Liquid
Intelligent Technologies (Liquid), a business of Cassava Technologies, a
pan-African technology group, has signed
a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the United Nations Development
Programme (UNDP), to provide fibre internet connection to the Mukuba UniPod, an
innovation lab located in the Copperbelt university in Kitwe. The MoU was
signed at the official launch of the UniPod, which also saw over 20 innovators
showcasing their ideas.
“This partnership reiterates Liquid
Zambia’s commitment to advancing equitable, quality education in Zambia and
promoting innovation among students in the country. This is in line with the
Zambian government’s digital agenda, and our core vision of ensuring that no
African is left behind in the digital age. By joining forces with UNDP and
Copperbelt University, who share our vision, we are empowering the country’s
students with the skills and tools they need to succeed in the rapidly
transforming job market,”
said Mark Townsend, CEO of Liquid Intelligent Technologies Zambia.
“The Mukuba UniPod presents an
opportunity to young Zambians looking to channel their curiosities, skills and
ideas into innovative solutions that will contribute to sustainable development
in the country. It was therefore essential to provide connectivity in the
space, making the Mukuba UniPod a portal to the abundant resources, people and
networks they would need to ideate, create and market their solutions. The
partnership between UNDP and Liquid is a great step towards enhancing the
connectivity of the hub and nurturing creativity and experimentation within its
walls,” James
Wakiaga, Resident Representative for UNDP Zambia.
As
the 11th UniPod in Africa, the Mukuba UniPod forms part of
UNDP’s Timbuktoo innovation network, providing opportunities for collaboration
across African countries, and building an innovation ecosystem on the
continent. The importance of such innovation hubs in driving economic growth
and creating a dynamic ecosystem that attracts investment and talent, is
evidenced by Zambia’s creation of a dedicated National Technology Business Centre, a statutory body
under the Ministry of Technology and Science, to support the country’s
entrepreneurs and innovators.
The
Mukuba UniPod, funded by UNDP, serves as a dedicated space for students from
Copperbelt university and all surrounding colleges in the region to foster
innovation, scientific inquiry, and collaboration. Students are exposed to
design thinking, software and equipment for prototyping, and enhanced skills in
digital fabrication, while faculty members work closely with students on design
projects that could be developed into commercially viable products.
By
supplying connectivity for the Mukuba UniPod, Liquid Zambia is demonstrating
the power of public-private partnerships in driving positive change, supporting
innovation in education, accelerating Zambia’s digital transformation, and
ensuring that students have the tools necessary to thrive in the digital
age.
By:
Nana Appiah Acquaye