ZAMBIA – Deputy Secretary to Cabinet Christopher Mvunga said the government has so far invested over US$110 million in digital infrastructure development with a view of being in tandem with digital technology.

He was speaking in Lusaka today when he officiated at the validation workshop on the Digital Economy Diagnostic for Zambia.

According to Lusaka Times, the government has reaffirmed its commitment towards embracing digital technology in an effort to accelerate economic growth in the country.

Mr. Mvunga explained that through Smart Zambia the country has embraced technology enhancement in achieving the vision 2030,

commerce, social welfare, health, and agriculture are among the sectors that are benefiting from the country’s digital economy transformation agenda.

The government’s partnership with Smart Zambia massively made progress in the installation of communication towers, installation of security cameras along some streets in Lusaka

“It is critical for us to work together both the private and public sectors so that we achieve elements of a digital economy.”

“The elements of digital technology are; digital infrastructure, digital platforms, digital financial services, digital entrepreneurship, and digital skills and as a government, we remain committed to actualizing these elements,” said Mr Mvunga.

In April 2018, the World Bank Group launched the Digital Economy for Africa initiative and to achieve this, African countries will require key foundation elements of a digital economy.

World Bank announced 25 billion dollars as a financing commitment over the period 2019-2030 towards advancing the digital transformation agenda across the continent.

World Bank Country Manager Sahr Kpundeh said his firm is committed to harnessing the opportunities of digital technologies, in order to achieve Africa’s transformation.

He emphasized that the World Bank is delighted with Zambia’s commitment as it was amongst the first countries to take part in the digital transformation of the economy.

“We are impressed by the commitment government has shown by engaging Cabinet as a coordinator and the designation focal points in five-line ministries to form part of the diagnostic team.”

“Conducting the diagnostic has truly been a team effort. We thank you for the collaboration and look forward to working closely together, “he stressed.