Empowering Youths Through AI Innovation Challenge 

By Daily News Reporter 

n a vibrant display of innovation, creativity, and youthful ambition, Zambia’s technological future took center stage at the E-Mark AI and Robotics Challenge National Grand Finale in Lusaka. The event not only showcased cutting-edge ideas but also amplified a clear national message: the time has come for Zambians to move from consuming technology to creating it.

Speaking at E-Mark AI and Robotics Challenge National Grand Finale Ministry of Technology and Science, Minister Mr Felix Mutati, called for a mindset shift among citizens—especially young people—to embrace innovation as a tool for solving local challenges. He stressed that Zambia’s development trajectory depends on its ability to harness homegrown technological solutions tailored to its unique needs.

“Technology must not just be imported; it must be built here, by Zambians, for Zambians,” he said, underscoring the importance of investing in digital skills and innovation ecosystems.

The competition, which drew participants from across the country, reflected the growing momentum in Zambia’s digital transformation agenda. From robotics to artificial intelligence, the projects on display demonstrated not only technical skill but also a deep understanding of real-world problems.

Among the standout voices reinforcing this vision was Kusobile Kamwandi, Head of the Presidential Delivery Unit (PDU). She highlighted the government’s deliberate push to integrate technology into key sectors such as agriculture and public service delivery. According to her, innovation is no longer optional—it is central to Zambia’s economic resilience and efficiency.

“The ICT sector is becoming a powerful contributor to our Gross Domestic Product,” she noted. “This is a clear indication that technology is not just a support system—it is a driver of growth.”

At the heart of the event was a strong emphasis on youth empowerment. Emmanuel Mwanza, Chief Executive Officer of E-Mark, emphasized that young people are Zambia’s greatest asset in the digital age. He called for sustained investment in education, mentorship, and platforms that allow young innovators to thrive.

That potential was vividly illustrated by one of the youngest participants, Nandipa Sanagurai, a 12-year-old Grade Seven pupil. Her invention—a robot capable of taking orders and assisting people—captured the imagination of attendees and symbolized the promise of Zambia’s next generation of tech leaders. Her work stood as a powerful reminder that innovation knows no age.

The event also highlighted collaborative efforts between government and private sector players, reinforcing the idea that partnerships are critical to building robust digital infrastructure and expanding connectivity across the country.

As the curtains closed on the grand finale, one message remained clear: Zambia is steadily positioning itself as a hub for innovation in the region. With increasing support for young talent, strategic policy direction, and a growing ICT sector, the country is laying the foundation for a future driven by technology and creativity.

From classrooms to coding labs, Zambia’s innovators are rising—proving that the nation is not just ready to adopt the future, but to build it.

MoE, SHN Join Forces to Improve Learning for Children with Intellectual Disabilities

By Daily News Reporter 

For many children with intellectual disabilities in Zambia, access to quality education has often remained out of reach. But a new partnership between the Ministry of Education Zambia and Special Hope Network (SHN) is poised to change that narrative—offering hope, dignity, and opportunity to thousands of learners across the country.

 The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) marks a decisive step toward building a more inclusive education system—one that recognizes every child’s right to learn, regardless of ability.

At the heart of this partnership is a shared belief: that inclusive education is not charity, but a constitutional right and a national obligation.

Speaking during the signing ceremony Ministry of Education Permanent Secretary Mr Kelvin Mambwe Educational Services, captured this sentiment,

“Inclusive education is not just about access—it is about equity, dignity, and opportunity. We are committed to ensuring that every child in Zambia has a place in the classroom,” Mr Mambwe said.

For years, many schools have struggled to adequately support learners with intellectual disabilities due to limited training, insufficient resources, and low levels of community awareness. This partnership seeks to address those gaps head-on.

Through the collaboration, teachers across Zambia will receive specialized training to better understand and support diverse learning needs. Curricula will be adapted to ensure that lessons are accessible and meaningful to all learners. Communities, often the first point of contact for children, will also be engaged to shift perceptions and reduce stigma.

For Eric Nelson, President of SHN, the agreement represents more than policy—it is a promise to families who have long felt overlooked.

“When we bring together expertise, compassion, and commitment, we unlock potential that has too often been ignored. This partnership is about giving every child a chance to thrive,” Nelson said.

With over 15 years of experience working at grassroots level, SHN has built a reputation for advocating for children with intellectual disabilities and supporting inclusive practices in communities. Its role in this partnership will be to provide technical guidance, strengthen community engagement, and ensure that implementation reaches even the most underserved areas.

Education experts say the initiative could serve as a model for inclusive collaboration nationwide, demonstrating how government and civil society can work together to deliver meaningful change.

Beyond policies and frameworks, the real impact of this partnership will be measured in classrooms—where a child who was once excluded is now welcomed, supported, and empowered to learn.

As Zambia moves forward, this collaboration signals a shift toward a more compassionate and equitable education system—one where difference is not a barrier, but a strength.