MARGARET CHISANGA
Lusaka
LIQUID Intelligent Technologies (Liquid), has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), to provide fibre internet connection to the Mukuba UniPod, an innovation lab located in the Copperbelt University in Kitwe.
“This partnership reiterates Liquid Zambia’s commitment to advancing equitable, quality education and promoting innovation among students in the country. This is in line with the Zambian government’s digital agenda, and our core vision of ensuring that no African is left behind in the digital age,” said Mark Townsend, CEO of Liquid Intelligent Technologies Zambia in a statement.
The MoU was signed at the official launch of the UniPod, where over 20 innovators showcased their ideas.
“By joining forces with UNDP and Copperbelt University, who share our vision, we are empowering the country’s students with the skills and tools they need to succeed in the rapidly transforming job market,” Mr Townsend said.
He said by supplying connectivity for the Mukuba UniPod, Liquid Zambia is demonstrating the power of public-private partnerships in driving positive change, supporting innovation in education, accelerating Zambia’s digital transformation and ensuring that students have the tools necessary to thrive in the digital age.
And UNDP Resident Representative for Zambia, James Wakiaga, said the partnership between UNDP and Liquid is a great step towards enhancing the connectivity of the hub and nurturing creativity and experimentation within its walls.
“The Mukuba UniPod presents an opportunity to young Zambians looking to channel their curiosities, skills and ideas into innovative solutions that will contribute to sustainable development in the country. It was, therefore, essential to provide connectivity in the space, making the Mukuba UniPod a portal to the abundant resources, people and networks they would need to ideate, create and market their solutions,” he said.
As the 11th UniPod in Africa, the Mukuba UniPod forms part of UNDP’s Timbuktoo innovation network, providing opportunities for collaboration across African countries, and building an innovation ecosystem on the continent.
The importance of such innovation hubs in driving economic growth and creating a dynamic ecosystem that attracts investment and talent, is evidenced by Zambia’s creation of a dedicated National Technology Business Centre, a statutory body under the Ministry of Technology and Science, to support the country’s entrepreneurs and innovators.
The Mukuba UniPod, funded by UNDP, serves as a dedicated space for students from Copperbelt university and all surrounding colleges in the region to foster innovation, scientific inquiry, and collaboration. Students are exposed to design thinking, software and equipment for prototyping, and enhanced skills in digital fabrication, while faculty members work closely with students on design projects that could be developed into commercially viable products.
