Zambia Hosts Timbuktoo Mine Technology Hub to Transform Africa’s Mining Industry
Africa’s mining sector is poised for significant transformation with the launch of the Timbuktoo Mine Technology Hub, supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
The hub, inaugurated at the National Institute for Scientific and Industrial Research (NISIR) in Lusaka, Zambia, aims to drive technological innovation, foster creativity, and support startups across the continent.
Technology and Science Minister Felix Chipota Mutati, speaking on behalf of President Hakainde Hichilema, praised the UNDP’s decision to establish this Pan-African innovation hub in Zambia.
Mutati emphasized its alignment with Zambia’s goal of producing three million tons of minerals within a decade and noted that the mining sector has already attracted over $5 billion in investment.
“The government’s aerial geophysical surveys are unlocking the sector’s potential by providing accurate data for better decision-making and reducing illegal mining activities,” Mutati stated.
UN Resident Coordinator Beatrice Munthali highlighted the hub’s role as a center for research and development, while Timbuktoo Foundation Executive Secretary Natalie Jabangwe described it as a “beacon of innovation” capable of catalyzing economic growth across Africa.
BongoHive, a key partner in the initiative, announced a $25,000 funding program for its first cohort of five innovators, set to begin in January 2025.
Her Excellency Tinguidanke Kamara, a rising mining entrepreneur, celebrated the hub’s potential to reshape Africa’s mining narrative and empower its people.
This initiative is a significant step toward advancing Africa’s mining industry, positioning it as a global leader in innovation and sustainable development.
