Dr. Habeenzu Urges Start-Ups to Fly the Flag at GITEX Africa 2026
The Permanent Secretary at Zambia’s Ministry of Technology and Science, Eng. Dr. Brilliant Habeenzu, has called on Zambian start-ups participating in the GITEX Africa 2026 Summit in Morocco to proudly represent the nation and showcase Zambia’s growing innovation capacity on a continental stage.
Speaking at the GreenTech4CE Pre-GITEX Delegation Launch held at BongoHive in Lusaka on 1 April, Dr. Habeenzu commended the strategic partnerships that have enabled Zambia’s participation in the event.
He described GITEX Africa as a valuable platform for demonstrating the country’s dynamic innovation ecosystem and emerging leadership in digital transformation.
Highlighting the role of the ICT sector in driving economic growth, Dr. Habeenzu noted that it contributed nearly 50 percent of Zambia’s GDP growth in 2025, fuelling entrepreneurship, job creation, and innovation.
He stressed that initiatives like GreenTech4CE align with Zambia’s Green Growth Strategy, ICT Act No. 15 of 2009, and the National Digital Transformation Strategy, which prioritise sustainable digital innovation.
Dr. Habeenzu reaffirmed government support for enterprises, citing recent measures such as zero-rating of VAT and the suspension of excise duty on fuel imports as ways to enhance business resilience and competitiveness.
He also emphasised the importance of public-private partnerships, support for innovation hubs like BongoHive and the National Technology Business Centre (NTBC), and access to regional markets through frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Key milestones in Zambia’s digital transformation were highlighted, including a surge in mobile money transactions from K42 billion in 2021 to over K800 billion in 2025, generating around 300,000 direct jobs. Internet penetration now stands at 58 percent, with more than 19 million active mobile subscriptions, and fibre optic infrastructure has grown from 15,000 km in 2021 to 45,000 km in 2025.
Dr. Habeenzu also noted the growth of ICT exports and the increasing presence of Zambian start-ups in regional markets.
He added that the GreenTech4CE initiative had secured substantial funding from the European Union to support enterprises in renewable energy, recycling, and the circular economy.
Emphasising the role of youth, he noted that with 65 percent of Zambia’s population under 25, empowering young people with digital skills and entrepreneurial opportunities is crucial for inclusive and sustainable growth.
In his call to action, Dr. Habeenzu encouraged the nine participating enterprises to seize GITEX Africa as an opportunity to attract investment, forge partnerships, and expand into new markets, urging them to represent Zambia with professionalism, innovation, and excellence.
He concluded by reaffirming government commitment to supporting enterprise growth beyond GITEX, expressing confidence that Zambia’s delegation would demonstrate resilience, creativity, and leadership in digital transformation.
“Together, we are building a Digital Nation for all, where innovation is inclusive, ethical, and secure, and no Zambian is left behind,” he said.
