Reported by: The Agency Media.
Date: 10th April, 2025.
Lusaka, Zambia.
In a landmark move to fortify Zambia’s position in the digital economy, the Honourable Minister of Technology and Science, Felix C. Mutati, MP, presided over the official launch of the State of the Developer Ecosystem in Zambia Survey 2025.
Spearheaded by a strategic alliance between the ICT Association of Zambia (ICTAZ) and BongoHive, this initiative underscores the nation’s unwavering commitment to data-driven growth and digital transformation.
More than just a statistical undertaking, this survey represents a pivotal instrument in shaping the trajectory of Zambia’s burgeoning technology sector. “This is our compass,” Minister Mutati emphasized, articulating that the insights gleaned will help pinpoint the needs, challenges, and ambitions of the developer community, steering policy and investment toward impactful, evidence-based outcomes.
The Minister lamented that a lack of data-informed decision-making continues to stifle economic growth, noting that leveraging accurate insights can significantly enhance resource allocation and eliminate inefficiencies. “The economy is not growing because most decisions are not informed by data,” he stated plainly, reinforcing the urgency of this initiative.
Zambia’s digital momentum is undeniable. In 2024, the ICT sector surged by an impressive 17.8%, contributing 3.5% to the national GDP — a clear indicator that digital technologies are the engine of future economic prosperity. However, for this growth to be sustainable, Minister Mutati underscored the importance of cultivating a vibrant, skilled developer ecosystem equipped to create both local and global solutions.
The survey’s findings will sharpen focus on five essential pillars:
- Skills Development
Continuous learning is imperative. Developers must be equipped with globally competitive skills, including AI, blockchain, and cybersecurity. The government and its partners are urged to invest in training initiatives such as coding boot camps and advanced tech curricula. - Employment and Opportunities
Retaining local talent and reversing brain drain remain critical priorities. Data-driven policies will help create incentives that ensure Zambia’s brightest minds contribute to the national innovation agenda. - Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Moving beyond technology consumption to creation is essential. The survey aims to guide support for tech start-ups through targeted policies, seed capital, and mentorship opportunities. - Overcoming Barriers through Competence
Minister Mutati stressed that Zambia’s real challenge is not obstacles, but the competence of its innovations. “When innovation is great, seed funding follows,” he noted, highlighting the intrinsic value of quality solutions. - Strengthening Digital Pillars
The nation’s Digital Transformation Strategy pillars — Innovation & Entrepreneurship and Skills & Literacy — have each grown by just over 31%, signaling the need for accelerated progress.
Minister Mutati also reflected on the global landscape, pointing to technology-driven giants in the United States as a blueprint for Zambia’s aspirations. From digitizing public services and connecting rural communities to empowering SMEs, he emphasized that innovation must tangibly improve lives.
Supporting this vision, the government is already advancing key initiatives:
- Rolling out e-learning platforms for Technical Education, Vocational, and Entrepreneurship Training (TEVET);
- Providing direct support to over 200 developers through the National Innovation Fund;
- And finalizing the Startup Bill to catalyze growth in Zambia’s innovation ecosystem.
In closing, Minister Mutati commended both BongoHive and ICTAZ for their visionary leadership. He called upon all stakeholders to leverage this survey as a blueprint for building an ecosystem that empowers, innovates, and positions Zambia as a continental leader in technology.
“This is our moment to craft a future that not only transforms Zambia but sets a benchmark for Africa,” he declared.
The Agency.