Zambia seeks technology partnerships to build local capacity

The Zambian government called for technology partnerships aimed at building local capacity and ensuring investments continue to generate value beyond project delivery. Ministry of Technology and Science Permanent Secretary Brilliant Habeenzu stated that Zambia wants to develop local capabilities through skills and technology transfer rather than merely purchasing technology. Dr Habeenzu, who was represented by Director of Technical Services Bwanga Mbula, noted that Zambia's digital sector recorded significant growth between 2021 and 2025. During this period, mobile subscriptions increased from about 20.2 million to more than 26 million, while internet subscriptions rose from 10.4 million to 14.68 million. Internet penetration grew from 56.7 percent to 72.1 percent, and fibre-optic coverage expanded from about 15,000 kilometres to more than 42,000 kilometres. Communication towers increased from 3,413 to 3,769, with nearly 600 sites upgraded towards fifth-generation technology. Mobile-money transactions increased from K169 billion in 2021 to K486 billion in 2024, and registered agents rose from about 134,000 to more than 556,000. Dr Habeenzu made the remarks while welcoming a high-level delegation from Hikvision Digital Technology Company Limited, led by its president Xu Peng. Xu Peng stated that Hikvision is involved in telecommunications, drone and camera manufacturing, and equipment production for the agricultural and mining sectors. Avit Information Technology Limited Chief Executive Officer Jacob Lubasi said the partnership between Avit and Hikvision will combine licensed local capabilities with advanced technology.

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Published

19 Sep 2026

Languages

English