Zambia Tech-Expo 2025 Opens with Focus on AI and Digital Payments
The 2025 Zambia Tech-Expo was officially opened today at Mulungushi Conference Centre, under the theme “Artificial Intelligence and Payments: Driving Zambia’s Digital Revolution.” The event has grown into a key national platform for innovation, partnerships, and investment in the digital space.
Speaking on behalf of Permanent Secretary Eng. Dr. Brilliant Habeenzu, Director of Communications and Digital Technologies, Mr. Nkula Mwanza said the Expo presents major opportunities for innovation, networking, and job creation anchored in the digital economy.
He noted that artificial intelligence (AI) is projected to add over USD 15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030 and could unlock USD 1.2 trillion in value in Africa by 2035. He encouraged Zambian entrepreneurs to take an active role in this transformation.
Mr. Mwanza highlighted how AI and digital payments are already impacting everyday life in Zambia—through biometric systems in social services, chatbots in banking, fraud detection tools, and automated solutions in agriculture. He described these as key building blocks of a data-driven, inclusive society.
To ensure no one is left behind, government is implementing national digital and AI strategies. These include expanding broadband access by building over 1,000 communication towers and integrating digital skills training into schools and civil service programs through Smart Zambia initiatives.
Government is also updating the ICT Act and the Data Protection Act to match the pace of emerging technologies.
Zambia’s digital economy continues to grow, with the ICT sector averaging 16% growth between 2021 and 2024. In 2024 alone, mobile money transactions hit K486 billion, processed across 2.9 billion transactions and supported by 12.9 million active mobile accounts.
Mr. Mwanza described the Expo as a sign of Zambia’s readiness to lead in Africa’s digital age and urged banks, telecoms, universities, and innovators to collaborate in expanding access and driving progress.
The Expo will feature exhibitions, workshops, and expert discussions on fintech, smart farming, e-services, and more in the coming days.
