(UNDP Regional Director for Africa, Ms Ahunna Eziakonwa, Minister of Technology and Science, Hon Felix Mutati, and the UNDP Zambia Resident Representative, James Wakiaga, engage with Mervis Ngosa, the Zambian innovator behind the Copperslag Stove at the launch of the Mukuba UniPod in Copperbelt University)
On February 26th, 2024, a significant milestone was reached for UNDP and the people of Zambia as the nation joined 12 other African countries in inaugurating a University Innovation Pod (UNIPOD). This initiative signifies a strategic endeavor to strengthen Africa's growing innovation ecosystem, aimed at fostering local grassroots innovations that address development challenges.
The UniPod is a UNDP flagship initiative, implemented through the Timbuktoo – a pan-African startup builder and venture fund with aims to bridge gaps in early-stage risk capital for African startups, and the UNDP Accelerator Labs – the largest and fastest learning network for solving development challenges, the UniPod will tap into the incredible potential of makers, creators, and entrepreneurs on the continent to solve complex developmental challenges.
Named Mukuba UniPod, the hub is housed in at the Copperbelt University in Kitwe, creating a space for entrepreneurs and innovators to engage on and exchange ideas, develop prototypes, test solutions, access a wide variety of resources to scale ideas into marketable solutions.
The launch of Mukuba UNIPOD is therefore an opportunity to engage youths to channel their talents towards innovative solutions – a cornerstone of sustainable development.
The UniPod was established after 10 months of implementation has been set to not only cater for the Copperbelt University students but will cater for all innovators across the country with a particular focus on promoting female led grass root innovations, bringing together diverse actors in the innovation ecosystem and leveraging Private sector partnerships with Liquid Intelligent technologies leading the way. With this backdrop, Ms Eziakonwa has recognized Mukuba UniPod as a model UniPod, which must be used in establishing other Innovation Hubs particularly across the country.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister of Technology and Science, Hon. Felix Mutati MP noted: “I am confident that this platform will serve as a catalyst for innovation, collaboration, and excellence in professional and occupational development, paving the way for a more prosperous and sustainable Zambia.”
"We saw ingenuity. The level of ingenuity is without limit. In the last three years we witnessed UNDP’s partnership with the National Innovation Initiative where over 4000 innovators have been supported.” Honourable Mutati emphasized that the collaboration with UNDP in the past has culminated in the launch of UniPod whilst not ignoring the development of the science and technology policy.
Please log in or sign up to comment.