Zambia Eyes AI Leadership Following Global Robotics Challenge Milestone

The Zambian government has celebrated the country’s young innovators after Team Zambia reached the global finals of the 2026 AI for Good Global Summit and Robotics for Good Youth Challenge held in Geneva, Switzerland. The recognition ceremony, hosted at Latitude 15 Hotel, was organised by the Ministry of Technology and Science in partnership with the Presidential Delivery Unit (PDU), E-MARK Innovation Hub, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts, and other strategic partners.

The event recognised Zambia’s achievement of advancing to the global finals among nearly 50 participating countries, underscoring the country’s growing capabilities in artificial intelligence, robotics and digital innovation. Government officials said the milestone reflects Zambia’s commitment to strengthening STEM education, promoting digital inclusion and positioning the country as a regional leader in emerging technologies in line with President Hakainde Hichilema’s vision for a knowledge-based digital economy.

Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet Dr. Oliver Kalabo congratulated Team Zambia for its outstanding performance, describing the achievement as a major national milestone. He commended the young innovators for demonstrating resilience, creativity, discipline and talent on the international stage, while reaffirming the government’s commitment to science, technology and innovation as key drivers of Zambia’s economic transformation. He also highlighted the importance of collaboration among government institutions, innovation hubs, educational institutions, the private sector and development partners in supporting the country’s success.

Head of the Presidential Delivery Unit, Kusobile Kamwambi, described information and communication technology as one of Zambia’s fastest-growing economic sectors and a critical pillar of national development. She said the country’s progress reflected effective collaboration between government and the private sector, praised the resilience of the young participants despite limited resources, and announced that Zambia’s National AI Strategy is nearing completion. She encouraged stakeholders to contribute to the strategy while calling for increased investment in artificial intelligence, robotics and youth-focused innovation programmes.

Representing the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Technology and Science, Assistant Director for Digital Technologies reaffirmed the government’s commitment to advancing AI through the forthcoming National AI Strategy and Startup Bill. The ministry also announced that Zambia has received an invitation to participate in the 2027 AI for Good Global Summit and revealed an opportunity to establish an AI for Good Lab in partnership with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). The proposed lab is expected to strengthen AI policy development, innovation, skills development and digital infrastructure across the country.

E-MARK Innovation Hub Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel Mwanza reflected on the nine-month journey of identifying, mentoring and preparing Zambia’s delegation for the international competition. He noted that Zambia’s qualification for the global finals demonstrated the country’s strong talent pool but stressed that greater investment in research, technology and innovation is needed. Mwanza also welcomed the opportunity to establish Zambia’s first AI for Good Lab under the United Nations framework through the ITU and called for stronger national investment in AI infrastructure, digital skills and innovation ecosystems.

Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts Kangwa Chileshe highlighted ongoing government initiatives to empower young innovators, including youth resource centres equipped with Starlink internet connectivity, innovation hubs, digital entrepreneurship programmes and the Youth Portal. Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary (Administration) at the Ministry of Education Noriana Muneku said the AI and Robotics for Good Youth Challenge aligns with Zambia’s Competency-Based Curriculum by strengthening STEM education, creativity and problem-solving skills. She also encouraged closer collaboration with E-MARK Innovation Hub to identify and nurture technology talent across the country, including in rural communities.

The ceremony concluded with stakeholders reaffirming their commitment to implementing Zambia’s National AI Strategy, expanding AI education and robotics programmes, strengthening STEM initiatives and supporting youth innovation. Officials said the country’s success at the global competition, its invitation to return in 2027 and the opportunity to establish an AI for Good Lab represent significant milestones in Zambia’s ambition to become a regional leader in artificial intelligence and digital transformation.