Zambia Hosts Launch of Inclusive Digitalisation Initiative to Accelerate Regional Trade and Integration

The Government of Zambia, in collaboration with COMESA and the World Bank, officially launched the Inclusive Digitalisation for East and Southern Africa (IDEA) initiative, under the Multi-Programmatic Approach (MPA), reaffirming a regional commitment to harness digital technology as a catalyst for economic growth, trade, and integration.

Speaking on behalf of Technology and Science Minister Felix C. Mutati, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Eng. Brilliant Habeenzu, highlighted that digital infrastructure is key to improving access and equity in the Sub-Saharan region. The Minister’s statement noted a significant advancement in digital inclusion reforms, now reaching 70% of rural regions in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Despite these gains, Minister Mutati acknowledged that only 26% of the Sub-Saharan population currently has access to the internet, falling below the global average—a gap that poses a major constraint on economic opportunities and regional development.

“The digital divide demands a coordinated approach to ensure no one is left behind,” said Mutati. “Digital access must be recognized not merely as a privilege, but as a fundamental right, influencing education, commerce, governance, and health.”

The IDEA programme seeks to bridge this divide by boosting digital connectivity, investing in inclusive technologies, and promoting policies that ensure equitable access. The initiative also aims to foster regional cooperation, gender equality, climate resilience, and scalable private sector investments.

COMESA Secretary General Chileshe Mpundu Kapwepwe underscored the importance of public-private collaboration and knowledge-sharing among institutions to address financing gaps. “We must create innovative ways to catalyze private sector investment and strengthen regulatory frameworks for digital access,” she stated.

Echoing this sentiment, Isabel Neto, World Bank Representative, called for regional synergy to promote scalable investment and economic integration, with IDEA serving as a vehicle for shared prosperity.

The launch event, hosted in Zambia, drew participation from regional stakeholders, government officials, the private sector, and development partners—all united by the vision of a digitally inclusive and economically connected Africa.