Govt urges local scientists to be more competitive

Science and Technology Minister Gabriel Namulambe has urged local scientists to be more innovative in their inventions if they were to compete favorably on the international market.

Mr. Namulambe says the scientific industry if properly managed has the potential of contributing to the development of the country’s economy.

He said this is why there is need to have massive investment in the sector as it is likely to bring about development and change the lives of many people in the country.

He was speaking in Lusaka today when he toured government funded projects at Technology Development Advisory Unit (TDAU) at the University of Zambia.

Mr. Namulambe noted that there is need for Zambia to improve its scientific sector and move with the advancing technology like many other developing countries.

He regretted that despite having well trained local scientists, the industry has failed to make meaningful development to the economic growth of the country hence the need for it to be revamped.

He added that through having innovative scientists, the country has a possibility of becoming one of the lending technological advanced countries in the World.

The minister further expressed happiness with the levels of innovation invested in the projects and reaffirmed that government will strive at ensuring that adequate funding is given to TDAU for it to improve its operations.

Mr. Namulambe disclosed that government will also engage donors to assist in building Capacity and the provision of additional funds to the projects.

TDAU Manager Isaac Simate has cited poor infrastructure as one of the major obstacle to the development of the industry in the country.

Dr. TDAU said there is need for government to help the institution with modern technology that can add value to its operations therefore contribute positively to the economic improvement of the country.

Government through the Ministry of science and Technology has given TDAU over K170 million for local inventors and so far three major projects have been under taken.

The projects include the invention of a Nshima making machine, Solar power projector and Rope twisting machine among others.

ZANIS