The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) has picked Zambia as the host of a Center of Excellence for Mining in Africa which will be held in Lusaka.
UNDP has provided One billion United States Dollars for 10 African countries to set up various Centers of Excellence with Zambia focusing on mining.
Speaking during a panel discussion at the ongoing 58th Zambia International Trade Fair in Ndola today, Technology and Science Minister, Felix Mutati, said the Center of Excellence will be called Timbuktoo and it will offer guidance on best mining techniques and operations across the continent.
“The Ministry will facilitate for innovators to meet the venture capitalist and showcase their ideas and prototypes in the hope of getting funding”, said Mr. Mutati.
And UNDP Resident Representative James Wakiaga says the UN body wants to collaborate with both government entities and the private sector to strengthen the innovative ecosystem.
Mr. Wakiaga urged innovators on the Copperbelt to utilize the UNIPOD which the UNDP has set up with the Ministry of Technology and Science at the Copperbelt University in Kitwe.
Meanwhile, Zambia International Trade Fair Chief Executive Officer Ezra Chabuka has pledged that the Trade Fair will always offer an opportunity to innovators to showcase their works.
Mr. Chabuka says innovation must be supported because it offers solutions to society’s problems.
By Margaret Mwanza
