Korea Donates US$149,525 ICT Equipment to Empower Zambian Youth Skills

The Government of the Republic of Korea has donated Information and Communication Technology (ICT) equipment worth US$149,525 to Zambia’s Ministry of Technology and Science, in a move aimed at accelerating the country’s digital transformation and human capital development.

Receiving the donation, Permanent Secretary Eng. Dr. Brilliant Habeenzu expressed gratitude to the Government of Korea, noting the importance of learning from Korea’s economic success story. 

He highlighted that, under the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema, Zambia has made significant progress in stabilising and growing the economy despite inheriting a contraction of approximately -2.8% growth, further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and severe droughts affecting food security and hydroelectric power generation.

Dr. Habeenzu outlined key government interventions, including the reintroduction of free education enabling millions of children to return to school, reinstatement of student meal allowances to improve conditions in higher education, and increased investment in skills development through enhanced Constituency Development Fund (CDF) allocations.

He underscored the pivotal role of ICT and emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) in boosting productivity across sectors including agriculture, mining, and manufacturing. 

Citing rapid growth in Zambia’s digital economy, Dr. Habeenzu noted mobile money transactions had surged from roughly 700 million to 1.5 billion annually, with mobile money agents expanding from 133,000 to over 450,000, creating jobs and revenue opportunities.

The Permanent Secretary emphasised that the donated ICT equipment would:

• Strengthen training capacity in Technical, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Training (TVET) institutions
• Bridge the digital divide, particularly in rural and peri-urban areas
• Equip young people with relevant digital and innovation-driven skills

“This support goes beyond ICT. It contributes to agriculture, innovation, and overall economic development, reinforcing our shared vision of a knowledge-based, innovation-led economy,” he said.

Ambassador Park Jaekyung described the donation as a symbol of the growing partnership between Korea and Zambia, particularly in science, technology, and skills development. 

He stressed that technology alone cannot drive transformation without skilled human capital, sharing Korea’s development experience based on three pillars: alignment with industry needs, practical hands-on learning, and continuous skills development.

“The tools provided today will help students gain practical experience in data management, digital processes, and AI applications, preparing them for modern workplaces,” Ambassador Park added, reaffirming Korea’s commitment to continued collaboration in digital skills development, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

Acting Director of Vocational Education Training, Ms. Precious Lisulo, welcomed the donation, calling it a strategic investment in Zambia’s future. She said the ICT equipment would benefit thousands of students and instructors annually, strengthen digital learning environments, and improve institutional efficiency. 

Ms. Lisulo emphasised TVET institutions as critical drivers of industrial growth, innovation, and inclusive skills development, particularly in underserved regions, and committed to sustainability through capacity building, maintenance systems, and ICT integration into training programmes.

“The intervention aligns with Zambia’s 8th National Development Plan to build a knowledge-based, innovation-driven economy where no one is left behind,” she said.