The Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA) has unveiled the top five finalists for the 2024 cohort of its ICT Innovation Programme. The announcement was made during an awards ceremony held at the Southern Sun Hotel in Lusaka, attended by Honourable Minister of Technology and Science Felix C. Mutati, MP, and other dignitaries representing the programme’s key partners.
The ZICTA ICT Innovation Programme is a flagship initiative aimed at empowering emerging innovators, startups, and entrepreneurs to develop technology-driven solutions to address Zambia’s socio-economic challenges. The programme provides finalists with business and technical support, mentorship, coaching, and financial aid to accelerate the commercialization of their projects.
The 2024 Finalists
The finalists for the 2024 cohort are:
- Michael Sichilongo – Gesture-Controlled Home Automation for the Physically Challenged
- Mukonde Bupe – Visual Operation Simulation (VOS)
- Malaizyo Gabriel Muzumala – Semi-Automated Medical Image Interpretation Service Using Artificial Intelligence
- Mwiinga Nzala – Farmer’s Project Manager
- Chama Mathews – New Hear Link Mobile App
Michael Sichilongo clinched the top spot for his innovative solution designed to enhance accessibility for physically challenged individuals through gesture-controlled home automation.
A Collaborative Effort
The 2024 edition was made possible through a partnership with Airtel Networks Zambia, the Platinum sponsor, alongside Gold sponsors Stanbic Bank Zambia Plc, Bridging Gap Solutions, Fibrecom, and IHS Zambia.
Honouring the participants, ZICTA expressed its commitment to supporting the innovation ecosystem in Zambia. “We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the finalists and look forward to collaborating with them as they transition to the commercialization phase of their projects,” the Authority noted in a statement.
ZICTA also acknowledged the contributions of innovators who did not make the top five, encouraging them to persevere and seek further opportunities for growth and development.
This milestone reinforces ZICTA’s dedication to nurturing local talent and fostering a vibrant tech ecosystem in Zambia.
