The 2025 National Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) Conference opened yesterday at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre, launching a concerted push to position science as the cornerstone of a "Resilient Zambia."
Under the theme “Harnessing Science, Technology and Innovation for a Resilient Zambia,” leaders from government and academia issued a stark warning: that the nation must significantly increase its investment in Research and Development (R&D) to overcome pressing challenges and compete on the global stage.
Speaking during the official opening the Minister of Technology and Science Hon. Felix Mutati set the tone by declaring innovation the essential “engine that transforms ideas into practical solutions and industrial value.” He stressed that building resilience requires tackling complex issues like climate change, energy shortages, and food insecurity with home-grown, technology-driven solutions.
A central point of concern was Zambia's low level of R&D funding. Both Minister Mutati and Prof. Sody Munsaka, Chairperson of the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC), highlighted that the country invests less than 0.3% of its GDP in research a figure far below the African average and a fraction of what global leaders spend.
“To deliver the solutions Zambia needs, we must first invest in the minds that create them,” Prof. Munsaka stated.
To bridge this gap, Minister Mutati outlined a strategic five-point plan to realign the national STI agenda:
- Enhanced Coordination: Breaking down silos between government, universities, and industry to ensure all efforts are directed toward national priorities.
- Optimised Research Infrastructure: Implementing a national framework for sharing advanced laboratory equipment, a move projected to boost research output by 20-30% by eliminating underuse and duplication.
- Investment in Human Capital: Prioritizing STEM education and post-graduate training, noting that Zambia produces fewer than 400 PhDs annually, most outside critical science and technology fields.
- A Mission-Oriented Research Agenda: Focusing national research on key economic drivers such as agriculture, energy transition, and industrialisation.
- Strengthened Research Integrity: Empowering the National Research Ethics Bureau to streamline approvals and attract international partnerships.
Meanwhile, Ministry of Technology and Science Permanent Secretary Dr. Brilliant Habeenzu, stated that with over 70% of global economic growth now driven by knowledge and innovation, the insights from the conference were critical to guiding reforms and optimising every kwacha invested in research.
Echoing the government’s commitment, Prof. Mundia Muya, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Zambia (UNZA), detailed how the university is advancing innovation. A key initiative is the forthcoming Digital Next Generation Innovation Hub, which will feature an Artificial Intelligence unit dedicated to turning academic research into market-ready technologies and start-up companies.
The opening day also featured the UNZA Innovation Challenge, where students showcased pioneering projects in digital health, smart agriculture, and AI-enabled systems.
The three-day conference will continue with keynote presentations, panel discussions, and exhibitions, all aimed at transforming groundbreaking ideas into tangible progress for the nation.