Chongwe, October 4th, 2024 –President Hakainde Hichilema has called on African countries to prioritize and invest in digitization to accelerate development and improve the lives of their citizens.

President Hichilema made this statement while officially opening the Digital Government Africa Summit 2024, emphasizing digitization’s role in driving free trade and integration among African nations.

He noted that Africa’s natural resources should benefit the continent, rather than being exported to developed countries.

Nigeria’s Senator Garba Musa Maidoki stressed that Africa needs to develop its own software and digital solutions to harness its rich natural resources.

Zambia’s Minister of Technology and Science, Felix Mutati, announced progress in establishing an Artificial Intelligence Center of Excellence and a national AI strategy, in partnership with Google and the Tony Blair Institute.

SMART Zambia National Coordinator Percy Chinyama highlighted the importance of collaboration among African countries, fostering knowledge sharing and mutual growth.

Aidara Diara, Senior Vice President and Group Head for Africa, emphasized that digital transformation is crucial for Africa’s success, requiring ecosystem-wide collaboration.

Home Affairs Minister Jack Mwiimbu reported that Zambia has made significant strides in digital public infrastructure, with 1.5 million citizens registered through the Integrated National Registration Information System.

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