IGNITING ZAMBIA’S KNOWLEDGE ECONOMY: ADVANCING STEM THROUGH PARTNERSHIP, INNOVATION, AND INFRASTRUCTURE-28TH FEBRUARY 2026
The Minister of Technology and Science Hon Felix Chipota Mutati MP visited the Zambia National STEM Foundation to appreciate the Hub that is under construction and he described the occasion as a special and symbolic moment — a celebration of innovation, resilience, and possibility embodied by Rebecca’s journey.
He highlighted that Rebecca’s achievements demonstrate the transformative power of STEM, the power of critical thinking, creativity, and innovation. Her story affirms that background does not define potential; rather, it is the strength of one’s mind and determination that determines success. Coming from Zambia and aspiring to institutions such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) shows that Zambian youth can compete on the global stage.
The Minister emphasized that beyond individual achievement, the true impact lies in inspiring other young boys and girls to believe that success in science and technology is possible. Confidence, he noted, is often the deciding factor between winning and losing. In this regard, he extended an invitation for Rebecca to address the 50 students scheduled to travel to Geneva in May for international competitions — to energize and prepare them to stand confidently on the global platform.
Reflecting on discussions with the Irish Ambassador, the Minister referenced global examples of young innovators who, through STEM, developed breakthrough encryption and digital payment technologies and went on to build multi-billion-dollar enterprises. The message was clear: Zambia’s youth can achieve the same through structured support and opportunity.
The Minister underscored that STEM development must be rooted in the spirit of Ubuntu — collaboration, unity, and shared responsibility. Each stakeholder brings a unique resource:
Intellectual capital from students and innovators
Diplomatic support from international partners
Professional expertise from the private sector
Convening power and policy leadership from government
He acknowledged the Executive Director Michelo Moonga’s appeal for collective action to complete the STEM hub and committed to engaging partners, mobilizing support, and returning with concrete solutions.
Minister Mutati outlined government’s strategic investments in digital infrastructure:
In 2021, Zambia had approximately 15,000 km of fibre optic cable.
Today, that network has expanded to 45,000 km, tripling in size within a short period.
Zambia is now interconnected with all eight neighbouring countries.
The country sits at the strategic intersection of major undersea cable routes from west to east and north to south.
This digital backbone is critical for STEM growth, enabling research, innovation, speed, and global competitiveness. He emphasized that fibre connectivity forms the foundation upon which Zambia’s knowledge economy will be built.
Technology and ICT, he noted, are now among the largest contributors to national growth and GDP, surpassing traditional sectors in expansion. The STEM Foundation therefore aligns directly with Zambia’s broader digital transformation agenda.
The Minister concluded by reaffirming government’s support and calling for informal, solution-oriented engagement with partners to collectively transform this initiative into a national project for economic transformation.
H.E. Aidan Fitzpatrick Irish Ambassador to Zambia expressed appreciation for being invited and commended the leadership and resilience demonstrated by the STEM Foundation.
Meeting the students left a profound impression, particularly hearing a Grade 12 student confidently declare her intention to attend MIT — one of the world’s most prestigious institutions. Such ambition, he noted, signals Zambia’s rightful place in global top-tier innovation spaces.
He acknowledged the Foundation’s remarkable progress:
From losing its previous premises
To achieving approximately 65–70% completion of a new hub within one year
This progress, he emphasized, reflects strong leadership, commitment, and forward momentum.
The Ambassador reaffirmed Ireland’s support and partnership in advancing STEM collaboration and youth empowerment initiatives.
Mr Michelo Moonga, Executive Director – Zambia National STEM Foundation explained that the decision to establish the new STEM Hub arose from necessity after the Foundation lost its rented premises due to a property sale.
Determined to create a sustainable and permanent solution, he and his wife converted what was originally planned as residential apartments into a dedicated STEM innovation hub. Construction began in May of the previous year.
Current Status and Vision
Approximately 65% complete
Requires approximately USD 150,000 to finalize
Targeting full operational functionality before year-end
Planned facilities include:
A main entrance and reception area
An ablution block
An outdoor kitchen for events
Dedicated innovation and incubation spaces
Beyond infrastructure, the Foundation is launching key initiatives:
STEM Radio – to amplify innovation stories and STEM education outreach
Global Health Innovation Initiative – a startup focusing on workplace mental health and well-being
A mobile application offering AI-supported mental wellness services, enabling users to comfortably engage and seek support
Mr. Moonga reiterated that these initiatives are designed to operate sustainably and without interruption, positioning the hub as a national centre for innovation.
Rebecca Kaira Innovator – Zambia National STEM Foundation shared her journey through the Foundation’s incubation programme, where she developed STEAM Harvest, a mobile application addressing challenges in Zambia’s agricultural and education sectors.
STEAM Harvest – Dual Impact Innovation
For Farmers:
Climate and weather updates
Market price information
Agricultural news
For Students:
Examination preparation support
Practice questions in Mathematics, English, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology
Direct YouTube learning links for enhanced understanding
Her innovation earned international recognition:
Winner of the Girls’ Leap Award in Mauritius
Participation in programmes in Ghana
Acceptance into the prestigious U.S. TechGirls Exchange Program (2025)
Completion of university-level programming coursework in C++ and JavaScript
Development and presentation of a web application project
Cultural representation of Zambia abroad
Rebecca and her team are now preparing for the International Dream Reach Competition in London, where they will compete with their robot “Blimp” and other innovative projects.
She expressed gratitude to the Zambia National STEM Foundation and its partners for enabling young Zambians to access global platforms and opportunities.
The event demonstrated that the Zambia National STEM Foundation is more than a project, it is a catalyst for national transformation. Through strategic infrastructure development, international partnerships, youth empowerment, and innovation-driven entrepreneurship, Zambia is positioning itself as a competitive knowledge economy.
