The Government of Zambia and a high-level German business delegation from the Free State of Saxony reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation in digital transformation, technology investment, innovation, and skills development after successfully convening the Zambia-Germany ICT Business Forum in Lusaka.
Officially opening the Forum, Minister of Technology and Science Felix Mutati underscored the critical role of technology, science and innovation in driving the Government’s Grow Zambia Agenda.
Mr. Mutati emphasized that digital technologies will play a central role in enhancing productivity across priority sectors, including agriculture, mining, energy, tourism, manufacturing and public service delivery.
The Minister called for stronger collaboration between Zambia and Germany in areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital infrastructure, fintech, agritech, industrial automation, education technology and smart public services.
Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) Director General Albert Halwampa said the engagement reflects international investors’ growing confidence in Zambia’s digital economy and its potential as a regional technology hub.
Mr. Halwampa noted that Zambia’s strong investment fundamentals, including the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema, political stability, investor protection measures, a strategic location, competitive investment incentives and a young, skilled workforce, continue to attract growing interest from global investors.
“Technology is a key enabler of the Grow Zambia Agenda and a catalyst for increased productivity, innovation and economic diversification. Zambia offers significant opportunities for technology companies seeking to establish regional operations, form strategic partnerships and contribute to sustainable economic development,” said Mr. Halwampa.
Meanwhile, German Ambassador to Zambia Soenke Siemon said the ICT sector is presenting significant business opportunities for German and Zambian companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises.
Siemon added that Germany is already supporting Zambia’s digital transformation through various projects, including a data warehouse for the Road Development Agency, a digital revenue management system in Choma and beneficial ownership reforms at the Parent and Companies Registration Agency (PACRA).
And Plenipotentiary of the Free State of Saxony to the Federal Government, Marcus Franke, said the growing business cooperation between Zambia and Saxony presents an opportunity for both sides to benefit from international partnerships.
Mr. Franke noted that Zambia’s current investment momentum, skilled people and economic progress provide a strong foundation for deeper cooperation, with the possibility of using Zambia as a hub for expanding partnerships into other African markets.
The Zambia-Germany ICT Business Forum is expected to catalyse new investment opportunities, strengthen technology cooperation and unlock practical partnerships that will contribute to job creation, skills development and sustainable economic growth in both countries.
