“Innovations are actualized when there are crises. All these renowned scientists, Sir Newton, are famous now and came up with innovations to answer to the challenges of the time,” the Minister of Green Economy and Environment, Hon. Collins Nzovu during his speech at the official launch of the “Inno Challenge” on 4th May, 2022 held at The Quoram. The World-Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Zambia has partnered with MTN Zambia Foundation to set up an initiative that will provide the platform for youth with innovative and sustainable environmental solutions. The Innovative Challenge (Inno Challenge) will focus on SMEs and Youth projects that aim to provide sustainable solutions to climate change in Zambia.
There is no doubt that Zambia has not been exempted from the impacts of climate change. Noteworthy is the energy crisis experienced yearly. Due to the country’s large dependence on hydroelectric power the nation experiences long hours of load shedding which has adverse impacts on productivity in the economy. A survey conducted by the International Growth Centre (IGC) revealed that 146 large manufacturing companies incurred losses of 16-30% production losses attributable to power outages in 2015-2016. The former Consumer Unity and Trust Society (CUTS) centre coordinator Chenai Mukumba reported in 2015 that, “the economic losses due to load management were estimated at around 20% of GDP”. According to the Zambia Meteorological department, in 2020, as a consequence of the poor 2018-2019 rainfall season, the southern part of the country experienced the worst drought since 1981. This negatively affected food production and heightened food insecurity.
It is evident that there is a need for practical environmental solutions. During the opening speech WWF country director, Nachilala Nkombo, stated its mission is to stop the degradation of the planet’s natural environment so as to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature, by promoting the sustainable use of renewable natural resources, and promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption. In like manner, the four key pillars of Corporate Social Investments (CSI) for MTN are; education, health, women and youth, and Zambia National priorities. The MTN Zambia Foundation chairperson, Rose Sibisi, emphasised that the aim of the CSIs is to ensure the improvement in the quality of life of the Zambian people through impactful and sustainable interventions in the communities. To this end, this timely collaboration which targets the clean and green innovative approach seeks to provide the platform for entrepreneurs with innovations that tackle environmental issues that affect their country, neighbourhood or families.
“It’s actually frustrating being an innovator…that’s the life of an innovator. You literally are just working, pushing hard, nothing is happening but when you get your actual big break, the whole world is talking about you”, Science and Innovation advocate, Florence Jedidiah Mulenga, expressed her sentiment after sharing her story on how her innovation could not be actualized locally due to lack of local support, as she spoke on behalf of the youth. The STEM foundation programs officer commended the collaborating firms for creating this platform, she says, “What innovators need are platforms to expose them… When you give me that experience, no one can take it away from me and that is what you are giving them.” The winners of the Inno Challenge will be provided with grants and other business support during the second phase of the program where mentors will guide participants as their ideas are realised.
The call has thus been made for all, especially the youth, to participate in the Inno Challenge. With support from the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprise (SMEs) and the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, they are determined to support youth led SMEs with sustainable solutions for climate change as economic growth is simultaneously attainable through green pathways. The Minister of SMEs Development, Elias Mubanga, encouraged the WWF and MTN to also focus on the rural areas by translating the call for innovators into local languages so that as many youths can be given an opportunity. Further the guest of honour, Minister of Green Economy and Environment, Hon. Elias Nzovu highlighted that the country is not only facing an economic crisis but also a triple planetary crisis; climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. Hence the need to use the resources available sustainably in developing the country.
In November 2021, during the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of Parties (COP26) held in Glasgow, Zambia was appointed as the chair of the African Group of Negotiators (AGN) for a two year period. As leaders, the Hon. Minister Elias Nzovu looks forward to showing the innovations towards addressing the triple planetary crisis. He thus challenged innovators to utilise opportunities such as the Inno Challenge and other resources such as the Constituency Development Fund (CDF). The government is creating the necessary framework to ensure innovations are actualised and now the challenge is posed to innovators to create innovations during these times of crisis.
BongoHive who have hosted other mentoring programs will be leading this challenge. On 12th May,2022 an information session will be hosted where partners and experts will meet to help set up the challenge questions which will be posted on the BongoHive website. The challenge statement will be made on 20th May, 2022 which intending participants should look out for on the BongoHive and MTN platforms. Applications will be open on 23rd May, 2022.