from ARNOLD MULENGA in Lusaka, Zambia
Zambia Bureau
LUSAKA, (CAJ News) – CHINA and Zambia are exploring opportunities to expand collaboration in technology, innovation, digital infrastructure and capacity building for the benefit of the African country.
A delegation from the Ministry of Technology and Science recently met the Ambassador of the Asian nation to Zambia, Han Jing, at his official residence in Lusaka for a high-level engagement.
The meeting in the capital was held under the aegis of strengthening the Zambia–China Comprehensive Strategic and Cooperative Partnership, with an emphasis on expanding technological development, digital transformation, innovation and knowledge exchange between the two countries.
The two governments established the partnership in 2023 when President Hakainde Hichilema met his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, during a state visit to Beijing.
At the meeting in Lusaka, Nkula Mwanza, Ministerial Director of Digital Communications, affirmed the ministry’s commitment to fostering strategic partnerships that contribute to inclusive digital growth and innovation.
“The ministry highlighted the critical role that technology plays in driving economic transformation, improving service delivery, creating employment opportunities for young people and enhancing Zambia’s competitiveness in the global digital economy.”
According to the ministry, Jing restated China’s commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation with Zambia and expressed readiness to explore mutually beneficial initiatives in technology, digital innovation, skills transfer and infrastructure development.
Also recently, Jing reiterated the pledge at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Zambia Mobile Communications Conference, jointly hosted by Huawei and the Smart Zambia Research Institute.
More than 300 representatives from Chinese and Zambian telecommunications companies participated.
“Under the strategic guidance of the leaders of both countries, the friendly relations between China and Zambia have continued to develop in recent years, with information and communication becoming a key area of practical cooperation,” Jing said.
The ambassador said China would continue to encourage Chinese companies such as Huawei to expand cooperation in Zambia’s ICT sector, injecting new impetus into the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Zambia.
The ties build on the formal relations established at Zambia’s independence in 1964.
– CAJ News