, small and medium enterprises across sectors such as agriculture, health, education and finance.
Wakiaga further stressed the role of data-driven innovation in improving decision-making and reducing investment risks, urging stakeholders to strengthen collaboration and align innovation efforts with national priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals.
The summit underscored Zambia’s growing innovation ecosystem, which organisers say remains rich with untapped potential. By aligning policy, investment, infrastructure and talent, ITS Kopala 100 is expected to play a pivotal role in accelerating the growth of scalable enterprises and fostering inclusive economic transformation.
Stakeholders noted that sustained collaboration between government, the private sector and development partners will be essential to unlocking Zambia’s innovation potential and positioning the country as a competitive player in the digital economy.
