Minister of Technology and Science, Felix Mutati has urged Zambians to take advantage of the 22 million kwacha budgetary allocation meant for innovators and inventors.
Mr Mutati says the funds are meant to advance innovations in the country.
He said Zambia stands a chance to become an innovation hub for the entire Southern African region.
The minister was speaking at the commemoration of World Intellectual Property Day in Lusaka yesterday.
Mr Mutati stated that innovations can provide job creation and increase revenue for the country.
And the Minister said there is need to create supportive infrastructure to ensure that intellectual property is protected.
Mr Mutati added that local innovators have the capacity to compete at the global stage.
“Last year, we sent five people through National Technology Business Centre (NTBC) to go and participate at a global forum in Finland and I think those kind of things give the right exposure to the innovators that they are global and not local. You will be surprised with the capacity that our innovators have got. They are creating amazing innovations,” he said
Speaking at the same event, Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry, Chipoka Mulenga said government has created an enabling environment for innovators to thrive.
Mr Mulenga said it is important that the innovations are registered under the Patents and Companies Registration Agency (PACRA) in order to legitimately own their creations.
He also called on innovators to make the most of the unprecedented levels of funding that government has allocated to inventors.
Mr Mulenga urged the private sector to take the lead in coming up with innovations.
“You are the private sector. You are the people who best know how we can improve our economy from one level onto the next. As the Government through the Ministry of Technology and Science, and the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry, we are open to listen to you. Bring your ideas, bring your innovations, let us see how we can support them because legislation sits with us, innovation sits with you,” he said.
And PACRA Acting Registrar and Chief Executive Officer, Wilson Banda said the Agency will continue to work aggressively towards protecting intellectual property rights to encourage innovation and creativity.
Zambia yesterday joins the rest of the world in commemorating World Intellectual Property day under the theme: IP and Youth innovating for a better future.
Innovations? Great! But FIRST you have to prioritize the network coverage in rural Zambia: STILL almost 85% of the country doesn’t have 3G or 4G internet. Yes, Lusaka has got good connectivity, but 15km outside the city that stops! I’m between KKIA and Chongwe, and I have to go outside for even a simple phone call. Innovations???
@No corruption:Can you read simple English? The two ministers just told you to bring in your ideas(workable solutions not jst bluffing on LT) and here you are day dreaming of 85% network coverage. Do you even know what 4G you moron. Even if you did, the GRZ wants you to bring your business plan on how you can bring 4G to those rural areas you are bluffing about. Even if GRZ had capacity to bring that 4G to your mothers village in 8months -then why didnt your PF do it in 10yrs?
And by the way,it is clear now for everyone to see the arrogancy displayed you PF cadres.So from now onwards, we are also going to draw a line going forward -You are either UPND or against fullstop! I’m UPND. and all those against us we will now start meeting them head-on! No more negotiating for common grounds with monkeys-they dont appreciate. So all monkeys and other insects must go back to the jungle they belong. This is our land.
Idea number 01, Involve UNZA, national council for scientific research, Local government. Its not only the private sector that can take the lead but government institutions too. Innovation comes out of research and development activities. The local government for example can sanction some research to solve the unhealthy brewing of kachasu once and for all. “Kanshi ku sukulu finshi tuya mukuchitako kanshi?,,its like we are constantly waiting for the next person to make a move. me included !! we surely don’t need to be told that this kachasu can be made into a viable and even exportable indigenous beverage. Its about joined up thinking and approach to solving problems.