Zambia inks deal with Rwanda to set up ICT hub in Lusaka

Zambia is making significant strides in the digital transformation space as a key driver of economic growth for the country. In an exclusive interview with CNBC Africa, Zambia's ICT Minister, Felix Mutati, revealed the country's ambitious plans to leverage technology and innovation to propel its economy forward. The Minister highlighted Zambia's central location in southern Africa and its strong connectivity infrastructure, making it an ideal hub for innovation and digital growth. Mutati emphasized the importance of fostering a culture of innovation among the youth and providing them with platforms like NOSHCON to develop their ideas into commercial ventures. NOSHCON, a key player in advancing innovation in Africa, offers a unique opportunity for young entrepreneurs to refine their ideas and access the resources needed to scale up their businesses. Mutati expressed optimism about Zambia's potential to become the next NOSHCON hub, citing the country's proactive approach to digital transformation and collaboration with strategic partners like Rwanda. The partnership between Zambia and Rwanda is a testament to the shared commitment to accelerating digital inclusion and economic development in both countries. Mutati highlighted the collaboration with Rwanda on digital platforms, including electronic invoicing transactions, which aims to enhance revenue tracking and combat fraud. By implementing innovative solutions like the tracking system, Zambia aims to boost its value-added tax revenue and drive positive economic outcomes. The Minister's visit to Rwanda also focused on fostering business deals and partnerships between Zambian and Rwandan innovators. Mutati underscored the importance of turning strategic partnerships into tangible transactions, highlighting the success of collaborations like the partnership between Zambian product Kazan and Rwandan innovators to scale up operations. The goal is to harness the potential of African innovation ecosystems and create mutually beneficial relationships that drive economic growth and innovation. In addition to digital transformation, Zambia is actively engaged in efforts to deepen intra-Africa trade and regional integration. Mutati discussed the initiative to pilot non-stop border posts in collaboration with Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Malawi to facilitate seamless trade flow and reduce transaction costs. By leveraging technology and adopting innovative border management practices, the countries aim to streamline cross-border trade processes, enhance economic activities, and promote people-to-people interactions. Mutati highlighted the significance of enhancing connectivity and communication across African borders to foster greater collaboration and economic opportunities. By reducing barriers to trade and promoting seamless interaction between African nations, the aim is to unlock the continent's economic potential and create a conducive environment for sustainable growth and development. As Zambia continues to chart its path towards digital transformation and economic prosperity, strategic partnerships with countries like Rwanda play a crucial role in driving innovation, enhancing trade relations, and unlocking new opportunities for growth. The Minister's vision for a tech-savvy and interconnected Africa underscores the importance of collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity in driving the continent's economic agenda forward.