President Hakainde Hichilema is set to open the Digital Government Africa Summit later this week in Zambia, marking the second consecutive year the nation has hosted the high-profile event. The summit, which is drawing over 500 delegates from 33 African countries, highlights the growing significance of digital transformation across the continent.
Home Affairs and Internal Security Minister Jack Mwiimbu emphasized the importance of the summit, noting that it provides African governments with a vital platform to foster connections, promote cross-border payment systems, and encourage collaboration among cybersecurity professionals. Mwiimbu further stressed that digital transformation will benefit governments in numerous ways, enhancing their operations and efficiency.
Technology and Science Minister Felix Mutati added that Zambia is using the summit as an opportunity to demonstrate its advancements in digital security. Since hosting the inaugural summit last year, Zambia has made significant progress in securing its cyberspace, a milestone the government plans to highlight during the event.
In the education sector, Minister Douglas Syakalima pointed out that Zambia’s introduction of free education has driven the rollout of digital infrastructure in schools. The recent launch of the Smart Village Project by President Hichilema underscores the government’s commitment to integrating digital tools in education and ensuring Zambia’s active participation in the digital revolution.
The Smart Zambia Institute National Coordinator, Percy Chinyama, echoed the sentiment, stating that the three-day event will play a crucial role in promoting digital transformation across Africa. The summit offers a unique opportunity for stakeholders to collaborate and share innovative ideas that can drive the continent’s digital future.