World Bank Pledges $100 Million to Boost Zambia’s Digital Infrastructure
The World Bank has committed $100 million to accelerate Zambia’s digitization infrastructure and expand internet access. This major investment will fund the Digital Zambia Acceleration Project (DZAP), which aims to enhance the country’s digital capabilities.
World Bank Managing Director and Chief Administration Officer Wengcai Zhang announced the initiative during a visit to Technology and Science Minister Hon. Felix Chipota Mutati in Lusaka.
The project, totaling $100 million, will be financed through a blend of national and regional IDA resources, with an additional $20 million in unguaranteed commercial financing.
“The DZAP is designed to increase internet access and digitally enabled services,” Zhang stated. “It aligns with the government’s priorities and will focus on expanding broadband and last-mile infrastructure, as well as deploying digital public infrastructure to enhance efficiencies in both public and private sectors.”
Zhang detailed that the DZAP will support digitalization in high-impact sectors, including nurturing employment-ready digital skills. The project is expected to be approved by the World Bank Board in March 2025. Prior to this, a Project Preparation Advance of $6 million will be used to finance preparatory activities.
A Project Implementation Unit will be established within the Smart Zambia Institute to oversee government-wide digitization initiatives. Zhang also expressed the World Bank’s support for Zambia hosting the World Skills Africa Competition in Livingstone in April 2025, emphasizing its global significance.
Minister Mutati expressed appreciation for the $6 million Project Preparation Advance and highlighted the project’s potential to significantly advance Zambia’s digitization efforts. He also thanked the World Bank for its role in bridging gaps in the TEVET sector.
The meeting was attended by World Bank Zambia Country Manager Achim Fock and Director of Communication in the Ministry of Technology and Science Milner Makuni.
