Zambia Stakeholders Push for Inclusive Digital Growth and Safer AI for Citizens
Zambia has reaffirmed its commitment to digital transformation and inclusion through a high-level multi-stakeholder dialogue on WSIS+20 and the Global Digital Compact, convened by Paradigm Initiative (PIN) in partnership with government, UN agencies, civil society and academia.
The engagement brought together key actors to align global digital commitments with national priorities and strengthen coordinated efforts toward an inclusive digital economy.
PIN, a Pan-African social enterprise with operations across several countries including Zambia, emphasised the importance of safeguarding digital rights while expanding access to digital opportunities for underserved communities.
Guest of Honour, Minister of Technology and Science Felix Mutati, highlighted Zambia’s role as a co-facilitator of the Global Digital Compact and outlined three global priorities: bridging the digital divide, governing artificial intelligence, and strengthening digital cooperation.
He further presented Zambia’s digital transformation agenda built on five strategic pillars. These include improving the regulatory environment, expanding digital infrastructure, strengthening cybersecurity, leveraging artificial intelligence, and promoting “digital umuntu” a model of collective collaboration rooted in African values.
The Minister noted that Zambia has expanded its fibre network from 15,000 km in 2021 to 45,000 km, while internet penetration has risen to 72.4 percent. Cybersecurity resilience has also improved significantly, rising to 92.1 percent in 2024.
He further emphasised the growing role of artificial intelligence in sectors such as mining, while calling for stronger governance frameworks to manage emerging risks.
Paradigm Initiative Executive Director Gbenga Sesan stressed the need for African countries to shape digital policies that ensure technology drives inclusion rather than exclusion. He warned of potential job displacement linked to AI and called for proactive, people-centred policy responses.
He commended Zambia’s openness to dialogue and reaffirmed PIN’s commitment to supporting digital rights and inclusive innovation across the continent.
The dialogue concluded with a strong call for continued collaboration among governments, development partners and civil society to ensure that Zambia’s digital transformation delivers practical benefits, expands opportunity and leaves no citizen behind in the digital era.
