Zambia to Host Digital Government Africa Summit 2024
Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane, Minister of Finance and National Planning, announced that Zambia will host the Digital Government Africa Summit 2024 from October 2-4 in Lusaka. This prestigious event will bring together leaders and experts to discuss the future of digital governance in Africa.
Reflecting on Zambia’s progress in financial inclusion and digital transformation, Dr. Musokotwane highlighted the government’s commitment to building a resilient economy that offers opportunities for all citizens. “The future of Zambia lies in our ability to innovate, include, and inspire,” he stated.
Zambia’s financial inclusion strategy, led by the Bank of Zambia, has been instrumental in broadening access to financial services. The strategy addresses the significant gender gap in financial literacy, encouraging more women to engage and prioritize financial access.
This initiative is complemented by Zambia’s participation in the “Financial Literacy for All” initiative with the American-based Operation HOPE, aimed at empowering citizens with essential financial knowledge and skills.
The transformative power of digital technologies is evident in Zambia’s National Digital Transformation Strategy 2023-2027, which aims to create a digital economy and foster an environment for digital innovation and entrepreneurship.
Dr. Musokotwane noted that between 2017 and 2021, the volume of mobile money transactions in Zambia increased by 46%, with their value surging fourteen-fold.
Despite challenges, Zambia is making significant strides in digital inclusion. The government’s efforts to digitalize key processes, such as tax collection by the Zambia Revenue Authority, have positioned the country among the top 10 low-income countries in the E-Government Development Index.
Fintech is a major driver of Zambia’s digital transformation, with numerous start-ups innovating in digital payments, mobile banking, and blockchain technology. These advancements are not only reshaping the financial sector but also redefining business and daily life in Zambia.
The macroeconomic impact of digital transformation is significant, with the potential to save up to 1.1% of GDP by reducing inefficiencies and leakages in government operations.
The Digital Government Africa Summit 2024 will provide a platform for exchanging ideas and strategies to further digital governance in Africa.
Dr. Musokotwane emphasized that the event is a unique opportunity to learn from counterparts and propel Zambia into a future defined by innovation and inclusion.
