Finland Strengthens Support for Zambia’s Digital Transformation Agenda
Finland has reaffirmed its strong support for Zambia’s fast-advancing digital transformation programme following high-level talks between Finnish Members of Parliament and the Minister of Technology and Science, Felix Mutati, earlier this week.
The discussions highlighted Finland’s position as one of Zambia’s most reliable development partners, particularly in digital governance, health innovation, geosciences, natural resource management, and institutional capacity-building.
Both sides reviewed progress achieved between 2020 and 2025 and agreed to broaden cooperation in areas central to President Hakainde Hichilema’s ambition to build a modern, technology-driven economy.
Minister Mutati described the engagement as “a strong vote of confidence in Zambia’s digital future,” emphasising that the President’s transformation agenda is anchored on transparency, technology, and efficient service delivery, sectors where Finland has offered world-class technical expertise.
Since 2020, Finland has supported Zambia through EU-funded Twinning programmes, strengthening institutions such as the Anti-Corruption Commission and the Office of the Auditor-General. These collaborations have improved public financial management and accountability and laid the foundation for digital government reforms.
The meeting also highlighted Finland’s contribution to data-driven development in the mining, water, and forestry sectors. This includes high-resolution geological surveys, groundwater assessments to support climate resilience investments, and the introduction of digital and satellite-based tools for sustainable land and forest management.
A key achievement celebrated was the rollout of Zambia’s Telemedicine and AI Health Diagnostics Pilot. Launched in 2024 and expanded to 20 health facilities in 2025, the initiative integrates remote diagnostics and AI-supported clinical analysis, improving healthcare access for rural communities. Minister Mutati noted that the programme aligns with President Hichilema’s commitment to ensuring that “no citizen is left outside the digital grid.”
Finland’s leadership in AI governance and public-sector innovation has placed it at the heart of Zambia’s efforts to develop its National Artificial Intelligence Strategy. “Finland is not just providing tools, they are helping us build capability, policy frameworks, and institutional confidence,” Mutati said.
Beyond digital governance, Finland has contributed to social programmes such as the World Food Programme’s school feeding initiative, with a €500,000 contribution in 2025 supporting climate-resilient nutrition for thousands of pupils. Growing private-sector cooperation is also helping expand green jobs, SME growth, and digital-skills development.
Finnish lawmakers commended Zambia’s reform agenda and expressed readiness to deepen collaboration in cybersecurity, digital public infrastructure, AI governance, and youth innovation. They also welcomed Zambia’s focus on data ethics, transparency, and citizen safeguards in the forthcoming national AI framework.
The engagement marked a significant step towards long-term parliamentary cooperation, with both nations sharing commitments to responsible technology governance and stronger oversight of digital investments.
As Zambia positions itself as a regional digital hub, both sides agreed to formalise new cooperation frameworks in the months ahead, including expanded digital health support, technical assistance for the National AI Strategy, and enhanced institutional partnerships with Finnish innovation agencies.
The meeting concluded with a shared resolve to ensure technology is used responsibly, inclusively, and effectively as a catalyst for economic transformation, job creation, and improved public services for all Zambians.
