“AI and digital transformation are opportunities, not threats” – Vice President Nalumango
The Ministry of Technology and Science has reaffirmed its commitment to building a digitally inclusive and innovation-driven economy as the country marked Labour Day celebrations.
Staff from the Ministry joined national commemorations held on 1 May, reflecting on this year’s theme, “Securing Zambia’s Future of Work: Protecting Jobs, Skills and Pensions for Decent Work for All,” and emphasising the role of technology in shaping the future of employment.
The Ministry outlined key priorities centred on innovation, skills development, job creation and institutional reform, noting that emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence are central to enhancing productivity and global competitiveness.
Officials highlighted ongoing efforts to bridge the rural-urban digital divide through infrastructure expansion and digital inclusion programmes aimed at equipping citizens, particularly young people, with relevant skills. Zambia’s youth account for approximately 65 per cent of the population.
The Ministry also highlighted the growing contribution of the Information and Communication Technology sector, which accounted for over 35 per cent of Zambia’s Gross Domestic Product in 2025. Investments in financial technology, including mobile money services, have created more than 450,000 direct jobs, reinforcing the sector’s role in employment generation.
As part of efforts to strengthen institutional capacity, the Ministry is expanding its workforce and restructuring operations to support its broadened mandate in areas such as data protection, digital infrastructure and innovation systems.
In promoting inclusive economic growth, the Ministry continues to support innovation ecosystems through partnerships and initiatives such as those led by the National Technology Business Centre, including the Kopala 100 Summit, which supports scalable start-ups.
Meanwhile, the Zambia Congress of Trade Unions commended Government for maintaining an enabling environment for the labour movement and welcomed plans to transition towards a 24-hour economy.
The union also encouraged the adoption of Artificial Intelligence to improve productivity but raised concerns over casualisation, workplace harassment and unfair labour practices.
Delivering the keynote address, Vice President Mutale Nalumango described Labour Day as an opportunity to celebrate the resilience and contribution of workers, noting that technological change and climate challenges present opportunities for growth rather than threats.
She reaffirmed Government’s commitment to job protection, economic growth and expanded social security coverage, including measures enabling informal sector workers to contribute to the National Pension Scheme Authority.
The Vice President also highlighted progress in the energy sector, noting that improved electricity supply is supporting economic activity across small businesses, manufacturing and services.
She assured that digital transformation and Artificial Intelligence will create new employment opportunities, provided workers are equipped with the necessary skills, and called for continued collaboration between Government, employers and workers to sustain industrial harmony.
The Ministry reiterated its commitment to ensuring that technological advancement translates into inclusive growth, improved livelihoods and sustainable national development.
