ZICTA supports young innovators

Fri, 17 Mar 2017 14:30:25 +0000

By KALOBWE BWALYA

ZAMBIA Information Communication and Technology Authority (ZICTA) has continued partnering with a number of institutions from the private sector, Government and academia to ensure that more youth innovators are empowered through technology.

Speaking at the pitching event for the Information Communication Technology Innovation programme in Lusaka yesterday, ZICTA director for markets, competition and licensing Mulenga Chisanga said the programme was aimed at providing business and technical development support services to upcoming young ICT innovators in Zambia.

Mr Chisanga said as a demonstration of its commitment to continue providing support to young inventors, ZICTA has identified innovation as a pillar to the organization‘s strategic plan for the period 2017-2021.

“This event is aimed at providing a platform for the young innovators with potential partners on the projects. We envisage that through the interaction today, a number of financiers will be able to identify some projects for support.

‘‘Zicta is currently running an advert to solicit for more young innovators to participate in the next cohort of the ICT innovation programme,” said Mr Chisanga.

Mr Chisanga hoped that some organizations would be willing to partner with some of the innovators as takers of the products and services being showcased.

He said the 15 young men and women had demonstrated immense commitment and enthusiasm in the programme over the last four months and the majority are from Lusaka.

And ZANACO bank chief commercial officer, Lishala Situmbeko, said the bank would continue providing financial support to the needy.

He said technological innovation was a key factor of growth and it was only through innovation that the country could achieve higher standards of living.

He said he was passionate about mentorship, leadership and especially seeing youths coming up with ideas to solve problems of today.

“When we come to Zanaco’s involvement in this event, as a bank we are really the mother of mobile banking in Zambia. We brought mobile banking in Zambia and innovation is a continuous process,’’ he said.