President Hichilema Reiterates His Commitment To Investing In Research and Innovation
Written by Mafken FM Newsroom on 17 October 2024
By Respite Kaoma
President Hakainde Hichilema says the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy and the Start-up Bill which the Ministry of Technology and Science are finalising will provide policy direction for innovation in the country.
President Hichilema says the AI Strategy and Start-up Bill will also form a legal basis for innovators to utilise their ideas and create sustainable solutions for the country.
In a speech read for him by Education Minister Douglas Syakalima at the 2024 Tech Expo and Copperbelt University Challenge held in Kitwe, President Hichilema said the two policy documents will help in promoting solutions that young people have as ideas.
President Hichilema also thanked the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for choosing Zambia to host the Minetech, a centre of excellence in mining technology. The President said government is committed to investing in research and innovation
And Technology and Science Minister Felix Mutati has disclosed that government has invested $3 million while the UNDP has invested $6 million in setting up the Minetech in Zambia.
Meanwhile, UNDP Resident Representative James Wakiaga disclosed that the Minetech hub will soon be launched in Zambia.
And Copperbelt University Vice Chancellor Professor Imasiku Nyambe disclosed that CBU needs K304 million to modernize its infrastructure and improve operations.
