Zambia’s MineTech Hub Unveils Top 5 Innovators in US$1 Billion UNDP Initiative

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with BongoHive and the Zambian government, has announced the top five innovators selected for support under the US$1 billion Timbuktoo MineTech Hub, aimed at transforming Africa’s mining sector.

Launched in Zambia last December, the hub is one of ten across Africa created to drive innovation in key industries.

Each of the five winners will receive US$25,000 in seed funding to develop technologies that promote safer, smarter, and more sustainable mining.

Zambian innovator Chitula Lukonde, CEO of Zanifi Enterprise Ltd, was named among the winners for his drone-based mineral exploration technology that replaces costly manned aircraft surveys.

The final five were chosen from over 350 applicants, representing countries including Uganda, Nigeria, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Speaking at the event, Minister of Technology and Science Felix Mutati, praised the initiative as a “game changer” and reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment to fostering innovation in the mining sector.

Mr. Mutati encourages all finalists to continue developing their solutions, stating that the competition was not the end but just the beginning of their journey.

He underscores the need for creative approaches to development, particularly in achieving social objectives such as free education.

The Timbuktoo MineTech Hub is one of ten thematic hubs being established across Africa under UNDP’s Timbuktoo initiative, which seeks to support a new generation of African entrepreneurs in critical sectors.

Zambia’s selection as the host nation for the MineTech Hub is a strong endorsement of the country’s leadership in both mining and innovation.