President Hichilema Calls For Digital Transformation To Accelerate Africa’s Growth

President Hakainde Hichilema says digital transformation is critical to building a stronger and more prosperous Africa, emphasising its role in enhancing efficiency, accelerating investment, and boosting intra-continental trade.

Speaking at the official opening of the Digital Government Africa Summit 2025 in Lusaka today, President Hichilema stated that digital technology will enable African nations to better measure economic performance and improve service delivery.

He called for the development of indigenous digital platforms to facilitate intra-African trade, noting that African countries currently conduct very little business with one another. He also encouraged the use of local currencies in regional trade to strengthen economic integration.

President Hichilema further urged increased investment in the digital space and supporting infrastructure, highlighting the need to improve the speed and quality of public services and foster stronger community interaction.

He stressed that Africa must strive for first-grade technology and called on partners to provide the best solutions at fair prices. The President also implored members of the ICT industry to collaborate with Government in removing rigidities within the sector to unlock its full growth potential.

The conference, held under the theme “Accelerating Digital Transformation for E-Government,” has attracted participation from 26 African countries. Among the participants is Nigeria’s Zamfara State Executive Governor, Dauda Lawal.

President Hichilema commended Governor Lawal for leading Zamfara State to become the first in Nigeria to adopt a digital literacy framework.

Finance Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane said Zambia is witnessing a digital revolution, with financial inclusion being enhanced in rural areas through digital platforms. He noted that programmes such as the Social Cash Transfer are now delivered electronically.

He added that during Zambia’s worst drought, over two million people affected by hunger received assistance in the form of cash disbursed through digital channels.

Home Affairs Minister Jack Mwimbu described digital transformation as the cornerstone of institutional efficiency, adding that it enhances governance and strengthens national security. He emphasized that achieving full digital transformation requires shared responsibility and strong partnerships.