from ARNOLD MULENGA in Lusaka, Zambia
Zambia Bureau
LUSAKA, (CAJ News) – BUSINESS leaders are eager to deploy artificial intelligence (AI) at scale to position their organisations at the forefront of Zambia’s digital transformation agenda.
This complements the government’s National AI Strategy (2024-2026), aimed at leveraging AI for economic growth, improved public services and social advancement.
AI is hailed as presenting an opportunity to drive productivity, resilience and inclusive growth for Zambia.
Felix Mutati, Minister of Technology and Science, on Tuesday presided over an event in Lusaka, bringing together some 30 senior decision-makers to equip the leaders with practical roadmaps, governance frameworks, and leadership insights required to position their companies at the forefront of the country’s digital transformation agenda.
“AI is a national imperative,” the minister said.
Mutati likened AI to foundational utilities such as electricity.
“They do not require deep technical expertise to use but demand strong leadership, infrastructure and mindset shifts to deliver impact,” he added.
Chitati mentioned digital infrastructure, energy security, skills as well as trust and collaboration as foundational enablers for successful AI adoption in Zambia.
Speaking at the event in Lusaka, Pranary Chief Executive Officer, Sandras Phiri, said, “AI is not an IT project. It is a business transformation initiative requiring executive ownership and board oversight.”
He added Zambia had a unique opportunity to leapfrog traditional digitisation through agentic and generative AI systems that delivered value in weeks. rather than years.
Pranary specialises in AI implementation and training for African corporates.
One of the continent’s leading producers of the mineral, Zambia has placed digital at the centre of diversifying its economy from an over-reliance on copper.
The information and communication technology (ICT) sector has recently surpassed copper mining as the biggest contributor to gross domestic product.
– CAJ News