Airtel Networks Zambia Plc has pumped in K300,000 for a record 5th year running to become the Platinum partner for the Zambia Information Communication Technology Authority (ZICTA) 2024 ICT Innovation Program Cohort.
Zambia Information Communication Technology Authority (ZICTA) Director General, Engineer. Choolwe Nalubamba received the cheque on behalf of the Authority saying that the Innovation program which started in 2016 has had over 400 program beneficiaries with at least 30 of the innovations being commercialized.
“Today is another great day for us who have seen this Innovation program grow from strength to strength since 2016 when we first introduced it as an Authority. Receiving this K300,000 from Airtel Networks Zambia Plc today, is something we are excited about and more so because this is the 5th year that Airtel has been the platinum partner,” Nalubamba said.
Adding: “Just recently, we witnessed one of our Alumni innovators host a successful market launch of his product and that in itself underscores the impact that is being created by ZICTA and our partners on the program.”
Airtel Managing Director, Hussam Baday said his Company was pleased to join hands with ZICTA and other organisations in working towards transforming the rich, innovative ideas coming from the program into viable ventures that in turn unlock inclusive and sustainable growth for Zambia.
“We are proud of our continued association with the ICT Innovation Programme, for the 5th year running. This is mainly because of its transformative impact not just to the innovators, but the country. We continue to be inspired by the many success stories that have been coming out of this programme – the start-ups that are getting commercialised, the jobs that are being created, and the huge impact that the innovations are having on the lives of individuals and businesses across the country.”
According to Airtel Zambia, Head – Corporate Communications, Yuyo Nachali-Kambikambi, The Call for submission of Innovations opened in April and will close on May 15th 2024.
The program is expected to run until November with several activities lined up in between including business and technical development workshops as well as group coaching and pitching sessions for the finalists.
