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President Hakainde Hichilema has called on African countries to invest in digitisation as a means to accelerate development and improve people’s lives.
Speaking at the official opening of the 2024 Digital Government Africa Summit in Chongwe District on Wednesday, President Hichilema emphasized that digital platforms can reduce the cost of doing business and make life easier.
He highlighted that digitisation also promoted trade and integration among African nations.
“Digitisation must be embraced as it is a sure way of improving lives and making governments more effective,” President Hichilema said.
Technology and Science Minister, Felix Mutati, revealed that Zambia was advancing in its efforts to establish an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Center of Excellence in Lusaka and develop a national AI strategy.
He noted that his ministry was collaborating with Google and the Tony Blair Institute to further these goals and promote digitisation.
Meanwhile, Home Affairs and Internal Security Minister, Jack Mwiimbu, disclosed that 1.5 million Zambians have been registered through the Integrated National Registration Information System (INRIS).
He added that 80 percent of the ministry’s records have now been digitized, improving security, preventing fraud, and cutting costs.
Additionally, Visa Inc. announced a US$1 billion investment to support financial inclusion in Africa.
Visa Senior Vice President Aida Diarra stated that Africa needs US$33 billion to ensure broader access to financial services.
In Nigeria, Senator Garba Maidoki reported that the ICT sector had created 2.5 million jobs, with 250 fintech companies contributing $500 billion annually to the economy.
He urged African countries to create favorable environments for the ICT sector to flourish and drive development.
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