By: Robert
Kwaku Annor
Zambia’s ambition to build a
$60 billion economy by 2031 took center stage at the 2026 ICTAZ Tech
Conference, Training Expo, and Annual General Meeting, where industry leaders
gathered to advance the role of artificial intelligence in economic transformation.

The event was attended by
President Hakainde Hichilema, who was formally conferred as Patron of the
Information and Communications Technology Association of Zambia (ICTAZ). In his
address, he underscored the ICT sector as a critical enabler across all industries,
urging stakeholders to accelerate growth and innovation.
The President commended the
sector’s progress and called for a forward-looking approach, emphasizing the
need to scale efforts and capitalize on emerging technologies to drive national
development.
During the conference,
Zamtel CEO Jason Mwanza was re-recognized for his achievement as the 2025 ICT
CEO of the Year, highlighting continued leadership within the sector.

The gathering reinforced
Zambia’s commitment to leveraging AI-driven connectivity and digital
infrastructure to support economic expansion and position the country as a
competitive player in the global digital economy.