Govt seeks Tech partnerships to build local capacity

Government has called for technology partnerships that build local capacity and ensure investments continue to generate value for Zambia beyond the delivery of projects. Ministry of Technology and Science Permanent Secretary Brilliant Habeenzu said Zambia does not want to…

 Government has called for technology partnerships that build local capacity and ensure investments continue to generate value for Zambia beyond the delivery of projects.

Ministry of Technology and Science Permanent Secretary Brilliant Habeenzu said Zambia does not want to merely purchase technology but also develop local capabilities through skills and technology transfer.

Dr Habeenzu said Zambia’s digital sector had recorded significant growth between 2021 and 2025, with mobile subscriptions increasing from about 20.2 million to more than 26 million, while internet subscriptions rose from 10.4 million to 14.68 million.

He said internet penetration increased from 56.7 percent to 72.1 percent during the period, while fibre-optic coverage expanded from about 15,000 kilometres to more than 42,000 kilometres.

Dr Habeenzu, who was represented by Director of Technical Services Bwanga Mbula, said communication towers increased from 3,413 to 3,769, with nearly 600 sites upgraded towards fifth-generation (5G) technology.

He further said mobile-money transactions increased from K169 billion in 2021 to K486 billion in 2024, while the number of registered agents rose from about 134,000 to more than 556,000.

He said the Government’s approach is anchored on economic transformation, private-sector-led growth, job creation for young people and increased participation of Zambian companies in technology value chains.

Dr Habeenzu said the growth of the digital sector demonstrated the importance of strengthening local capacity, adding that more needed to be done to further enhance Zambia’s digital capabilities.

He said technology partnerships should be based on mutual respect and benefit, genuine skills and technology transfer, job creation, local value retention, compliance with Zambian laws, transparency and integrity in contracting, and long-term commitment.

Dr Habeenzu commended Avit Information Technology Limited for creating a platform that enables Zambian enterprises to work alongside international technology companies.

He was speaking when he welcomed a high-level delegation from Hikvision Digital Technology Company Limited, led by its president Xu Peng, and expressed hope that the engagement would result in expanded collaboration, strengthened local capabilities and increased opportunities for young people.

And Hikvision Digital Technology Company Limited, president Xu Peng,  said the Company is involved in telecommunications, the manufacture of drones and cameras, as well as the production of equipment for the agricultural and mining sectors.

He said the partnership between Hikvision and Avit had the potential to deliver benefits to both Zambia and China.

Meanwhile, Avit Information Technology Limited Chief Executive Officer Jacob Lubasi said Zambia was well positioned to achieve the transformation envisaged under the 2026-2032 development agenda through increased adoption of digital technology.

Mr Lubasi said the partnership between Avit and Hikvision would combine licensed local capabilities with advanced technology to provide solutions tailored to Zambia’s national priorities.

He said protecting infrastructure was important not only for the financial sustainability of institutions but also for national security, economic development and effective service delivery.

Mr Lubasi said digital evolution, artificial intelligence, photonic digital technology, automated sensing and cloud-edge computing would play an important role in Zambia’s development.z