As Zambia moves forward with ambitious plans […]

As Zambia moves forward with ambitious plans for a National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Data Centre, technology expert Brenda Zulu has sounded a cautionary note, warning that the project must not exacerbate existing water and electricity shortages for local communities.

Zulu emphasizes that digital transformation should not come at the expense of essential basic services for ordinary citizens. Her comment comes after SMART Zambia Institute and Huawei Technologies Zambia signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding during the 2026 Zambia Mobile Congress in Lusaka to support the development of a National AI Data Centre as part of a wider programme to deploy AI-powered e-government services and cloud infrastructure.

The agreement also includes plans to train 5,000 Zambian ICT professionals by 2028 through Huawei’s ICT Academy, alongside technology transfer and a joint feasibility study for the proposed data centre.

Speaking to the Zambian Business Times – ZBT, Zulu acknowledged that the proposed AI data centre, envisioned through a partnership between SMART Zambia Institute and Huawei Technologies Zambia, could boost public service delivery and support the country’s broader digital agenda.

 However, she stressed that the government’s ability to guarantee continued access to power and water for nearby residents would be key to the project’s acceptability. Zulu points out that large data centres are among the most resource-intensive digital facilities in the world, often requiring uninterrupted electricity and vast quantities of water for cooling.

 “Globally, AI data centres can consume hundreds of thousands, sometimes even millions, of gallons of water per day for cooling, and require around-the-clock electricity,” Zulu explained. “In Zambia, we must not allow a scenario where a data centre enjoys 24-hour power and abundant water while surrounding communities face persistent shortages.”

 Zulu’s caution reflects wider concerns about whether the infrastructure supporting the AI facility will be developed independently of community supply systems. She highlighted that, in the context of Zambia’s ongoing load shedding and water access challenges, the government must be transparent about how it will secure dedicated resources for the centre without depriving residents. Key questions remain unanswered, including the centre’s precise location, plans for dedicated power during blackouts, water sourcing and cooling technology, and guarantees to shield communities from negative impacts.

 The current MoU indicates that a joint feasibility study will be undertaken, underscoring that planning is at an early stage. Zulu emphasized that public support for the data centre will depend on clear, credible assurances from government, especially in areas already grappling with erratic water and electricity supply.

Failure to address these issues transparently, she warned, could fuel resistance and undermine the project’s goals. As Zambia charts its digital future, striking the right balance between technological advancement and safeguarding basic services will be crucial to winning public trust and delivering sustainable progress.

Article by Karen Ngulube