28/06/2026
*WOMEN ENGINEERS UNVEIL INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS AS NANG'ANDU HABUUYA EMERGES WINNER OF THE ZWES INNOVATION CHALLENGE* In commemoration of International Women in Engineering Day, the Zambia Women in Engineering Section (ZWES) hosted the 2026 Innovation Challenge at the UNDP Timbuktoo MineTech Hub at the National Institute for Scientific and Industrial Research (NISIR) in Lusaka. The competition brought together women engineers and innovators to showcase practical engineering solutions aimed at addressing Zambia's development challenges while promoting innovation and entrepreneurship. Nang'andu Habuuya secured first prize for her Smart Automated Solar Dryer, followed by Namwezi Chembo in second place, while Purity Kampamba secured third place. Officially opening the event, Engineering Institution of Zambia (EIZ) Vice President for Policy, Public Relations and National Development, Eng. Dr. Chilala Kakoma Bowa, described innovation as a necessity rather than a choice, emphasizing that Zambia's future depends on its ability to harness knowledge, technology, and creativity to address challenges in all sectors. She commended ZWES for providing a platform that empowers women innovators to showcase their creativity and technical expertise, while applauding the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for supporting the initiative through the Innovation Hub. Addressing participants, UNDP Zambia Head of Inclusive and Sustainable Growth, Chali Selisho, stated that empowering women in engineering through innovation, mentorship, and strategic partnerships is critical to building a more inclusive and competitive engineering sector capable of driving sustainable development in Zambia and across Africa. Selisho noted that Zambia possesses the talent needed to address challenges in energy, water security, digital transformation, and sustainable mining. Meanwhile, NISIR Acting Director, Dr. Alick Muvundika, reaffirmed the institution's commitment to transforming scientific research into practical solutions that contribute to national development. Dr. Muvundika described the collaboration between NISIR, EIZ, ZWES, and UNDP as a strategic investment in Zambia's innovation future, adding that the Innovation Challenge marks the beginning of a long-term partnership aimed at nurturing engineering talent, accelerating women-led innovation, and strengthening technology commercialization.
