Zambia Advances AI Innovation at IndabaX 2025
Zambia convened leading artificial intelligence experts at the Deep Learning IndabaX Zambia 2025, held on 18–19 November at the Urban Hotel in Lusaka, under the theme “Shaping Zambia’s AI Future Together.”
The event showcased Zambia’s commitment to advancing AI innovation as a driver of national transformation.
Eng. Dr. Brilliant Habeenzu, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Technology and Science, emphasised that Zambia must actively participate in the global AI revolution—not merely observe it.
He highlighted that AI has the potential to contribute over US$1.5 trillion to African economies by 2030 if harnessed strategically and inclusively.
The conference spotlighted AI-driven solutions already impacting Zambia: maternal health improvements through Dawa Health, copper exploration breakthroughs by Kobold Metals, and agriculture advisory tools boosting crop yields by 20–30%.
Zambia’s National AI Strategy (2024–2026), launched last year, was a key focus, with six strategic pillars: policy and regulation, human capital development, infrastructure and data ecosystems, research and innovation, sectoral integration, and international partnerships.
The Strategy aims to position Zambia as a regional hub for ethical, inclusive, and locally relevant AI innovation.
Dr. Habeenzu stressed responsible AI deployment, grounded in fairness, transparency, accountability, and protection of citizen rights, while addressing gender disparities, noting that women currently make up only 28% of the technology workforce.
The IndabaX Zambia 2025 served as a launchpad for scaling AI innovations across healthcare, agriculture, finance, and public services. The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to implementing the National AI Strategy, strengthening infrastructure, promoting commercialisation of research, and fostering global partnerships.
“The future is not something we wait for, it is something we build, together,” Dr. Habeenzu concluded, calling for collaboration to ensure AI drives inclusive national development.
