Reported by: The Agency Media.
Date: 25th March, 2025.
Lusaka, Zambia.
Zambia has taken a significant step in accelerating its digital transformation, as industry leaders, policymakers, and financial institutions gathered for the highly anticipated Zambia Digital Week, held from March 24–26, 2025, at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre.
The conference, graced by the Minister of Technology and Science, Honourable Felix C. Mutati, MP, has served as a key platform for shaping the country’s digital future.
Themed “Driving Innovation for a More Connected and Intelligent Zambia,” the event brought together regional and international stakeholders including Loita Capital Partners International, Smart Africa, Afreximbank, and Invest Africa. Together, they focused on how innovation, fintech solutions, and regulatory collaboration can propel Zambia into becoming a leading smart economy on the African continent.
In his keynote address, Hon. Mutati emphasized that Zambia’s digital transformation is not merely a technological upgrade but a strategic shift aimed at solving real-world challenges. “Innovation must be grounded in purpose,” he stated. “Whether it’s enabling faster payments, improving SME access to banking services, or delivering smarter government services, digital solutions should translate into tangible benefits for the people of Zambia.”
He further outlined the government’s unwavering commitment to building a resilient digital ecosystem based on research, innovation, and skills development. “Our mission is to turn problems into opportunities and to ensure that digital transformation brings happiness, prosperity, and sustainable growth for all citizens,” Hon. Mutati said.
One of the conference’s major highlights was the emphasis on collaboration between the government and the private sector. The Minister noted that Zambia’s regulatory approach is becoming more agile, with the government engaging market players through innovation sandboxes. These platforms allow technology developers to test solutions in controlled environments, helping shape risk-based, fit-for-purpose regulations.
“Boldness in innovation cannot be achieved in isolation,” Hon. Mutati said. “We are working closely with private partners to show that innovation and regulation can co-exist, creating new opportunities and market confidence.”
The Zambia Digital Week highlighted five key pillars driving the country’s digital agenda:
- Digitized Government Systems — Streamlining public services and improving delivery through technology.
- Skills Development — Building local expertise to support a knowledge-based economy.
- An Enabling Environment — Creating regulatory frameworks that foster innovation and protect consumer interests.
- Access to Digital Infrastructure and Services — Expanding connectivity, including fibre and cloud services, to underserved areas.
- Protection of People, Data, and Infrastructure — Ensuring cybersecurity and data protection as cornerstones of trust.
Zambia’s ambitions extend beyond domestic digital reforms. Discussions at the summit placed strong emphasis on enhancing cross-border payments and regional financial integration. As Zambia strengthens its fibre optic networks and cloud infrastructure, the country is positioning itself to become a critical player in regional fintech and digital trade ecosystems.
Artificial Intelligence (AI), financial inclusion tools, and blockchain solutions also took centre stage, with panel discussions exploring how these innovations can address local challenges — from expanding financial access for SMEs to automating government services.
Hon. Mutati expressed optimism that Zambia’s evolving digital infrastructure will attract greater investment, pointing out that the country’s collaborative approach with financial institutions and technology companies reinforces its standing as an investment hub. “Citizens are demanding a higher quality of life, and we are responding with strategic action plans underpinned by technology, science, and innovation,” he said.
Zambia Digital Week 2025 has underscored the country’s readiness to embrace change and lead in digital transformation across Africa. With strong government leadership, robust partnerships, and a clear strategic focus, Zambia is laying the groundwork for a connected, inclusive, and intelligent economy that works for all.
The Agency.