How Digital Infrastructure Is Powering Zambia’s Industrial Future – Mazaba
As CAMINEX 2025 wrapped up at the Showgrounds in Kitwe, it became clear that the future of Zambia’s industrial growth lies not just in the strength of its natural resources but in the power of digital connectivity.
Thousands of stakeholders across mining, agriculture, and manufacturing gathered at the annual expo to explore new technologies and deepen sector collaboration. One of the key messages echoed throughout the event: digital infrastructure is transforming how Zambia works—from mines to farms.
Mwendamo Mazaba, Chief Financial Officer of Liquid Intelligent Technologies Zambia, emphasized the company’s commitment to providing the digital backbone that connects these vital sectors. As the event’s official connectivity partner and with over 110,000 km of fibre infrastructure across Africa, Liquid is uniquely positioned to support Zambia’s transition to a more connected economy.
“Connectivity is no longer a luxury—it’s a lifeline for industries,” Mazaba stated. “We are witnessing a digital revolution that is enabling precision mining and smart agriculture, enhancing productivity, safety, and sustainability.”
In the mining sector, high-speed connectivity has enabled real-time monitoring of equipment and employee safety, predictive maintenance, and more accurate ore production measurement. These advances are especially critical in challenging environments where remote operations require seamless, uninterrupted data exchange.
Meanwhile, the agricultural sector is embracing Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, including sensors, data analytics platforms, and automated systems that allow farmers to collect and act on real-time field data. This integration boosts yields, reduces waste, and ensures environmentally sustainable practices, helping Zambia meet its food security goals while creating room for agricultural exports.
With an internet penetration rate of 31.2%—representing approximately 6.5 million users—Zambia is ripe for accelerated digital transformation. Both mining and agriculture are under pressure to modernize: the former to improve efficiency and reduce environmental footprints, and the latter to meet growing domestic demand and strengthen global competitiveness.
These digital strides align with the Zambian government’s National Digital Transformation Strategy, where digital infrastructure is one of five foundational pillars. Mazaba noted that private sector investment, particularly in connectivity, is essential to delivering on the strategy’s promise.
Beyond infrastructure, Liquid is investing in digital skills and inclusion, supporting training initiatives that empower individuals and communities with tech-driven job opportunities. Events like CAMINEX provide crucial platforms to showcase innovation and facilitate knowledge-sharing between technology providers and industry stakeholders.
As technologies like AI, satellite mapping, and autonomous machinery become more accessible, Zambia’s farms and mines are set to evolve into fully connected, data-driven ecosystems. This digital integration promises to boost productivity, cut operational costs, and unlock new economic opportunities for communities across the country.
“The result,” Mazaba concluded, “is a connected, digitally enabled, and inclusive Zambia—where every farmer, every miner, and every entrepreneur can thrive.”
