Germany-Zambia Digital Innovation Forum Launched to Bridge Skills Gap and Boost ICT Collaboration

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A high-level delegation from Germany specialising in technology and innovation is currently visiting Zambia for a skills exchange initiative aimed at fostering collaboration in the digital sector. The team is participating in the Germany-Zambia Digital Innovation Forum (GIZ-DIF), an event facilitated by the Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA) and hosted by the Ministry of Technology and Science.

The forum, officially opened in Lusaka by Minister of Technology and Science Felix Mutati, aims to tackle some of the pressing challenges facing Zambia’s digital landscape. In his keynote address, Minister Mutati emphasised that one of the country’s greatest obstacles is the limited digital literacy among innovators. He disclosed that Zambia’s current digital literacy rate stands at only 31 per cent, a figure he described as a significant barrier to progress in the modern digital economy.

He emphasised the importance of improving this statistic, noting that enhanced digital skills are crucial for driving innovation and sustaining economic growth. Mutati reiterated the government’s commitment to leveraging information and communications technology (ICT) as a catalyst for sustainable development. In alignment with this vision, he noted that the government is increasingly adopting electronic service platforms to keep pace with global technological trends.

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Earlier, German Ambassador to Zambia, Annie Wagner-Mitchell, highlighted the importance of creating strong partnerships between Germany and Zambia in the ICT sector. She pointed out that knowledge and skills transfer is not only essential for mutual growth but also for achieving a balanced and inclusive digital future. Ambassador Wagner-Mitchell advocated for equitable collaboration, stating that innovation thrives best when both parties benefit equally.

The GIZ-DIF serves as a platform to facilitate meaningful dialogue, knowledge exchange, and collaborative initiatives between the two countries, with a focus on empowering local talent and strengthening Zambia’s digital ecosystem.