President Hakainde Hichilema has urged African leaders to fast‑track digital transformation as a key driver of economic growth, calling it essential for the continent to no longer linger “at the back of the queue.”
President Hichilema notes that digital platforms and identity systems must form the bedrock of inclusive service delivery.
President Hichilema said this when he officially opened the Third Annual Africa Digital Summit at Ciela Resort in Lusaka.
“Identity and inclusive services are our foundation for us to achieve our express position in the community, not at the back of the queue,” he said.
President Hichilema emphasised that political leadership must be justified by visible economic outcomes.
“Our primary duty is to deliver and that leaders remain in office by virtue of creating opportunities and improving the lives of citizens’’, he stated.
President Hichilema deplored the continent’s dependence on external digital platforms for trade even between neighboring countries, noting that it is inefficient and costly and called for platforms that enable African‑to‑African commerce directly.
The Head of State urged investment in digital infrastructure that would, for instance, allow real‑time tracking of trucks en route to and across borders.
President Hichilema said by digitising processes at trucking points and border posts, he said, time and cost could be significantly reduced.
On travel and identity documents, the President proposed systems that make it easier for African citizens to cross borders with minimal friction.
President Hichilema noted that despite belonging to the same continent and sharing histories, many systems still treat Africans as strangers to each other.
To support these ambitions, the Head of State called on governments, private sector actors, and investors to scale up collaboration and infrastructure development.
President Hichilema described digitisation not as optional but as essential for investment, trade, and competitiveness.
He also acknowledged one of the continent’s most pressing obstacles: unreliable electricity supply.
“Without electricity, digital services cannot function,” President Hichilema said, highlighting the urgent need to expand power infrastructure to support digital ecosystems.
Meanwhile, Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security Jack Mwiimbu reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment to digital innovation, transparency, and secure governance.
He emphasised the importance of strengthening digital systems, including citizen data protection, to enhance the government’s ability to serve its people effectively.
“As we collectively chart the future, our priorities must remain transformation, efficiency, transparency, and security,” Mr Mwiimbu said.
Highlighting the role of international collaboration, Mr Mwiimbu acknowledged the contributions of foreign partners and investors whose technological expertise supports Zambia’s and Africa’s broader digital agenda.
Minister of Finance and National Planning, Situmbeko Musokotwane hailed digital technology as a transformative force in delivering social protection and driving inclusive economic growth especially in rural areas.
He said Zambia was witnessing digital revolution that is changing lives particularly in the countryside where access to services was once difficult or impossible
Minister of Technology and Science Felix Mutati lauded the Smart Village project as a transformative initiative aimed at bridging the digital divide and bringing prosperity to Zambia’s most remote communities.
Mr Mutati emphasised that technology must serve all citizens, including those in villages, by providing access to quality education, healthcare, and economic opportunity.
He said the Smart Village project demonstrates that digital transformation is not just about infrastructure, but about people.
“This year, we are expanding a lot more, regardless of where you are, we are going to ensure you have the same opportunity,” Mr Mutati said.
Executive Governor of Zamfara state in Nigeria Dauda Lawal commended Zambia for successfully hosting the summit consecutively for three years.
Great article. Digital transformation is not optional it’s the engine of real opportunity. Like many of us who first learned from analog roots, we now see how digital systems can control big things with precision. We must move beyond importing platforms and build Africa-to-Africa digital ecosystems that cut time and costs. Reliable electricity and robust infrastructure are non-negotiable if we want digital to uplift every citizen, from villages to cities. Let’s invest in local innovation, identity enabled inclusive services, and cross border digital trade that truly serves Africans.
This is the worst HH can even think about. After selling electricity outside the country, how does one even think of going digital on anything? Do you know that there’s no network worthy going digital in Zambia? This man has failed the youth who are supposed to be champions of digital economy and development. Firstly, where is the government investment in youth start ups for digital economy? These UPND and HH people are the worst Zambia has ever seen. It is all talk and no action. The HH economy is all about HH, Milupi, and Musokotwane. Everyone else you can perish. Who cares? Not HH! So, this statement above is Hogwash. Criminals.
Power, Food security Fuel First please
We should go digital so that the masters can retain control of our sovereignty and switch us off remotely at will. How do you go digital when you lack the basics for the platform such as power and affordable fast internet connection?
Why urge others? Just do it. Do they discourage you?
Yeah, it would make sense for Trump or the Europeans to urge us to emulate them. But an ant telling other insects to behave like elephants in njovuland?
All the comments up this point are so ignorant and truly embarrassing.
I’m a foreigner reading them and saying to myself that I can see the reason why many African countries are so primitive and backward.
Many of you guys need to move on from your bush mentality, especially the one calling himself, HH Nafilwa
Are you talking about the west today? Or is it Russia or North Korea? Have you seen the position France, Greece, and Italy is in today? Come back after analyzing those countries. The west is turning upside down sir. Or are you madam or both?