Zambia Launches ITS-Kopala to Drive Innovation and Technology Growth

The Ministry of Technology and Science of Zambia  has officially launched the Innovation and Technology Summit Kopala (ITS-Kopala) at a media event held on October 10, 2025, at the Bongo Hive co-working space in Lusaka. The event, officiated by Hon. Felix Chipota Mutati, Minister of Technology and Science, marked a pivotal step in advancing Zambia’s innovation and technology agenda while strengthening partnerships between the public and private sectors.

The summit, to be held in Kitwe at Garden Court from November 6–7, 2025, is a collaborative initiative supported by key innovation ecosystem partners including Bongo Hive, the Finnish Embassy, Greentech4ce, Minetech Hub at NISIR, Mukuba Unipod at Copperbelt University, UNDP Accelerator Lab, Women Entrepreneurship Access Center, Zambia Business Angels Network, and ZICTA.

In his remarks, Hon. Mutati praised the long-standing partnership between Zambia and Finland, emphasizing Finland’s influence as a model for building innovation-driven economies. He announced the Innovation and Inventors Bill, which introduces a Venture Capital Fund to support Zambian innovators. The fund will be independently managed, with young innovators represented on its board to ensure inclusivity and transparency in funding decisions. The Minister also called on the private sector—particularly mining companies—to invest in youth-led innovation addressing challenges in productivity, sustainability, and environmental management. He further confirmed that the Innovation and Technology Summit would become an annual national event, with ITS-Kopala serving as its Copperbelt-based edition to broaden participation.

Representing the National Technology Business Centre (NTBC), Director Hachombwa Ng’andu reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to promoting innovation, technology transfer, and commercialization. He noted that ITS-Kopala builds on the success of last year’s ITS-Z Forum in Lusaka and aligns with NTBC’s mission to empower innovators through collaboration and inclusivity. Ng’andu emphasized that partnerships across institutions and regions are essential to achieving the summit’s vision of nationwide innovation.

Her Excellency Helinaan Saana, the Finnish Ambassador to Zambia, reiterated Finland’s dedication to supporting Zambia’s innovation ecosystem. She recalled how Finland’s world-renowned Slush startup and tech event inspired Zambia’s first Innovation and Technology Summit in 2023, which successfully attracted over 700 innovators and startups. The Ambassador underscored Finland’s continued support in fostering transformative and sustainable innovation, particularly in sectors such as mining, where technology can promote responsible and environmentally conscious practices. She also highlighted Finland’s plans to bring Finnish participants to the Copperbelt event to strengthen collaboration and knowledge exchange between the two countries.

The ITS-Kopala launch demonstrates Zambia’s growing commitment to fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable innovation ecosystem. With strong backing from both government and international partners, the summit aims to empower young entrepreneurs, enhance technological capacity, and attract investment toward building a greener and more connected future for Zambia.