A Zambian startup, ZeroAI Technologies, is expanding access to science and technology education by helping schools teach artificial intelligence and robotics, even in places without steady internet or electricity.
Founded in 2015 by Lottie Mukuka, the company focuses on schools that are often left behind, especially those in rural areas or with limited resources. Its goal is to make STEM education, which stands for science, technology, engineering and mathematics, practical and accessible for all students.
ZeroAI builds complete classroom setups that include both hardware and software. These “lab-in-a-box” systems come with tools such as Arduino boards and IoT sensors, along with offline simulation software, structured lesson plans and training for teachers. This means schools can run full lessons without needing a constant internet connection or stable power supply.
Mukuka said the idea came from a gap in the market. Many education tools are designed for well-equipped schools, leaving others unable to keep up. ZeroAI instead focused on creating a system that works offline and remains affordable for schools with fewer resources.
The company’s approach reflects a wider challenge across Africa, where many schools still lack basic digital infrastructure. Most education technology platforms depend on reliable internet and modern devices, which are not always available. By designing an offline, hardware-based system, ZeroAI has created a model better suited to these conditions.
Beyond classroom learning, the startup also works on robotics, automation and digital innovation projects. This allows it to link education with real-world applications, helping students build skills that can be used in future jobs.
So far, ZeroAI has introduced its solutions in several countries and trained more than 10,000 students across about 40 schools in Africa and other emerging markets.
The company’s work highlights a growing trend among African startups. Rather than simply bringing digital tools into education, they are adapting their solutions to fit local challenges, making it easier for more students to gain skills in fast-growing fields like artificial intelligence.
