Six statutory institutions under the Ministry of Technology and Science appointed

Today, the Minister of Technology and Science, Honourable, Felix C. Mutati, MP inaugurated the boards for the following statutory institutions under the Ministry of Technology and Science.

(I) NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR SCIENTIFIC AND INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH (NISIR);

(II) NATIONAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY COUNCIL (NSTC);

(III) NATIONAL REMOTE SENSING CENTRE (NRSC),

(IV) NATIONAL TECHNOLOGY BUSINESS CENTRE,

(V) THE RADIATION PROTECTION AUTHORITY (RPA); AND

(VI) ZAMBIA INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT BOARD.

These are the highlights from the Minister’s speech at the inauguration Ceremony.

✅ The Minister noted that the five science institutions and one skills development institution will provide policy guidance to the managements.

✅ He further indicated that the six boards form the backbone of Zambia’s progress in skills development, science, research, technology, and innovation.

✅ Mr. Mutati also stated that the boards will play a crucial role in shaping the future of Zambia and will foster growth of science, technology and innovation as an enabler for socio-economic transformation and job creation.

✅ Mr. Mutati has since tasked the new boards to first champion initiatives that foster the growth of the sectors they represent.

✅ He urged the new boards to embrace a seamless systematic inter institutional collaborations to ensure that the country generate technology-driven solutions that address the challenges outlined in the UPND manifesto and the 8th national development plan.

✅ He said since the Ministry has set clear policies to guide national development agenda, it is imperative that the boards familiarize themselves with these policies and align their activities accordingly.

✅ The Minister urged the boards to ensure that the strategies and initiatives undertaken by their respective institutions are in harmony with the overarching policies of the Ministry.

✅ Mr. Mutati further stated that he expects the boards to operate within the confines of corporate governance and separation of powers, affirming that this is extremely important.

✅ He advised the boards to recognize the importance of corporate governance, with respect to clear separation of powers between the board and management.

✅ Mr. Mutati also directed the new boards to guide on policy matters and allow management to handle day to day operations, adding that they uphold the principles of accountability, transparency, and efficiency.

✅ And Mr. Mutati advised the new board to immediately work with the managements in setting up priorities and annual work plans are implemented to address the challenges the sector faces.