Zambia Eyes Digital Glory
Lusaka, Zambia24 --- (March 31, 2026) — Zambia is positioning itself to achieve digital glory on the global stage as the government urges citizens to move from being consumers of technology to creators of solutions that address local challenges ahead of the in Geneva.
Minister of Technology and Science said at the E-Mark AI and Robotics Challenge National Finale that strong partnerships between government, the private sector, and civil society are essential for driving progress in digital infrastructure and connectivity.
He commended the innovators at the event, noting that the ultimate goal is for Zambians to develop solutions capable of driving meaningful change, citing achievements such as Cobot as examples of local innovation.
“We must not be a country that consumes technology. We must be a country that creates solutions to the challenges we face,” Mutati said, adding that Zambia’s digital transformation is a mission of national liberation from “digital dependence.”
Mutati outlined four key priorities: changing mindsets, investing in skills, bridging the digital divide, and strengthening collaboration among stakeholders. He highlighted the potential of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence to transform sectors including mining, agriculture, and energy.
He emphasised the role of young innovators, noting that children and students already demonstrate strong creative potential.
“Give them the opportunity, and they will experiment, create and deliver solutions. What seems complex to us is natural to them,” he said, encouraging a culture that accepts failure as part of innovation.
On infrastructure, Mutati acknowledged progress in expanding digital connectivity but stressed that equitable access across the country remains a priority.
“Government alone cannot do this. We need everyone to come together and contribute towards a shared goal of digital success,” he said.
Mutati said Zambia’s participation in the global competition presents an opportunity to secure international recognition.
“We are not just going to participate — we are going to compete and bring back a trophy,” he said.
Meanwhile, more than 3,000 students have applied for just 100 laptops under the Student Performance Programme, highlighting stark inequalities in access to digital learning tools.
Emmanuel Mwanza, Chief Executive Officer of E-Mark, stressed the importance of investing in young people and supporting those from disadvantaged backgrounds, noting their potential to leverage technology to solve local challenges
“The reality is that some families are working hard just to send a child to university, while others can easily buy the latest smartphones for young children. That gap is what we must address,” Mwanza said.
He said the programme aims to bridge this divide by providing essential learning tools, although the overwhelming response has made selecting beneficiaries challenging.
At the event, a 12-year-old Grade Seven pupil at Shakespeare School, , showcased her robot capable of taking orders and assisting people, demonstrating how young innovators can address real-world challenges when given support.
“I am planning to create a robot that can help families in refugee camps, especially child-headed households,” she said.
She called on citizens to contribute ideas to improve public service delivery using technology.
She said the government is ready to work with innovators to address inefficiencies, expand technology in logistics and infrastructure, and create platforms where ideas can be tested before implementation.
“We almost urgently need a sandbox and an innovation hub where all these ideas are welcome,” she said.
She emphasized the need to harness private sector innovations and citizen input.
Kwamdi highlighted the ICT sector as a key driver of economic growth, noting it contributed nearly half of Zambia’s GDP growth last year. She reiterated the government’s commitment to accelerating innovation and ensuring that public ideas are used to improve service delivery.
Overall, the event underscored Zambia’s growing commitment to leveraging technology as a driver of economic growth and sustainable development, reflecting the country’s ambition to achieve digital glory on the international stage.
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