Zambia is writing a bold new chapter in digital innovation with a national programme designed to unlock and elevate the creative potential of young people in technology. The Ministry of Technology and Science has formally launched a partnership with industry leaders to prepare a generation of students and budding innovators for the prestigious United Nations AI for Good – Robotics for Good Youth Challenge 2025–2026 in Geneva, Switzerland. This initiative not only spotlights Zambia’s ambitions on the global stage but also sets a foundation for future growth in artificial intelligence and robotics among its youth population.
At the heart of this drive is a commitment to nurture homegrown talent and equip young people with the skills needed to build innovative solutions that respond to real-world problems, such as food security, a global theme of the 2026 challenge. Through strategic collaboration involving the public and private sectors, Zambia aims to redefine its place in the digital economy while empowering learners with practical experience in emerging technologies.
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Strategic Partnership Strengthens Innovation Pipeline
The recent announcement confirmed an alliance between the Zambian government, Liquid Intelligent Technologies, and E-Mark Zambia to support and build Zambia’s representation in the upcoming United Nations competition. The collaboration reflects a shared vision to empower youth with skills in artificial intelligence, robotics, science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), and to drive solutions that are competitive on an international stage.
Honourable Felix Mutati, Member of Parliament and Minister of Technology and Science, spoke passionately about the collaboration, noting the need for a strong talent pipeline prepared to engage with global innovation ecosystems. He highlighted Zambia’s ongoing efforts to expand digital infrastructure and create an enabling environment for innovators, including connecting over 1,300 schools to the internet and broadening access to modern technology resources. These efforts echo Zambia’s wider digital transformation aspirations, which also include ambitious national programmes to boost connectivity and inclusion across the country.
Mutati outlined four key pillars as the backbone of Zambia’s strategy: identifying and nurturing talent early, strengthening mentorship and private-sector engagement, ensuring access to quality learning resources, and enhancing government support to bridge gaps in opportunity and infrastructure. These priorities aim to deepen the innovation ecosystem and ensure young Zambians are not only participants but strong competitors in global science and technology arenas.
Investment, Mentorship and Nationwide Participation
A standout announcement from the partnership was the financial commitment from Liquid Intelligent Technologies, which pledged K250,000 toward mentoring, technical coaching, and capacity-building initiatives. This contribution underscores the vital role that private sector investment and expertise play in supporting youth-centred innovation platforms.
E-Mark Zambia’s Chief Executive Officer further explained that the AI for Good Youth Initiative targets students between the ages of 10 and 18, a range intentionally chosen to cultivate digital literacy and hands-on experience from an early age. Participants will develop AI-driven prototypes and solutions addressing concrete challenges, with top teams advancing to national finals in March 2026 and ultimately earning the chance to compete against representatives from more than 50 countries.
This national engagement marks a significant shift in how Zambia approaches youth empowerment. Beyond classroom learning, students now have access to real-world problem solving, state-of-the-art technology, and mentorship from industry professionals. The programme is shaping up to be one of the most comprehensive youth innovation efforts the country has seen, and many observers are optimistic about its potential to transform Zambia’s technology landscape.
Zambia’s Broader Digital Transformation Vision
The AI for Good Youth Initiative comes at a time when Zambia is accelerating broader digital transformation goals. National efforts have included major grants to expand network infrastructure and boost accessibility, as well as programmes focused on digital public services and cross-sector collaboration. These investments are rooted in the belief that a strong digital foundation will unlock new economic opportunities, especially for young people eager to enter the technology workforce.
As Zambia continues its digital journey, this youth initiative stands out as a pivotal moment that could shape the country’s technological future. By blending government support, private sector partnerships, and international engagement, Zambia is positioning its youth to lead in innovation, solve pressing societal challenges, and contribute meaningfully to the global tech community.
The success of this initiative will be watched closely across Africa, where many nations are seeking pathways to digital skills development that translate into jobs, economic growth, and global competitiveness. Zambia’s efforts reflect a growing understanding that empowering young innovators today can drive sustainable growth for tomorrow.
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