Zambia Positions Artificial Intelligence at the Heart of Inclusive Digital Transformation

By Alain kabinda

LUSAKA – As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to reshape economies and societies across the globe, Zambia is taking deliberate steps to ensure the technology becomes a catalyst for inclusive development rather than a source of inequality.

This commitment was underscored during the Stakeholder Consultative Engagement and Awareness Training on Artificial Intelligence, Emerging Technologies and Digital Inclusion held at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Lusaka. The meeting brought together representatives from the COMESA Secretariat, government ministries, regulators, academia, the private sector, civil society and development partners to chart a common vision for the country's digital future.

The consultative engagement forms part of the Inclusive Digitalization in Eastern and Southern Africa (IDEA) Programme, a regional initiative aimed at strengthening digital infrastructure, harmonising policies and promoting responsible adoption of emerging technologies across COMESA Member States.

The discussions reflected a growing recognition that artificial intelligence is no longer a technology of the future but one that is already transforming key sectors of the economy. Participants heard that AI could contribute an estimated US$15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030, while Africa has the potential to realise as much as US$1.2 trillion if adoption is accelerated through sound governance and strategic investment.

Speaking during the official opening of the Stakeholder Consultative Engagement and Awareness Training on Artificial Intelligence, Emerging Technologies, and Digital Inclusion in Lusaka, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Technology and Science, Dr. Brilliant Habeenzu, said responsible adoption of AI would create new opportunities across critical sectors of the economy.

Dr. Habeenzu said Artificial Intelligence is already transforming industries worldwide, with applications in agriculture, healthcare, education, and financial services. He noted that Zambia has significant opportunities to use AI solutions to address development challenges and improve service delivery.

“In agriculture, AI-enabled systems are helping increase yields through precision farming and climate-smart solutions,” he said, adding that AI-driven innovations could support farmers with better decision-making tools and improved productivity.

The health sector also stands to benefit, with AI-powered diagnostic technologies offering opportunities to improve accuracy, reduce delays, and enhance patient outcomes. In education, adaptive learning platforms are providing new approaches to improving learning outcomes, while

AI-based financial solutions are expanding access to financial services for underserved communities.

However, Dr. Habeenzu cautioned that unlocking the full benefits of AI requires strong governance, effective policies, and institutional readiness. He emphasized the need for coordinated approaches among African countries to ensure innovation is accompanied by safeguards that protect public trust.

The two-day engagement, supported through the Inclusive Digitalization in Eastern and Southern Africa (IDEA) Programme, brings together government representatives, regulators, private sector leaders, academia, civil society, development partners, and regional stakeholders to discuss Zambia’s AI readiness and digital inclusion priorities.

The IDEA Programme, which supports digital transformation efforts across the region, is expected to contribute to stronger digital infrastructure, improved access, and harmonised policy frameworks among participating countries.

Dr. Habeenzu further highlighted Zambia’s progress in expanding digital access, noting that mobile broadband penetration increased to 72 percent in 2025, compared to less than 40 percent a decade earlier. He also pointed to the addition of more than 300 communication towers nationwide since 2022 as part of efforts to improve connectivity.

“Digital inclusion is not only about access. It is about ensuring meaningful participation,” he said, emphasizing the importance of ensuring women, young people, persons with disabilities, rural communities, and small businesses benefit from emerging technologies.

Participants at the workshop are expected to identify policy and regulatory gaps, explore high-impact AI applications, and contribute to the development of regional strategies on Artificial Intelligence and digital inclusion.

Dr. Habeenzu urged stakeholders to engage openly and consider how Zambia can responsibly harness AI to accelerate national development while contributing to regional innovation.

“The success of our digital future depends on partnerships,” he said, noting that government, the private sector, academia, civil society, and development partners must work together to build digital skills, strengthen trust, expand connectivity, and create inclusive digital economies.

The engagement marks another step in Zambia’s broader digital transformation agenda, as the country seeks to position technology as a catalyst for economic growth and improved quality of life for its citizens

And Speaking at the meeting Mr. Lonard Chitundu Telecommunication Officer representing Secretary General H.E. Chileshe Mpundu Kapwepwe noted that digital inclusion is about far more than expanding internet access. It is about ensuring that women, young people, persons with disabilities, rural communities and small businesses have meaningful opportunities to participate in and benefit from the digital economy.

Mr. Chitundu said that artificial intelligence should be developed responsibly and inclusively. While AI offers unprecedented opportunities to improve public service delivery, stimulate innovation and accelerate economic growth, its benefits will only be fully realised through collaboration among governments, the private sector, academia, civil society and development partners.

He also recommended that emerging from the two-day engagement are expected to inform Zambia's national AI agenda while contributing to broader regional policy frameworks under COMESA.

Mr. Chitundu reminded the participates that the region's digital future will be shaped not only by technological innovation but also by the collective commitment to ensure that no one is left behind.

He also said COMESA reaffirmed that partnerships remain the foundation for building trusted, inclusive and sustainable digital economies across Eastern and Southern Africa.