Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Chief Editor
Published on 2024-03-13 01:15:55
Liquid Intelligent Technologies and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have united in a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to provide fibre internet connection to the Mukuba UniPod, an innovation lab located at the Copperbelt University in Kitwe. The collaboration was solidified at the official launch of the UniPod on February 25th, where over 20 innovators showcased their ideas.
Mark Townsend, Chief Executive Officer of Liquid Telecom, emphasized the partnership’s commitment to advancing equitable, quality education in Zambia and promoting innovation among students. He highlighted the alignment with the Zambian government’s digital agenda and Liquid Telecom’s vision of ensuring no African is left behind in the digital age. Townsend expressed the importance of empowering students with the skills and tools necessary to succeed in a rapidly transforming job market.
James Wakiaga, UNDP Resident Representative, stressed the significance of the Mukuba UniPod in providing a platform for young Zambians to channel their curiosities, skills, and ideas into innovative solutions for sustainable development. By providing connectivity, the UniPod becomes a portal to resources, networks, and opportunities essential for ideation, creation, and marketing of solutions. The partnership between UNDP and Liquid Telecom aims to enhance connectivity at the hub and foster creativity and experimentation among students.
As the 11th UniPod in Africa, the Mukuba UniPod is part of UNDP’s Timbuktoo innovation network, fostering collaboration across African countries and building an innovation ecosystem on the continent. Innovation hubs like the Mukuba UniPod play a crucial role in driving economic growth, creating dynamic ecosystems that attract investment and talent. Zambia has established a dedicated National Technology Business Centre under the Ministry of Technology and Science to support entrepreneurs and innovators in the country.
Funded by UNDP, the Mukuba UniPod provides a dedicated space for students from the Copperbelt University and surrounding colleges to engage in innovation, scientific inquiry, and collaboration. Students have access to design thinking, prototyping software and equipment, digital fabrication skills, and faculty support for design projects with commercial potential.
By providing connectivity for the Mukuba UniPod, Liquid Zambia showcases the power of public-private partnerships in driving positive change and supporting innovation in education. The partnership accelerates Zambia’s digital transformation, ensuring students have the necessary tools to thrive in the digital age. Liquid Zambia, a business of Cassava Technologies, a pan-African technology group, is committed to fostering innovation and digital inclusion in Zambia.
Read the original article on Lusaka Times
