Three students from the University of Zambia (UNZA) have each clinched the first prize in their respective categories at the recently concluded National Tertiary Engineers, Technicians and Scientists (TETS) Fair 2025. Their innovative projects, spanning from Renewable Energy and Physics Innovation, home automation to Computer Science and AI Innovations, highlight the potential of Zambian youth in driving national development.
Henry Viyuyi a fourth year student in the School of Natural and Applied Sciences, took the top spot in the Renewable Energy and Physics Innovation category. His winning project is an “AI-Powered Solar Irradiance Forecasting” model. This machine learning tool predicts next-day solar irradiance using local Zambian weather data, which is crucial for optimising solar energy production. The project includes an interactive application that helps farmers and mini-grid operators plan and manage their energy needs, aligning with Zambia's sustainable development goals.
Joseph Sichula, a fourth-year Electrical and Electronics Engineering student in the School of Engineering, emerged victorious in the Computer Science and AI Innovations category with his digital education company, “Nzitsa Platforms”. Nzitsa offers skill-based learning through its online platform, Nzitsa Academy, providing practical courses in business, technology, and creative fields. The platform aims to empower Zambian youth and professionals by offering flexible, accessible, and culturally relevant education.
And Mwila Bwembya, a third-year student in the School of Engineering, was the winner in the Robotics and Automation category for his project, “SmartSecure Home.” This comprehensive home automation system offers secure and remote control of residential entry points and electrical appliances. The system features multi-layer authentication (RFID, keypad PIN) and an ESP32-CAM module that captures images of visitors and sends real-time alerts to homeowners, thereby enhancing security and energy efficiency.
The Patents and Companies Registration Agency (PACRA) has selected both Joseph's and Mwila's projects. The trio has further been sponsored to remain in camp for a boot camp for 2 weeks to work on their projects.
The University of Zambia (UNZA) has solidified its position as a leader in innovation and entrepreneurship by winning all three top prizes at the inaugural Sandbox Entrepreneurship Programme. This remarkable achievement comes just days after the program was officially launched by the Ministry of Education Permanent Secretary for Educational Services, Dr. Kelvin Mambwe.
The Sandbox Entrepreneurship Programme, a joint effort by the Higher Education Loans and Scholarships Board (HELSB) and experts from Canada and Zambia, including facilitators from Ontario Tech University, brought together 50 students from five public universities. Over five intensive days, participants were immersed in hands-on training in venture building and entrepreneurial skills, gaining access to invaluable mentorship and international networks.
In his address, Dr. Mambwe lauded the initiative as a "bold and visionary" step towards fostering youth empowerment, innovation, and global collaboration in Zambia.
At the final pitch event, UNZA students dominated, sweeping all three prizes: K15,000, K10,000, and K5,000. These awards were given to one individual and two teams from the university, highlighting the depth of talent and preparation among its students. The success was championed by UNZA's Directorate of Innovation, Technology Transfer and Commercialisation in collaboration with the UNZA Innovations Committee, which provided essential mentorship.
Inonge Kapya, the UNZA Innovations Chairperson, famously known as "Nono the Strategist," celebrated the win, stating, "UNZA has long deserved a seat at the innovations table and now we’re here to take the lead. This is just the beginning."
This impressive victory not only showcases the entrepreneurial potential within UNZA but also establishes the university at the forefront of problem-solving and innovation in the country.