from ARNOLD MULENGA in Lusaka, Zambia
Zambia Bureau
LUSAKA, (CAJ News) – GHANA and Zambia are strengthening collaborations in the fields of technology, communication and innovation as part of a broader mission by these two African nations solidifying their ties.
The information and communications technology (ICT) ministers from respective countries have met to discuss expanding on the fields, ahead of Ghana president, John Dramani Mahama, embarking on state visit to Zambia.
Mahama will meet among others, President Hakainde Hichilema, during the three-day visit from February 4 to 6.
As part of preparatory engagements ahead of the visit, Felix Chipota Mutati, Zambia Minister of Technology and Science, hosted Samuel Nartey George, Ghana Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, in Lusaka on Tuesday.
George arrived with a delegation of 12 Ghanaian tech companies specialising in agri-tech, education, fintech and health.
“We are pairing these with Zambian firms to foster real-world business partnerships,” Mutati said after the meeting.
In addition to this private sector integration, the bilateral meeting focused on innovation hubs as well as digital and artificial intelligence strategy.
“Zambia is proud to be Ghana’s strategic hub for technology partnerships in Southern Africa. Together, we are digitising our nations and transforming the lives of our people,” Mutati said.
George lauded Zambia as a powerful and strategic partner in the continent.
Commenting on the presence of the 12 Ghanaian companies in the delegation, he said the government brought them along so their Zambia counterparts could also explore opportunities in Ghana.
Before their tech aspirations Ghana and Zambia have been hailed as iconic countries in the continent.
Both are hailed for playing a crucial role in assisting fellow African countries attain independence.
They are also among the most politically stable countries, characterised by peaceful transfers of power between opposition and liberation parties.
– CAJ News