Zambia launches AI Strategy to boost jobs & economy
Zambia now joins elite club of African nations with an AI strategy
#Zambia #nationalstrategy - Zambia’s Ministry of Technology and Science officially launched its Artificial Intelligence Strategy in the country’s capital Lusaka on Thursday. The AI Strategy will provide stakeholders with a detailed and practical roadmap plan that will help accelerate digital transformation, create wealth, enhance public services and introduce new jobs. The government strategy was developed in collaboration with the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, with contributions from the government of Finland and others. Zambia is one of the few African nations to develop a national AI strategy, reflecting its digital economy ambitions.
SO WHAT? - Zambia has significantly ramped up its efforts to embrace digital transformation and grow its digital economy over the past few years. The government’s increasingly comprehensive approach to digital policy has targeted technology adoption, e-government services, education and foreign direct investment (FDI) incentives, working with local and global stakeholders. For example, speaking at the 2024 Digital Government Africa Summit last month, the Minister of Technology and Science, Hon. Felix Mutati, announced $58 million in investment attributed to the government’s removal of taxes on the importation of digital equipment. The new AI Strategy provides another key piece of the digital economy puzzle that will help support government, and key sectors such as education, healthcare, and agriculture.
Here are some key details related to Zambia’s new AI Strategy:
Zambia’s Minister of Technology and Science, Hon. Felix Mutati launched the country’s first AI Strategy at an event in Lusaka on Thursday. The strategy document outlines five building blocks; 'digital trees' to enhance connectivity, 'reliable data' for efficiency and sustainability; 'trust and confidence' to safeguard cyberspace; 'innovation, entrepreneurship'; and a 'partnership and collaboration' platform to exchange ideas and support innovation.
Extensive consultation with local and international stakeholders helped develop and strengthen the AI Strategy framework.
Zambia scores 0.37 in the IMF’s AI Preparedness Index, above Sub-Saharan Africa's average of 0.34, yet still trailing leaders like South Africa (0.50). On the Oxford Insights Government AI Readiness Index (2023), Zambia ranks 143rd out of 193 countries, compared to South Africa which is ranked 77th.
AI is expected to transform public services, enhancing efficiency, eliminating redundancy, and streamlining services.
The new national AI Strategy aims to support education by improving teacher-pupil interactions, modernise healthcare delivery, and enhance agricultural efficiency.
AI is seen as instrumental in Zambia’s goal to triple copper production to 3 million tonnes annually through enhanced mineral exploration.
The rollout of 5G networks is anticipated to amplify AI’s impact, enabling advanced services and innovations across industries.
The AI Strategy highlights opportunities for innovators and startups to thrive in a growing AI ecosystem, driving job creation and technological innovation.
The strategy acknowledges Zambia’s rural-urban digital gap and outlines inclusive policies to promote access for women, girls, and older populations.
ZOOM OUT - Although Africa lags behind the Asia, the Middle East, Europe and North America, more African countries are now developing AI plans and announcing national AI strategy frameworks. Zambia joins Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa this year in launching new AI strategies, while Rwanda, Benin, Egypt, Morocco, Mauritius, Tunisia, Sierra Leone, and Senegal have made similar announcements in the past. Botswana, Tanzania and Zimbabwe are among those working on drafts of their own national AI strategies. In June, more than 130 African ICT and Communications Ministers endorsed a new Continental Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy and African Digital Compact to accelerate the continent’s digital transformation.
LINKS
Artificial Intelligence Strategy (availability TBC)
National Digital Transformation Strategy (PDF, Ministry of T & S, 2023)
Digital Transformation Strategy for public services (PDF, Smart Zambia Institute)
Driving Digitalisation of the Economy in Zambia (PDF, GSMA, 2024)
Read more about Africa AI strategy:
African Ministers endorse joint continental AI strategy (Africa AI News)