Zambia Champions Digital Education at Global Tech Summit in Beijing
Zambia is showcasing its digital education agenda at the Global Smart Education Conference 2025 in Beijing, China, under the theme: “Human-Machine Collaboration: Reshaping the Educational Ecosystem for the Future.” The conference brings together global leaders to explore how artificial intelligence (AI), digital platforms, and smart technologies are transforming education systems worldwide.
Hon. Douglas Syakalima, Zambia’s Minister of Education, delivered a keynote address highlighting the persistent digital divide that limits access to learning for many. He emphasised that digital education is no longer a luxury but a necessity in the 21st Century, noting that only a fraction of learners in Zambia and other landlocked developing countries have reliable internet access.
“The divide between the connected and disconnected will define not only access to learning but also economic opportunity if targeted interventions are not implemented,” Minister Syakalima stated.
The Minister outlined Zambia’s efforts to bridge the gap, including embedding digital literacy from early childhood to higher education, establishing Community Digital Learning Hubs in rural areas, and developing teacher professional programmes in digital pedagogy. Initiatives such as low-cost device distribution, digital content in local languages, and inclusive learning for marginalised groups aim to ensure technology supports cultural and linguistic diversity.
Minister Syakalima also stressed that empowering teachers is crucial. Zambia is investing in digital teacher colleges to equip educators with the skills to design and deliver interactive lessons, leveraging AI-assisted tools to tailor learning to individual student needs.
“Technology should empower learners with problem-solving skills, creativity, entrepreneurship, and climate action knowledge, while ensuring inclusive access for all,” he added.
Zambia’s participation at the conference underscores its commitment to harnessing global innovations and partnerships to strengthen digital infrastructure, teacher training, and inclusive learning opportunities.
