Minister of Technology and Science, Felix Mutati has defined Zambia’s digital agenda as connecting remote villages, delivering power to clinics and enabling health workers to save lives via digital links.
Speaking at a farewell cocktail last night, Mr Mutati said his approach to the ministry was rooted in learning and service, not technical expertise.
Mr Mutati said his job was to inspire, to transform, to innovate and create new possibilities.
He recalled addressing the United Nations in New York as Zambia’s representative for the global south, alongside ICT Ministers and tech executives from around the world where he used the platform to explain what digital means for Africa.
“In Africa, digital means, in the very remote part of Zambia, where there was no connectivity, you now connect the people, where the nurse was operating, using the light on the cell phone, you deliver power, where the nurse was using her best endeavor to deliver a child, she was now connected digitally,” he said.
Mr Mutati highlighted what the ministry has achieved in the last five years among them is over 600 young innovators connected to resources and funding, distribution of more than 12,000 computers across the country, launch of Zambia’s first 5G network in 2022 at Mulungushi International Conference Centre among others.
Ministry of Technology and Science Permanent Secretary Brilliant Habenzu said Mr Mutati’s humility, decisiveness and ability to inspire confidence had left a legacy of professionalism and service.
“You have nurtured colleagues, empowered teams and left behind not only policies and programmes but also people who are better because of your guidance,”Mr Habenzu said.
He noted that the ministry’s work on cyber security, including the STAR 707 short code for reporting mobile fraud, had built trust in Zambia’s digital systems, enabling citizens to transact, learn, innovate and communicate without fear.
“As we bid farewell to the Honorable Minister, we do so not with sadness but with pride and gratitude, “Mr Habenzu concluded.
Meanwhile, Global System for Mobile Associations of Zambia Chairperson Abbad Reda said Mutati’s tenure has left an indelible mark on Zambia’s digital transformation journey.
Mr Reda recalled how the minister’s “three A’s” of access, affordability and availability had shaped industry efforts on network coverage and device accessibility.
He said mobile broadband coverage now reaches more than 93-94% of the Zambian population across all ten provinces.
He highlighted Mr Mutati’s role in phasing out scratch cards within his first 100 days, working with GSMA Zambia and ZICTA to move subscribers to electronic top up systems.
“This has also contributed to digital financial inclusion and made the environment safer, “he said.
Mr Reda also commended the Minister for leading coordinated responses during last year’s energy crisis, bringing mobile network operators and tower companies together to maintain quality of service.
He said the minister’s approach of collaborations over silos, progress over process, and outcomes over optics had strengthened trust between government and the private sector.
“Your willingness to engage with MNOs, to listen to the challenges to think bigger and act bolder has helped us really strengthen the trust between the public and private sectors,” Mr Reda added.
He added that Mr Mutati’s support for corporate income tax reductions had accelerated ICT investment and expanded broadband coverage, positioning Zambia as an emerging digital economy in the region.
