Zambia and Czech Republic Strengthen Innovation and Technology Partnership at Tech4Zambia Forum
The Tech4Zambia Innovation Forum held at the Intercontinental Hotel in Lusaka has strengthened cooperation between Zambia and the Czech Republic in advancing technology, innovation, and sustainable development. The event brought together government officials, diplomats, and industry leaders under the theme “Turning Ideas into Action for a Smarter, Sustainable Zambia.”
The forum focused on transforming innovative ideas into practical solutions across key sectors such as agriculture, energy, health, environment, governance, and digital transformation.
Czech Ambassador to Zambia, His Excellency Jiří Kyrian, reaffirmed his country’s commitment to supporting Zambia’s innovation agenda through collaboration in education, agriculture, and health. He emphasised the importance of technology transfer, capacity building, and joint pilot projects as essential tools for achieving sustainable growth.
“Czechia remains dedicated to strengthening Zambia’s innovation ecosystem through partnerships in artificial intelligence, satellite technology, drones, and clean energy,” Ambassador Kyrian said. “Through initiatives such as the UNDP Challenge Fund and B2B innovation ventures, we are fostering solutions that bring long-term benefits to both nations.”
He also highlighted that the Czech government continues to offer up to 25 scholarships each year to Zambian students, reinforcing the foundation for scientific and technological collaboration.
Minister of Technology and Science, Hon. Felix Mutati, reiterated Zambia’s commitment to practical and mutually beneficial cooperation. He outlined the government’s strategic plans for innovation-led growth, including regulatory reforms on cybersecurity and data protection, expansion of digital infrastructure, and strengthening of cyber resilience.
Mr Mutati revealed that Zambia’s cybersecurity index had improved from 68.8 in 2021 to 92.6 in 2024, demonstrating progress in digital security. He noted that the government is promoting artificial intelligence in agriculture, health, and mining to enhance productivity and decision-making.
He urged stakeholders to focus on delivery and measurable outcomes, encouraging the Zambia Development Agency to make innovation funding more accessible through Czech partnership initiatives.
Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Technology and Science, Eng. Dr. Brilliant Habeenzu, described the Zambia–Czech collaboration as a platform for co-creation and applied innovation. He said the partnership supports Zambia’s transition from potential to production through technology-driven initiatives.
Afripoli Chief Executive Officer, Petr Boháček, said the partnership aligns with Zambia’s Vision 2030 and Czechia’s innovation strategy. He highlighted Afripoli’s focus on job creation and local manufacturing, technology modernisation, and economic diversification.
“Zambia is a strategic partner in regional innovation,” Mr Boháček said. “Our shared goal is to establish local drone and satellite manufacturing facilities while enhancing cybersecurity and knowledge transfer.”
The forum concluded with participants agreeing to launch pilot projects in artificial intelligence, satellite technology, and energy, strengthen innovation funding mechanisms for entrepreneurs, and promote skills development and technology transfer for sustainable impact.
