Utilizing Technology for Enhanced Transparency, Employment Opportunities, and Financial Expansion in Zambia
In the heart of Africa, Zambia is making strides in digital transformation, setting a precedent for the continent. This technological leap forward is positively impacting economic recovery, revenue generation, and job creation.
The country's commitment to digitizing government services was recognised at TICON 2025, where Zambia won the Best Public Sector ICT Innovation Award. This accolade was earned through the Smart Zambia initiative, a programme that has modernised administrative processes, improved transparency, and enhanced citizen access to services such as national ID registration and tax compliance [1].
Zambia's digital initiatives are playing a crucial role in broader economic recovery efforts. The diversification of exports and growth in manufacturing GDP from 2020 to 2024 are testament to this [2]. Improved digital infrastructure facilitates smoother government services and business operations, which is essential for sustaining growth and revenue expansion in sectors beyond mining.
A recent partnership between Airtel Zambia and the Ministry of Technology and Science aims to build 350 new communication towers nationwide. This initiative will extend connectivity to rural areas, promote financial inclusion, support technology startups, improve e-commerce participation, and create jobs directly linked to digital infrastructure expansion and related sectors [3].
Strengthening disaster preparedness digitally is another key aspect of Zambia's digital transformation strategy. The Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) has received ICT equipment and capacity-building support to digitalise beneficiary identification in disaster response. This digital enhancement improves resilience, which indirectly supports economic stability and recovery [5].
President Hakainde Hichilema's strategic vision to build a resilient and prosperous future for all Zambians through technology is at the heart of these efforts. The expansion of digital governance is a major milestone, with 13 government institutions and nine local authorities connected to the Government Wide Area Network [4].
The use of digital platforms for public services has become a significant part of Zambia's economic recovery and growth strategy. In the second quarter of 2025, the government expanded digital governance with the launch of ZamPortal, offering 368 services [4]. This online portal generated K1.1 billion in non-tax revenue in just six months. Over 73,200 citizens have accessed Constituency Development Fund (CDF) data through digital platforms, significantly boosting government transparency and public accountability [6].
Significant strides have been made in expanding rural connectivity, with the deployment of 14 new communication towers and 525 Starlink units to rural areas in the second quarter alone [3]. The Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission's District Value Chain Programme is set to create over 65,000 jobs and encourages digital innovation and efficiency [7].
The financial benefits of digitization have been demonstrated by the revenue generated by ZamPortal. These efforts are underscored by the strategic vision of President Hakainde Hichilema and are yielding significant results in the area of digital transformation, as outlined in the 8th National Development Plan (8NDP) [8]. Nearly 5,000 new companies have been registered in Zambia, and over 6,100 new business names have been registered, reflecting the budding entrepreneurial spirit in the country [9].
In conclusion, Zambia's digital transformation strategy improves economic efficiency, increases government revenue through better tax compliance, supports new business and employment opportunities—particularly in tech and rural areas—and enhances disaster response capabilities, key to sustainable economic recovery after disruptions like COVID-19.
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