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The University of Zambia (UNZA) has entered into a groundbreaking partnership with BongoHive Innovations Limited, a move designed to convert academic research and student-driven projects into commercially viable products and sustainable enterprises.
The collaboration was officially established through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Tuesday in Lusaka. This agreement brings together Zambia’s largest public university and the country’s foremost technology and innovation hub, creating a strong link between academia and industry. The partnership seeks to close the persistent gap that has long separated theoretical research from practical application, with a focus on commercialising innovations, fostering entrepreneurship, and enhancing technological growth across key national sectors.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Professor Mundia Muya, Vice-Chancellor of UNZA, highlighted that the agreement reflects the University’s dedication to developing solutions that are both practical and locally relevant. “Our students and researchers continuously generate significant knowledge and innovative ideas. This partnership ensures that their contributions move beyond academic papers and are transformed into tangible innovations that respond to the real challenges our society faces,” said Professor Muya.
Echoing these sentiments, Lukonga Lindunda, Co-founder and Executive Director of BongoHive, emphasised that the collaboration will open new doors for young innovators and researchers by aligning their talents with industry requirements and investment opportunities. “This partnership merges UNZA’s academic excellence with BongoHive’s strong track record in startup development. Together, we are creating a clear pathway that takes ideas from the classroom to the marketplace—from research to real-world impact,” Lindunda explained.
Under the framework of the MoU, both institutions have committed to several key areas of collaboration, including:
- Incubation and Mentorship: Supporting student and faculty innovations through business incubation, mentorship programmes, entrepreneurship training, and exposure to industry best practices.
- Joint Innovation Initiatives: Strengthening initiatives such as the UNZA Innovation Challenge and advancing projects like the UNIPod AI Hub.
- Collaborative Research and Funding: Facilitating joint research projects, innovation-driven collaborations, and coordinated grant applications.
- Commercialisation of Research: Creating structured pathways for translating academic research and intellectual property into market-ready products while maintaining the independence and integrity of both institutions.
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The MoU signing was witnessed by university administrators, BongoHive representatives, students, and development partners, marking a milestone in the evolution of Zambia’s innovation landscape. The partnership underscores a shared commitment to ensuring that academic knowledge directly contributes to national development through entrepreneurship, technology, and applied research.