Government urges innovators to align with Grow Zambia Agenda
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TechnologyGovernment has implored innovators, technologists and investors to align their innovations and investments with the Grow Zambia Agenda to accelerate national development. Ministry of Technology and Science Permanent Secretary, Brilliant Habeenzu, says technological innovations…
Government has implored innovators, technologists and investors to align their innovations and investments with the Grow Zambia Agenda to accelerate national development.
Ministry of Technology and Science Permanent Secretary, Brilliant Habeenzu, says technological innovations should support the aspirations of President Hakainde Hichilema and contribute to the country’s economic transformation.
ZANIS reports that Dr Habeenzu said this in Lusaka today when he officiated at the two-day Africa Tech Expo in a speech read on his behalf by the Ministry ‘s Director of Technology, Science and Innovation, Larry Mweetwa.
Dr Habeenzu said the government expects technology developers to focus on solutions that address national priorities and create opportunities for economic growth.
He said large corporations should also partner with local start-ups and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to promote innovation and entrepreneurship.
He stated that the government would scale up support for digital training, software development, data science, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence to equip citizens with skills that respond to the needs of the labour market.
Dr Habeenzu said the government could not achieve the digital transformation agenda alone, adding that public policy and infrastructure development must be complemented by private sector investment, research and technical expertise.
He urged participants at the expo to use the platform to establish practical partnerships, invest in digital connectivity and develop commercial collaborations that address barriers to technological advancement.
And speaking earlier, Techtrends Chief Executive Officer, Sandi Chimpala, said the evolution of the Zambia Tech Expo into the Africa Tech Expo is aimed at broadening collaboration and creating opportunities beyond national borders.
Ms Chimpala said innovation could not thrive without appropriate infrastructure, while infrastructure alone was insufficient unless it created opportunities for businesses, entrepreneurs and ordinary citizens.
Meanwhile, Acting United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative, Laurent Rudasingwa, said technology should be used to promote investment, improve productivity and expand economic opportunities.
Mr Rudasingwa said the transformation of the Zambia Tech Expo into the Africa Tech Expo demonstrates the ambition to connect the country’s technology ecosystem with opportunities across the continent.
He said UNDP’s strategic priorities recognise digital and artificial intelligence transformation, gender equality and sustainable finance as key accelerators of development.
The UNDP Envoy said technology should be linked to development priorities, strong institutions and investment to ensure that its benefits reach more people.
The two-day expo being held at Mulungushi International Conference has attracted government, private sector, development partners and technology stakeholders to exchange ideas, showcase innovations and explore ways of translating emerging technologies into practical solutions for Africa.
The Africa Tech Expo is being held under the theme, “Innovation, Infrastructure, and Africa’s Next Economy.”
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