Smart, Data-Led Growth

.. Mutati advocates for a more strategic, data-driven approach to innovation as a means to accelerate Zambia’s economic development in an increasingly competitive global landscape.

By Francis Maingaila

Lusaka, Zambia24 – (10-04-2015) - Minister of Technology and Science Felix Mutati expressed concerns about the widespread redundancy in government programs and the lack of data-informed decision-making, which he believes are slowing down Zambia’s economic progress and stifling innovation.

He shared these insights during the launch of the "State of the Developer Ecosystem in Zambia Survey 2025" in Lusaka.

Mutati explained that the government had identified substantial duplication in innovation initiatives being implemented by various ministries, agencies, and private-sector players.

This redundancy has led to inefficiencies, wasted resources, and minimal tangible results.

“We have seen multiple competitions and innovation drives across different ministries, including NTBC, all targeting the same pool of talent without any coordination. As a result, young people are hopping from one competition to the next without producing solutions that are market-ready,” Mutati remarked.

He gave the example of a government program initially thought to have 1.3 million medium-level beneficiaries. However, after auditing employee data, 220,000 names were removed due to duplication and inaccuracies.

“That’s a significant figure. It illustrates the far-reaching consequences of unverified data. Consider the extent to which public resources are being squandered under the guise of supporting fictitious beneficiaries,” he added.

Mutati cautioned that such inefficiencies are contributing to the country’s slow economic development.

“When people claim the economy isn’t growing, it’s because decisions are often based on unreliable data. We’re only scratching the surface rather than addressing underlying issues,” he noted.

Despite these challenges, Mutati highlighted the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector as a notable success story. According to the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), the ICT sector grew by 17.4% in 2024, outperforming all other sectors in Zambia.

“This underscores the transformative potential of digital innovation, even amidst an underperforming economy,” Mutati pointed out.

“Had we made more strategic investments, this growth could have been even greater.”

He also drew attention to Zambia’s lag in digital skills and innovation capacity. Internal assessments show that the country’s digital literacy stands at just 31%, far below the threshold needed to propel a knowledge-based economy.

“Our education system needs a complete overhaul. We must integrate innovation into the curriculum, revamp technical education, and design policies that foster development if we are to catch up,” he urged.

The minister also reiterated the government’s commitment to passing the Data Protection Bill, describing it as a critical step in creating a legal framework that will enable responsible data use for innovation.

“Meaningful technological advancement is impossible without a robust legal framework that protects data and supports evidence-based decision-making,” he emphasized.

Mutati further stressed that limited funding is not the primary obstacle to innovation—rather, it is the mindset and lack of direction among entrepreneurs.

“Many young people approach us with vague ideas—‘perhaps chickens, perhaps vegetables’—but without structured plans. We need to cultivate not just technical skills but the competence and confidence to innovate,” he said.

The Ministry of Technology and Science is currently finalizing its Digital Transformation Strategy, focusing on key areas such as innovation, entrepreneurship, digital skills, and literacy.

“We’re focused on laying the groundwork—cleaning up data, creating strategic plans, and partnering with stakeholders. But the time for superficial efforts is over. We need to act decisively to ensure innovation is impactful, measurable, and sustainable,” Mutati concluded.

A new survey launched by BongoHive is designed to address critical gaps in Zambia's tech sector by examining the state of digital skills, education, and opportunities in the local tech landscape.

The survey is part of BongoHive's broader efforts to foster digital transformation in Zambia and respond to the growing demand for skilled technology professionals.

As the global tech economy continues to thrive, Zambia is increasingly facing a shortage of workers who are both well-educated and proficient in digital technologies.

The survey will focus on assessing the current skill levels of tech professionals in Zambia.

BongoHive aims to identify which technical skills are in demand, benchmark salary expectations, and outline career paths, helping to better understand the trajectory of tech professionals in the country.

“There is a rising need for tech professionals, yet there is a gap in understanding the skills available in the market and the aspirations of individuals,” explained Lukonga Lindunda, Co-Founder and Executive Director of BongoHive.

The survey will also evaluate whether Zambia's educational system is adequately preparing students for the digital economy, and explore potential improvements to curricula to align better with industry demands.

With artificial intelligence (AI) emerging as a critical tool in the tech world, the survey will explore the extent to which AI is being incorporated into Zambia’s tech sector and assess how accessible AI tools are to individuals.

Additionally, the survey will examine the participation of women and other underrepresented groups in Zambia’s tech industry and identify strategies to encourage more inclusive involvement.

The survey will also explore the interest in tech-based entrepreneurship in Zambia. With limited job opportunities, many individuals are turning to startups, and the survey will identify both barriers and opportunities for tech entrepreneurs.

The goal of the survey is to provide valuable data that can inform policy decisions, drive educational reforms, and shape investment strategies in Zambia’s tech ecosystem.

The insights garnered from this survey are expected to attract investment, support local businesses, and help nurture a thriving tech industry in Zambia.

This survey represents a critical juncture for Zambia’s tech sector, offering the data necessary to ensure the country can meet the challenges of the global digital economy.

The ICT Association of Zambia (ICTAZ) is calling for enhanced efforts to promote digital skills training, emphasizing the importance of both formal and informal educational routes to support the country’s digital transformation.

Speaking on behalf of ICTAZ President Dr. Clement Sinyangwe, Sera Mbewe highlighted the pivotal role technology plays in driving economic growth, especially in industries such as mining and agriculture.

She emphasized that modernizing these sectors requires skilled professionals, trained not only through formal education but also through practical, hands-on experience.

Mbewe called for a balanced approach to regulation and innovation, noting that while the ICT sector holds immense potential to revolutionize industries, it must also adhere to national standards and regulations.

"By aligning innovation with appropriate regulatory frameworks, we can cultivate a sustainable digital ecosystem,” Mbewe said.

She also underscored the need for inclusive training opportunities for all Zambians, stressing that the ICT sector is a key engine for job creation.

ICTAZ advocates for integrating formal education and self-taught learning pathways to better equip individuals for the demands of the modern economy.

The ICTAZ’s push for increased investment in digital skills aligns with the government’s broader objective of enhancing Zambia’s digital economy.

Mbewe concluded by stating that Zambia’s future economic growth hinges on the integration of technology across all sectors.