The third annual Digital Government Summit is set to kick off in Lusaka on Tuesday, October 7, with government leaders, tech giants and investors from across Africa and beyond gathering to discuss the future of digital governance on the continent.
Speaking during a pre-summit briefing, Acting Minister of Technology and Science Elvis Nkandu emphasized the country’s growing role in Africa’s digital transformation efforts and highlighted the summit as a platform for innovation, investment and collaboration.
He said Zambia is making great strides in building a smart, progressive, and innovative society and the summit is an opportunity to showcase Zambia’s progress to the continent.
He said the summit, which will be held from October 7 to 9 at Ciela Resort, Lusaka, is expected to draw 500 participants from across Africa, including Vice Presidents, Ministers, and senior public officials, as well as private technology firms including Meta and Microsoft and investors.
He said as part of Zambia’s broader strategy to become a regional technology hub, the government is prioritising infrastructure development and regulatory support to attract international business and investment.
“With a peaceful and stable environment, Zambia is open for business. We are ready to become a continental force in digital transformation,” Mr Nkandu said.
And Minister of Home Affairs Jack Mwiimbu said the summit will be focused on digital identity and e-governance.
Mr Mwiimbu acknowledged ongoing challenges in implementing the national digital identity system, including issues related to authentication and data frustration.
However, he emphasized the government’s commitment to overcoming these hurdles through improved coordination and technology.
He also highlighted the role of the Integrated National Registration Information System (INRIS), a digital platform designed to transform access to healthcare, education and social services through streamlined registration processes.
“Our next plan is to fully integrate the digital identity system across community-level systems to ensure unrestricted access through mobile registration,” Mr Mwiimbu said.
He also noted the successful implementation of the Data Protection Act, calling it a key step toward building public trust in digital governance, adding that Plans are underway to integrate digital identity with immigration systems to facilitate travel and enhance border security.
Speaking earlier, African Brains Chief Executive Officer (CEO) John Glassey praised Zambia for its continued role as host of the event since its inception in 2023, emphasizing that the summit is not a traditional conference but a ‘meeting-based format’ aimed at forging real partnerships between governments and the private sector.
Mr Glassey said the initiative, led by national digital coordinators, aims to modernise government services through digital transformation, focusing on skills, infrastructure and partnerships with companies like Microsoft and Visa.
He noted that since 2023, the summit has showcased progress in digital governance, attracting global companies to Zambia for direct engagement.
The CEO emphasized that the goal of the summit was to improve government efficiency and citizens’ lives through technologies like AI, noting that real transformation is now underway.
Meanwhile Smart Zambia Coordinator Percy Chinyama said the summit stems from a 2021 Cabinet push for stronger regional collaboration in tech and governance.
Mr Chinyama emphasized that collaboration, both domestic and regional, was central to Zambia’s digital model.
Hosting the summit, he said, reflects Zambia’s leadership in shaping Africa’s digital future.
He urged the media to actively cover the event and amplify its outcomes.
“The media has a key role in ensuring the summit’s insights reach the public,” Mr Chinyama said.
Topics will include e-governance, cybersecurity, digital identity and regional data policies.
The summit will be officially opened by President Hakainde Hichilema on Tuesday October 7, 2025.
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