Zambia reports major digital economy gains at 3rd Digital Economy Round Table

By:  Nana Appiah Acquaye

The Government of Zambia has reported significant progress in its digital transformation agenda, highlighting expanded connectivity, improved infrastructure, and strengthened digital services across the country.

Speaking at the 3rd Digital Economy Round Table (DERT 3) held in Lusaka, the Minister of Technology and Science, Felix Mutati said government is actively engaging stakeholders in the ICT sector to address public concerns on network quality while improving access to digital services nationwide.

He noted that reforms under President Hakainde Hichilema’s administration have contributed to measurable improvements in Zambia’s digital ecosystem, including expanded broadband coverage and increased access to digital financial services.

According to data presented at the event, Zambia now records 94.1 percent connectivity coverage, supported by the rollout of more than 45,000 kilometres of fibre infrastructure aimed at improving internet speed and reliability.

The government also reported the deployment of nearly 400 private sector telecom towers this year, alongside plans to support an additional 700 towers through partnership with the World Bank to expand coverage in underserved communities.

Other milestones include 80.1 percent financial inclusion driven by mobile money adoption, as well as improvements in cyber resilience, which increased from 68 percent to 92.1 percent.

In the education sector, government partnerships with private and development actors have resulted in the connection of 500 schools to internet services, benefiting approximately 450,000 learners through improved access to digital learning resources.

Additionally, 10,000 devices have been distributed to women and youth entrepreneurs, while 5,000 teachers have been trained in digital literacy to support technology integration in classrooms.

The Social Cash Transfer programme has also been digitised, with one million beneficiaries now onboarded onto mobile money platforms to improve efficiency and transparency.

The government further announced the approval of K255 million to address quality of service challenges, including upgrades to digital infrastructure and improved connectivity in underserved areas.

Head of the Presidential Delivery Unit, Kusobile Kamwambi, said the Digital Economy Round Table has strengthened collaboration between government and the private sector by providing a platform to identify gaps, respond to citizen concerns and accelerate digital service delivery.

She added that the platform, established in 2025, has improved coordination and accountability across the sector and welcomed new participants from emerging digital fields including gaming, artificial intelligence, robotics and content creation.

The Presidential Delivery Unit reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that Zambia’s digital transformation delivers tangible benefits to citizens through improved access, inclusion and service delivery.