Minister of Technology and Science Felix Mutati says Zambia must significantly increase digital consumption to achieve its target of growing the economy to $60 billion.
According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Zambia’s nominal Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for 2025 is estimated at $29.37 billion.
Speaking at the Information and Communication Technology Association of Zambia (ICTAZ) conference in Livingstone, Mutati said while government has made progress in expanding digital infrastructure, more effort is needed to ensure citizens actively use available technology.
He noted that connectivity alone is not sufficient without increased usage, describing digital consumption as the missing link in unlocking the full potential of the ICT sector.
“We are at 40 percent in terms of consumption of internet. We need to move beyond that. If we need to get to US$60 billion economy, we must lift that to 80 percent,” Mutati said.
He explained that government has laid a strong foundation through reforms and infrastructure investments, including the expansion of fibre connectivity across the country.
Mutati said fibre network coverage has grown from 15,000 kilometres to over 45,000 kilometres, attributing the increase to policy measures such as the removal of import duty on digital infrastructure.
“That doesn’t happen by accident, it is because of the reforms that were undertaken,” he said.
He added that while the ICT sector has become more resilient and accessible, the focus must now shift toward increasing usage.
The minister also highlighted initiatives aimed at boosting digital participation, including the rollout of free public internet under the HH ZAM free WiFi programme.
He said the initiative, being implemented in collaboration with ICTAZ, is expected to expand access and encourage more citizens to engage in digital activities.
“Free Wi-Fi will increase digital consumption by making technology accessible to ordinary people,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mutati revealed that the technology sector recorded a milestone in 2025 by raising capital on the Lusaka Stock Exchange’s alternative market, which had remained inactive for years.
“In 2025, the tech sector became the first to raise capital on the alternative market, and it was oversubscribed by 114 percent,” he said.
