GOV’T INVESTED IN DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION AGENDA – DR HABEENZU
The government aims to build a digital economy that enhances growth while safeguarding citizens’ interests
Ministry of Technology and Science, Permanent Secretary Dr Brilliant Habeenzu has highlighted Zambia’s dedication to fostering technological advancement while ensuring regulatory frameworks are in place to protect consumers and promote trust across sectors.
He outlined the country’s strategic approach to balancing regulatory frameworks with technological innovation at a ministerial panel session held yesterday in Cape Town, South Africa.
In his address, Dr. Habeenzu shared that Government’s current focus aligns with the nation’s Eighth National Development Plan, which emphasises the transformation of key economic sectors, namely agriculture, mining, manufacturing, and tourism.
He said these sectors have been identified as central to Zambia’s economic transformation and job creation agenda, with emerging technologies like artificial intelligence being seen as pivotal in maximizing productivity within these industries.
“In Zambia, our goal is to optimize output across these sectors by integrating emerging technologies, especially in areas like water and infrastructure, to support a robust digital ecosystem,” Dr. Habeenzu explained.
He added that a critical component of this strategy involves bolstering the nation’s ICT infrastructure, particularly in underserved rural areas.
This effort, funded in part by Zambia’s Universal Access Service Fund, includes the installation of telecommunications towers nationwide to enhance connectivity and bridge the digital divide.
In line with promoting digital accessibility, Dr. Habeenzu noted that the government has prioritised the implementation of the ICT Policy, Digital Transformation Strategy and revising the Cyber Security and CyberCrimes Act to build trust and confidence in the digital economy.
He said that with the Data Protection Act already in place, ongoing regulatory adjustments are addressing any remaining gaps to secure data integrity.
This comprehensive framework, he said, is essential to fostering trust among both industry players and consumers, thereby supporting sustainable digital progress.
The government is also deeply invested in developing digital skills among its populace.
Recognizing that digital literacy is fundamental to long-term success, the Ministry of Technology has revamped educational curricula to incorporate digital skills at all levels.
Dr Habeenzu disclosed that through programmes supported by the Universal Access Service Fund, the government has distributed computers to schools, including those in remote areas, to ensure students acquire vital digital skills from an early age.
Addressing the role of public-private partnerships, Dr. Habeenzu highlighted Zambia’s Public-Private Dialogue Forum (PPDF), a platform for government and industry leaders to collaboratively review and refine policies affecting private sector engagement in the digital space.
“Our intent is to foster a thriving digital economy by ensuring the private sector has a voice in regulatory matters,” he said.
Furthermore, the Government is supporting innovation through existing funds like the Science, Technology, and Innovation Youth Fund, managed by the National Science and Technology Council as well as the Technology Business Development Fund, under the National Technology Business Centre, to nurture startups and innovations from conception through to commercialization. These efforts will be augmented by the development of the first ever Start Up Bill which has reached an advanced stage.
Dr Habeenzu said the government’s efforts to bolster its digital ecosystem are evident in the issuance of licenses to enhance connectivity, including spectrum allocations that support 4G and 5G technology.
He pointed out that to enhance countrrywide connectivity, the Government has attracted international players like Starlink and Baobab Communications have also entered the market, helping to expand internet access and fibre connectivity nationwide.
Currently, Zambia is working to finalise its connection to regional neighbours like Burundi through Lake Tanganyika using the undersea cable network is awaiting implementation.
Acknowledging the impact of environmental challenges, Dr. Habeenzu spoke about the adverse effects of recent droughts on power generation, which in turn strained telecommunications services.
He, however, praised the private sector for its proactive response, as local mobile network operators and business leaders rallied to address the infrastructure gaps, investing additional resources to mitigate power shortages.
Dr. Habeenzu’s added that by fostering innovation hubs beyond the capital city of Lusaka and collaborating closely with private and international stakeholders, government aims to build a digital economy that enhances the nation’s growth while safeguarding the interests of its citizens.
“We are confident that by working together with industry stakeholders, we can build a digital Zambia that is secure, inclusive, and prosperous,” said Dr. Habeenzu emphasises the government’s commitment to a balanced approach in its digital strategy.
Dr Habeenzu is currently in Cape Town, South Africa, with Eng. Collins Mbulo the Acting ZICTA DG, attending the “Africa Tech Festival.”