Zambia is making bold and strategic moves in its journey toward digital transformation. This commitment is evident through the development and implementation of key national frameworks, including the National Digital Transformation Strategy (2023–2027), the National ICT Policy (2023), the Cyber Security Act (2025), the National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy (2024–2026), the Data Protection Act (2021), and the Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Policy. Together, these policies highlight the government’s recognition of ICT as a critical enabler of sustainable economic development.
As Zambia fast-tracks its digital agenda, the recent Eminent Persons Forum (EPF) hosted by ZIPAR offered a timely platform to deepen the national conversation on the role of digital innovation in shaping the country’s economic future.
Themed: “The Role of Digital Innovation in Shaping Zambia’s Future Economy,” the forum brought together policymakers, private sector leaders, tech innovators, and development partners to explore actionable solutions for inclusive growth and sustainable development.
Key Messages from the Forum:
- Digitalisation must be inclusive to be effective: Marginalised groups must be part of the digital transformation journey. Equity in access to technology and connectivity is central to inclusive economic progress.
- Collaboration is critical for sustainable digital transformation: No single actor can drive change alone. Strong partnerships among government, the private sector, and civil society are essential to building resilient digital systems.
- Policy must keep pace with innovation: Zambia must adopt adaptive regulatory frameworks that respond to the rapid evolution of AI, automation, and other disruptive technologies.
- Support for digital solutions in agriculture is crucial: Smallholder farmers require digital tools for market access, information, and productivity, underscoring the importance of agri-tech innovations like those from eMsika.
- Digital finance needs smart, inclusive regulation: Expanding access to digital financial services must be accompanied by safeguards to protect users and promote financial literacy.
- The youth must be at the center of public service innovation: Younger generations bring energy and creativity that can enhance e-government services and drive the adoption of digital platforms.
The message was clear: Zambia’s digital future must be inclusive, intentional, and bold. The Eminent Persons Forum reinforced that now is the time to move from dialogue to action, ensuring that digital innovation truly benefits all Zambians.