Zambian president calls for adoption of digital platforms to accelerate Africa's devt

LUSAKA - The 2025 Digital Government Africa Summit opened in Lusaka on Tuesday, with Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema calling on African nations to embrace digital platforms as a catalyst for economic development.

While acknowledging the efforts by African leaders to advance the continent's development agenda, Hichilema emphasized that digitization offers a unique opportunity to accelerate economic growth.

"We need a platform that will accelerate our agenda for growth, for economic expansion, more investment, and trade. For us to do that, we need digitization," he said.

Hichilema reiterated the importance of prioritizing digital transformation, noting that Africa must not continue to lag behind other continents in technological advancement.

He called on African countries to commit to the digital revolution as a pathway to inclusive growth, increased transparency, and improved public service delivery.

Hichilema also highlighted that the success of the African Continental Free Trade Area depends heavily on the adoption of digital platforms, which will help facilitate intra-African trade.

During the event, Zambian Minister of Technology and Science Felix Mutati said technology has simplified daily life and brought people together by creating digital bridges, adding that expanded digital connectivity is now enabling even rural communities to conduct transactions.

This year's summit has attracted about 500 delegates from 26 African countries. Over the three-day event, participants will discuss key topics such as digital identity and verification, e-government infrastructure, cybersecurity and data protection, online taxation, and digital payments.