Zambia is set to host the highly anticipated Digital Government Africa Summit later this week, with President Hakainde Hichilema scheduled to officially inaugurate the event. This marks the second consecutive year that Zambia has organized this prestigious gathering, which will attract over 500 delegates from 33 African nations. The summit aims to explore the crucial role of digital transformation in advancing governance, enhancing public services, and fostering economic growth across the continent.
Home Affairs and Internal Security Minister Jack Mwiimbu emphasized the summit’s significance, stating that it provides a vital platform for African governments to connect and collaborate. He noted that the event will facilitate discussions on improving cross-border payment systems and encourage partnerships among cybersecurity professionals, essential for ensuring a secure digital environment. Mwiimbu also highlighted that embracing digital transformation can lead to substantial improvements in government efficiency and operations, ultimately benefiting citizens and fostering greater transparency.
Technology and Science Minister Felix Mutati expressed that Zambia aims to showcase its advancements in digital security at the summit. Since hosting the inaugural event last year, the country has made notable progress in enhancing its cybersecurity measures, a success that the government intends to highlight during the discussions. This progress reflects Zambia’s commitment to safeguarding its digital infrastructure while encouraging innovation in technology.
In the education sector, Minister Douglas Syakalima pointed out that Zambia’s implementation of free education has spurred the development of essential digital infrastructure in schools. This initiative aims to equip students with the necessary skills for the digital age. The recent launch of the Smart Village Project by President Hichilema further underscores the government’s commitment to integrating digital tools into education, ensuring that Zambia actively engages in the ongoing digital revolution and empowers its youth.
Percy Chinyama, the National Coordinator of the Smart Zambia Institute, emphasized that the three-day summit will be instrumental in advancing digital transformation across Africa. The event presents an excellent opportunity for stakeholders from various sectors to collaborate, share innovative ideas, and discuss strategies that will shape the continent’s digital landscape. By bringing together leaders, experts, and practitioners, the summit seeks to foster a unified approach to addressing the challenges and opportunities that digital transformation presents in governance and beyond.