The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has unveiled its intention to establish a Mining Technology (MinTech) hub in Zambia, with an investment exceeding K160 million.
This initiative, disclosed during the Timbuktoo Retreat Strategy in Cape Town, South Africa, aims to foster innovation and collaboration within Zambia’s mining sector, leveraging technology to enhance sustainability, efficiency, and safety.
Ahunna Eziakonwa, UNDP’s Regional Director for Africa, revealed that Zambia was not initially included in the list of countries earmarked for this investment.
However, following discussions with President Hichilema, the decision was made to extend the initiative to Zambia. Eziakonwa praised the President’s dedication to positioning Zambia as an industrial hub and recognized the country’s significant mining potential as a driving force behind UNDP’s decision.
Felix Mutati, the Minister of Technology and Science, hailed the establishment of the MinTech hub as a pivotal achievement aligning with the government’s strategy to promote value addition in the mining sector.
Former Nigerian Vice President Yemi Osinbajo commended Zambia’s leadership in the mining industry and emphasized the hub’s role in bolstering existing investments within the sector.
The MinTech hub in Zambia will serve as a nexus for collaboration among government, industry, academia, and broader society, facilitating knowledge exchange, solution development, and the promotion of best practices in mining.
