Government says that it is working on coming up with an Innovators and Inventors Bill, that is aimed at supporting the growth of the innovation sector and creating an environment that encourages new ideas and inventions.
Speaking during the Women in Tech Cohort 6 networking engagement, Ministry of Technology and Science Permanent Secretary, Brilliant Habeenzu, who was represented by the Director Communications and Digital Technology, Khumbuzo Nkunika, says government is committed to building a digitally empowered society and an inclusive digital economy that benefits everyone.
“This vision goes beyond the adoption of technology, it is about leveraging to improve productivity, strengthen public services, create new industries and increase competitiveness,” said Mr Nkunika.
He said that when women are provided with access to skills, networks, mentorship, technology and capital, they become powerful drivers of economic growth and social progress
Mr Nkunika said that women must hold distinguished portfolios in the technology sector amidst growing interest in entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence, digital services, green innovation and research-driven enterprises.
He has since called for stakeholder participation, in order to ensure that the bill addresses the needs of innovators and contributes to the development of the sector.
Standard Chartered Bank Chief Executive Officer, Sonny Zulu added that Standard Chartered Bank Foundation remains committed to supporting women entrepreneurs to grow, innovate, contribute meaningfully to national development.
He said his institution has supported over 60 Zambian women-led startups and has disbursed over $260,000 in grant funding and has empowered women with information, coaching and mentorship.
