Government says the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector will play a critical role in supporting the Grow Zambia Agenda and driving the country’s digital transformation. Speaking at the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) Zambia-Germany ICT Business Forum in…

Government says the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector will play a critical role in supporting the Grow Zambia Agenda and driving the country’s digital transformation.

Speaking at the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) Zambia-Germany ICT Business Forum in Lusaka, Minister of Technology and Science, Felix Mutati, said Government is prioritising digital infrastructure to expand and improve connectivity across all economic and social sectors.

Mr Mutati explained that ICT is a critical sector that cuts across and supports other economic pillars by providing the infrastructure and digital solutions needed to enhance productivity, efficiency and service delivery.

He outlined five key pillars that would support the Grow Zambia Agenda as trusted digital identity, interoperability, intelligence, digital infrastructure and inclusivity.

Mr Mutati explained that trusted digital identity would help eliminate duplication in public service delivery, while interoperability would enable government systems to communicate and share information, reducing the need for citizens and businesses to move from one office to another to access services.

“Government systems must be able to shake hands so that citizens do not have to move from one office to another to access services,” he stated.

Mr Mutati further explained that the intelligence pillar would promote the use of science, research, data and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to improve efficiency, reduce operational costs and increase productivity.

He cited the discovery of a significant copper ore deposit through the use of AI as an example of the technology’s potential.

He added that digital infrastructure was being brought into the country duty-free to support investment and expansion.

He pointed out that inclusivity would require collaboration between government and private sectors.

“I am because we are, because no matter how clever, intelligent and capable you are, you cannot achieve much on your own without partnerships and collaboration,” Mr Mutati further added.

Speaking at the same event, German Ambassador to Zambia, Soenke Siemon, reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to supporting the country’s digital transformation through partnerships and investments in the ICT sector.

Mr Siemon said Germany has supported several digital reforms, including the integration of public data at the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA), the digital revenue management system and beneficial ownership reforms at the Patents and Companies Registration Agency.

He said the ICT sector was becoming an important driver of Zambia’s economic growth.

“The ICT sector is becoming an important driver of Zambia’s economic growth, having recorded the highest positive contribution to growth in 2025, with the trend continuing into the second quarter of 2026,” he further explained.

Meanwhile, Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) Director General, Albert Halwampa, said Zambia is committed to creating a conducive business environment to attract investment in the ICT sector.

Mr Halwampa said the agency had digitised all its services, allowing investors to apply for investment licences online without physically visiting its offices.

He urged German companies to take advantage of the opportunities available in Zambia, saying the agency was ready to facilitate partnerships and investments.