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Stanbic Bank’s Chief Executive, Mwindwa Siakalima has described the planned Artificial Intelligence Hub at the University of Zambia as a forward-thinking initiative that will drive productivity, competitiveness, and prepare young people for the future of work in a technology-driven economy.
Siakalima said innovation of this nature speaks to productivity, competitiveness and the future of work.
He added that it positions young people and institutions to participate meaningfully in a technology enabled economy, while ensuring innovation remains practical and inclusive.
He was speaking during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Stanbic Bank Zambia and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Lusaka on Wednesday.
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“A particularly forward looking element of this partnership is the establishment of the Artificial Intelligence Hub at the University of Zambia,” Siakalima said.
Meanwhile, James Wakiaga said the partnership underscored the importance of empowering local enterprises to achieve meaningful local content and sustainable economic growth.
Wakiaga stressed that access to finance alone is insufficient for SMEs to remain competitive, noting that the programme aims to transition businesses from survival to scalability and from informal operations to competitive enterprises.
He added that the initiative aligns with the Government’s Local Content agenda and Statutory Instrument No. 68 of 2026, which promotes greater participation of local businesses in major economic sectors.
Wakiaga also revealed that UNDP is strengthening national capacity by accrediting Zambian consultants in internationally recognised Supplier Development Methodology.
He said the programme has now entered Phase Two, with consultants from the Copperbelt Province and North-Western Province expected to undergo training in Kitwe next month.
Wakiaga further explained that the Artificial Intelligence University Innovation Pod at the University of Zambia will equip students, researchers and entrepreneurs with skills in artificial intelligence, data science and emerging technologies.
He said the AI UniPod is part of the broader timbuktoo Africa Innovation Foundation innovation ecosystem, which also includes the Mukuba UniPod at the Copperbelt University and the MineTech Hub.
He added that the partnership is expected to accelerate inclusive growth by enabling local businesses to participate more effectively in value chains while supporting innovation-driven entrepreneurship.
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