The Zambian government has welcomed Huawei’s support in driving digital transformation in Southern Africa.
Felix Mutati, the country’s Minister of Science and Technology, gave the commendation at a meeting with executives from the technology company in the capital, Lusaka, this week.
He particularly welcomed the support of the President Hakainde Hichilema Innovation Fund (HHIF), which aims to unearth ICT talent in tertiary institutions.
In 2023, Huawei sponsored 50 students from various colleges and universities to study in China under the Seeds for the Future Programme.
“These youths returned home with a newfound perspective, having absorbed the Chinese approach to technology,” Mutati shared, emphasizing the transformative impact of Huawei’s support on the Zambian youth.
Mutati reiterated the Hichilema government’s unwavering commitment to harnessing technology for national development, instilling confidence in the audience about Zambia’s technological future.
“We are in an aggressive drive to lay out digital infrastructure because we are convinced that technology brings down the cost of doing business,” he added.
Last year, Huawei and the Zambian government forged a strategic partnership by signing the four-year Digital Innovation Leadership Programme, signalling a promising future for digital transformation in the country.
The programme focuses on the government’s agenda of accelerating digital transformation through skills training and development.