Building a Knowledge-Based Economy
By Francis Maingaila
Lusaka, Zambia24 – 27 October 2025 – The Zambia–Czech Technology and Innovation Forum is taking place in Lusaka today, bringing together government officials, innovators, business leaders, and technology experts from both countries to explore practical cooperation in science, technology, and industrial development.
The forum aims to forge partnerships that promote local manufacturing, job creation, digital transformation, and sustainable economic growth, positioning Zambia as a hub for knowledge-driven industries in Southern Africa.
The high-level event, jointly organized by Afripoli, the Ministry of Technology and Science, the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA), and the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Lusaka, focuses on energy solutions, artificial intelligence (AI), satellite and drone technology, cybersecurity, and innovation-driven enterprises. It highlights opportunities for Zambia and Czechia to co-create solutions aligned with Zambia’s Vision 2030 and the Czech Republic’s innovation strategy.
Deepening Zambia–Czech Cooperation
Afripoli Founder and Director Petr Boháček called for deeper collaboration between Zambia and the Czech Republic in technology and innovation, noting that both nations share a vision for sustainable development built on mutual benefit and knowledge transfer.
Speaking at the forum at the InterContinental Hotel in Lusaka, Boháček said Afripoli, in partnership with the Ministry of Technology and Science, ZDA, and the Czech Embassy, aims to strengthen ties by promoting practical cooperation in modern manufacturing, renewable energy, and digital transformation.
He noted that the partnership aligns with Zambia’s Vision 2030 and President Hakainde Hichilema’s agenda on modernization, job creation, and industrial growth, as well as the Czech Republic’s innovation strategy, which encourages co-creation and export partnerships.
“We want to create partnerships that are commercial, sustainable, and truly win-win,” Boháček said. “Together, we can build industries that generate jobs, transfer knowledge, and develop a strong knowledge-based economy.”
Key Areas for Collaboration
Boháček identified local manufacturing, technology modernization, and economic diversification as key areas for collaboration. He highlighted Zambia’s potential to host segments of advanced manufacturing, especially in energy systems, drone and satellite production, and cybersecurity.
“These are not the old heavy industries of the past. We are talking about fast-moving, modern technologies that can be established quickly and bring knowledge transfer to Zambia,” he said.
He added that the partnership seeks to localize solar panel and battery production, promote satellite and drone-based data for agriculture and environmental management, and strengthen Zambia’s cybersecurity as the country advances its digital transformation agenda.
Boháček emphasized that technology and innovation should empower smaller nations.
“We may come from a small country, but together we can build partnerships and technologies that transform our nations,” he said.
Turning Ideas into Action
Czech Republic Ambassador to Zambia, H.E. Jiří Kyrian, called for stronger Zambia–Czech collaboration in technology and innovation, urging a shift from discussion to tangible results.
“The Forum has a simple purpose — to turn ideas into action,” Ambassador Kyrian said. “We are adding a new pillar to our bilateral relations: technology and innovation. Czechia is ready to transfer advanced technologies and expertise to support Zambia’s development agenda.”
Kyrian said discussions at the forum would focus on satellite and earth observation technologies for forest monitoring and infrastructure planning, AI and digital tools for public service delivery, drones for wildlife protection and farm management, and clean energy solutions for off-grid communities, schools, and clinics.
He highlighted Czech innovators such as TRL Space, Alfred Poly, and Order Institute, who are ready to co-design and implement solutions with Zambian partners. Czechia integrates technology across its development programs in Zambia, from digital diagnostics in healthcare to precision tools in agriculture and natural resource management.
Ambassador Kyrian also underscored Czechia’s commitment to local capacity building. Between 20 and 25 Zambian students annually receive fully funded scholarships at leading Czech universities, while programs like the UNDP Challenge Fund and B2B Programme promote joint ventures between Czech and Zambian enterprises.
“If we leave today with even two or three focused pilot projects and a plan for scale-up, this Forum will have achieved its goal,” Kyrian said.
He commended the Ministry of Technology and Science, ZDA, and the Zambian innovation ecosystem — including universities, start-ups, conservation leaders, and agritech experts — for driving progress.
“Czech partners are committed for the long run, but real progress will only come through active participation of our Zambian counterparts,” he added.
Zambia’s Vision for Technology and Innovation
Minister of Technology and Science, Hon. Felix Mutati, urged deeper Zambia–Czech cooperation by moving from discussion to tangible results that drive national transformation.
The Minister said the forum provided a platform for Zambian innovators, tech entrepreneurs, and global experts to exchange ideas and establish practical partnerships.
“Our expectation from this engagement is transformation — progress that replaces underdevelopment with innovation,” Mutati said. “As President Hakainde Hichilema reminds us, what matters most is delivery.”
Mutati praised the Czech Republic for offering 20 to 25 annual scholarships in advanced research, engineering, and innovation, which will help build local capacity to advance Zambia’s digital transformation agenda.
He highlighted five key pillars of Zambia’s digital transformation strategy: a strong regulatory framework, investment in digital infrastructure, enhanced cyber resilience, adoption of emerging technologies such as AI, and strategic partnerships.
Zambia is now connected by fibre to all eight neighbouring countries, aiming for 92 percent digital connectivity by 2026. On cybersecurity, the country’s global ranking improved from 168 in 2021 to 92 in 2024, reflecting growing capacity to safeguard digital investments.
Mutati emphasized AI in agriculture, which helps farmers identify crop diseases and receive instant recommendations.
“AI works for people — it creates solutions and opportunities that never existed before,” he said.
He also called for Czech collaboration in satellite and drone technology to enhance environmental protection, wildlife conservation, and curb illegal mining. Mutati urged easier access to the Czech innovation fund, noting that limited financing is a major challenge for Zambian innovators.
“Government resources are limited. Our innovators need funding. We must make access to the Czech innovation fund easier,” he said.
Mutati proposed three pilot projects: operationalizing the innovation fund, applying satellite technology for environmental monitoring, and launching an AI-driven project in agriculture or mining.
He concluded on an optimistic note, emphasizing tangible results within a year.
“When we meet again, we should not just talk about plans but celebrate the results of our collaboration,” Mutati said. “Size does not matter — only output does.”
The forum is expected to conclude with a shared commitment from both nations to strengthen cooperation, foster industrial growth, and drive sustainable development, ensuring Zambia achieves its Vision 2030 goals through innovation and technological partnership.
“Czechia may be small, but together we can achieve great things,” Mutati said.
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