I always thought I would become an electrical engineer, but in 2001, the internet was just arriving in Zambia, and I got hooked on computers instead. That curiosity led me to a bachelor’s in Computer Science in 2007, a master’s in South Africa in 2011, and eventually a PhD at the University of Cape Town (UCT). Today, I’m a lecturer and researcher at the University of Zambia and the founder of the Data Lab Research Group.
Our lab focuses on data mining, technology-enhanced learning, and data management, but one project stands out: the Enterprise Medical Imaging in Zambia initiative. In 2021, Zambia had just nine radiologists for over 20 million people. That shortage inspired us to explore AI solutions that could make diagnostics faster and more accessible.
We built AI-powered tools that help radiologists and general practitioners interpret X-rays, highlighting problem areas and generating preliminary reports. We also created a digital platform for storing and organizing thousands of medical images across different hospitals, making it easier to track patient progress over time.
All of this was possible thanks to Data Science Africa (DSA). Their African AI Research Award 2022 funded our proof-of-concept studies, AI model development, and the Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) platform. Beyond funding, DSA connected us to mentors, collaborators, and opportunities. One of our students won a best student paper award at a major international conference and secured travel grants – all thanks to the DSA network. DSA isn’t just a funding body – it’s the future.
We’re showing that local solutions can solve Africa’s pressing challenges, without relying on external experts. DSA also helped us engage with policymakers, the Ministry of Health, and other researchers, creating real pathways to implement our work.
My journey, from a curious teen exploring the internet, to leading AI-driven health solutions, made me realize that opportunity and mentorship can transform careers. My advice to young data scientists is: Dive in, collaborate, and use every network and tool you can to make a real difference.
I hope DSA can continue fostering collaborations, supporting AI policy implementation, and helping the next generation of African researchers thrive.