ICTAZ Celebrates Zambia’s Digital Champions at 2025 Excellence Awards
The Information and Communication Technology Association of Zambia (ICTAZ) has celebrated the nation’s top innovators, leaders and digital pioneers at the 2025 ICTAZ Digital Excellence Awards. The ceremony, graced by the Minister of Technology and Science, Hon. Felix C. Mutati, MP, recognised individuals and institutions driving Zambia’s transformation into a regional digital powerhouse.
This year’s event placed a spotlight on innovation, professionalism and strategic leadership—values that continue to shape Zambia’s growing digital economy. In his keynote address, Minister Mutati outlined what he termed “The Ten Digital Commandments”, a summary of milestone achievements recorded across the ICT sector.
Among the highlights, the Minister announced that the ICT sector remains the fastest-growing industry in Zambia, expanding by 17.4% in the past year. ICT has also emerged as the country’s largest contributor to GDP, driving more than 45% of national economic activity.
Zambia’s rising influence was further demonstrated through continental recognition: ICTAZ was named Africa’s Best ICT Organisation, while Zambia secured eight regional awards, including Smart Zambia’s accolade as the Most Transformative Government Institution.
Significant strides in digital access were also noted. With support from a World Bank grant, 300 new network towers will be deployed, supplemented by 350 additional towers from private sector partners. A new Statutory Instrument introducing environmental assessment exemptions for ICT towers is expected to accelerate nationwide connectivity.
The Minister further highlighted breakthroughs in fintech innovation, with a Zambian fintech SME becoming the first of its kind to raise capital on the Lusaka Securities Exchange. He also emphasised enhanced cybersecurity protection following the introduction of the Cybercrime and Cybersecurity laws.
The awards ceremony itself served as the ninth “commandment”, acknowledging excellence across the ICT landscape. Mobile money growth, now nearly equivalent to the country’s GDP, was noted as a major indicator of Zambia’s expanding digital finance ecosystem.
ICTAZ President, Dr. Clement Sinyangwe, praised the sector’s collective achievements and reaffirmed the association’s commitment to its 2025–2027 Strategic Plan. Anchored on professionalism, inclusiveness, innovation and member empowerment, the plan aims to further strengthen Zambia’s digital ecosystem.
Dr. Sinyangwe also acknowledged regional partners from Botswana, Tanzania and beyond, who shared their support despite being unable to attend. He confirmed that Zambia will host the 2026 Taicon Africa Conference, as well as a regional ICT conference in March 2026 in collaboration with Angola, Malawi, Namibia and Tanzania.
Expressing gratitude to the Ministry of Technology and Science, the President described Minister Mutati as Zambia’s “digital ambassador”, applauding his leadership in positioning the country as a regional technology hub. He further commended Smart Zambia and corporate sponsors for their contributions to national ICT advancement.
The 2025 ICTAZ Digital Excellence Awards showcased the passion, creativity and dedication of ICT professionals whose work continues to shape Zambia’s digital future. Beyond technology, Dr. Sinyangwe emphasised, the sector is powered by people, purpose and a shared commitment to national development.
