The third annual Digital Government Summit will take place in Lusaka from October 7 to 9, bringing together government leaders, technology companies, and investors from across Africa and beyond to discuss the future of digital governance. The summit will be hosted at Ciela Resort and is expected to attract more than 500 participants, including Vice Presidents, Ministers, senior public officials, and private sector players such as Meta and Microsoft.
Speaking during a pre-summit briefing, Acting Minister of Technology and Science Elvis Nkandu highlighted Zambia’s growing role in Africa’s digital transformation. He said the summit offers a platform for innovation, investment, and collaboration while showcasing Zambia’s progress in building a smart, progressive, and innovative society. He emphasized that Zambia’s stable environment and supportive regulatory framework position the country as a regional technology hub open for business.
Minister of Home Affairs Jack Mwiimbu outlined the summit’s focus on digital identity and e-governance. He acknowledged challenges with the national digital identity system, including authentication and data frustrations, but reiterated government’s commitment to overcoming these hurdles. He noted the importance of the Integrated National Registration Information System (INRIS) in streamlining access to healthcare, education, and social services. Plans are underway to expand the system through mobile registration and integrate it with immigration services to enhance border security.
Mr. Mwiimbu also highlighted the successful implementation of the Data Protection Act, calling it a critical step toward building public trust in digital governance.
African Brains CEO John Glassey praised Zambia’s role as host since 2023, stressing that the summit is not a traditional conference but a meeting-based platform designed to foster direct partnerships between governments and the private sector. He emphasized that the initiative focuses on modernizing government services through digital transformation, with a particular emphasis on infrastructure, skills, and collaboration with global technology companies.
Smart Zambia Coordinator Percy Chinyama explained that the summit stems from a 2021 Cabinet initiative aimed at strengthening regional cooperation in technology and governance. He described Zambia’s role as central to shaping Africa’s digital future and urged the media to play a strong role in amplifying outcomes from the summit.
Key topics for the three-day event will include e-governance, cybersecurity, digital identity, and regional data policies. The summit will be officially opened by President Hakainde Hichilema on Tuesday, October 7, 2025.
By bringing together governments, technology companies, and investors, the summit positions Zambia as a leader in digital transformation efforts on the continent and as a hub for future-focused collaboration.