Smart Village Project Launched in Muchila Village by Zambian President
President Hakainde Hichilema has inaugurated the Smart Village Project in Muchila Village, Namwala District, marking a significant step towards enhancing rural development and connectivity across Zambia.
The project, undertaken in collaboration with Huawei Technologies, aims to provide essential services such as solar energy, phone network, and internet connectivity to over 150,000 pupils nationwide.
President Hichilema emphasized the government’s commitment to prioritizing rural development, ensuring that all regions benefit from improved infrastructure and connectivity.
He highlighted his advocacy during a visit to China last year, where he championed the initiative to establish smart villages across Zambia, aiming to create conducive learning environments and enhance educational outcomes.
The Smart Village Project in Muchila is seen as a successful example of Zambia’s partnership with China, yielding tangible benefits through enhanced connectivity and community empowerment.
The project’s rollout follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Technology and Science Minister Hon. Felix Mutati, Education Minister Hon. Douglas Syakalima, and Huawei Technologies Vice President Phil Li.
Minister Mutati underscored the project’s potential to bridge educational gaps and boost local economies, particularly benefiting small businesses engaged in mobile money and agriculture.
He highlighted practical advantages such as mobile salary payments for teachers and streamlined benefits for social cash transfer recipients and farmers.
Huawei Technologies Vice President Phil Li affirmed the company’s commitment to sustainable development aligned with Zambia’s Vision 2030, emphasizing the project’s role in providing reliable energy solutions and fostering community growth.
Charge d’Affaires Wang Sheng from the Chinese Embassy highlighted the broader impact of the initiative, including job creation and improved livelihoods for rural communities across Zambia.
He reiterated China’s support for investing in rural areas to promote economic and social development, emphasizing corporate social responsibility and enhancing people’s livelihoods.
As the Muchila Smart Village Project unfolds, it is expected to set a precedent for similar initiatives across Zambia’s 10 provinces, creating opportunities for economic growth and educational advancement.
