AI for All Zambians: Taking AI from curiosity to practical use
2026-11-03
Why I am bringing a beginner-friendly AI seminar to Lusaka, how it connects to the EIZ Engineering Fund, and the wider work of Nzitsa AI Labs and Nzitsa Nzeru.
The seminar
Artificial Intelligence for All Zambians is a practical introduction to AI for people with no programming background. It takes place on 21 November 2026 at the University of Zambia in Lusaka.
The support behind it
The seminar is part of the public learning work supported by the K80,000 EIZ Engineering Fund award for the Nzitsa Nzeru initiative under AI for Sustainable Development.
The wider mission
Nzitsa AI Labs builds the technical platform and tools; Nzitsa Nzeru helps people learn, ask questions and find a path into practical AI work.
AI is increasingly part of how people learn, work and make decisions. Yet the first step can feel unnecessarily technical. I want more Zambians to be able to ask what AI is, try it for a useful task and understand its limits before they are expected to build with it.
That is why we are hosting Artificial Intelligence for All Zambians on Saturday, 21 November 2026, at the University of Zambia in Lusaka. It is a beginner-friendly seminar for students, professionals, small business owners and anyone curious about AI. No programming background or paid AI subscription is needed.
We will look at practical examples for learning, work and everyday decisions. We will also talk about checking AI-generated answers, spotting misleading content and protecting private information. The aim is for each participant to leave with one useful task to try and a clear next step.
How the EIZ funding connects
In April 2026, I received a K80,000 Engineering Institution of Zambia (EIZ) Engineering Fund award under the theme AI for Sustainable Development for the Nzitsa Nzeru initiative, with Nzitsa Platforms as the partner entity. Part of that work is to bring AI learning into a public, accessible setting. This seminar is a step in that direction.
The award has also helped give momentum to the wider AI Labs and Nzeru vision. I see public learning and technical infrastructure as connected: access to AI tools matters more when people understand what the tools can do, where they can fail and how to use them responsibly.
From a first introduction to deeper work
I have built Nzitsa AI Labs as the technical side of this effort. It provides a governed route to AI models and practical product development. Nzitsa Nzeru is the people side: seminars, mentorship and pathways for local builders to develop their skills. The seminar starts at the very beginning of that journey. You do not need to call yourself a developer to take part.
My hope is that someone who arrives as an absolute beginner leaves able to use AI more thoughtfully, ask better questions and see a place for themselves in Zambia's AI future.
See the seminar details and current availability on Nzitsa Events. You can also explore the AI Labs and Nzeru project.