Zambia Advances Digital Transformation Efforts Amid Environmental and Connectivity Challenges
The Zambian government is doubling down on its commitment to digital transformation, focusing on nurturing youth-led innovation, expanding connectivity, and overcoming environmental challenges to ensure a sustainable digital ecosystem.
At the “Africa Tech Festival” in Cape Town, South Africa, Eng. Dr. Brilliant Habeenzu, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Technology and Science, highlighted Zambia’s concerted efforts to build a resilient digital economy in partnership with local and international stakeholders.
The Technology and Innovation Youth Fund, managed by the National Science and Technology Council, and the Technology Business Development Fund under the National Technology Business Centre, are key initiatives spearheading this movement.
Both funds aim to support startups from inception through to commercialization, with additional support expected from Zambia’s first Start-Up Bill, which is now at an advanced legislative stage.
In an effort to bolster nationwide connectivity, Dr. Habeenzu revealed that the government has allocated licenses for 4G and 5G spectrum to enhance network services. Global players such as Starlink and Baobab Communications have entered the Zambian market, expanding internet access and fiber connectivity to underserved regions.
Additionally, Zambia is working to strengthen cross-border digital links, with plans to connect to neighboring countries such as Burundi via Lake Tanganyika using the undersea cable network, which is currently in the final stages of preparation.
Dr. Habeenzu also addressed the impact of recent droughts on Zambia’s power generation, which has affected telecommunications services. Nevertheless, he commended the private sector’s response, noting that local mobile network operators and industry leaders have stepped up to address infrastructure gaps by investing in resources to mitigate the effects of power shortages.
Reflecting on the government’s digital strategy, Dr. Habeenzu emphasized the importance of extending innovation hubs beyond Lusaka and engaging with the private sector to ensure Zambia’s digital growth is inclusive and secure.
“We are confident that by working together with industry stakeholders, we can build a digital Zambia that is secure, inclusive, and prosperous,” he said, emphasizing the government’s balanced approach to fostering a digital economy that benefits all citizens.
Dr. Habeenzu, accompanied by Eng. Collins Mbulo, Acting Director General of the Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA), is attending the Africa Tech Festival to further solidify Zambia’s position in the African digital landscape.
