THE Country will next week host over 500 delegates, including ministers and senior government officials from 30 African countries, at the 2025 Digital Government Africa Summit, positioning the country as a convenor of regional cooperation on e-governance.
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The event, scheduled for October 7 – 9 at in Lusaka, will bring together policy makers, technologists, and global investors to accelerate digital transformation across the continent.
During a press briefing this afternoon, the Minister of Home Affairs and International Security Jack Mwiimbu said the summit sets the stage for the vision government is bringing to life – a nation where every citizen can access services through a single digital identity.
“The summit will address key issues including national digital identity implementation, e-participation, authentication, and infrastructure development,” Mwiimbu said.
Mwiimbu said the summit would also highlight Zambia’s rollout of a biometric-enabled Integrated National Registration Information System (INRIS), which will streamline access to healthcare, education, agriculture subsidies and social services.
He said the ministry, working with Smart Zambia, will soon roll out the issuance of passports through online applications and will give specific dates soon.
“Our vision is that every citizen will have a single digital identity, enabling government services to be just a click away,” Mwiimbu said.
He added that data protection measures are being implemented to safeguard citizens’ privacy.
Acting minister of Technology and Science Elvis Nkandu added that the event underscores Zambia’s commitment to becoming a regional hub for digital innovation, governance and entrepreneurship.
“Zambia is making great strides in its digital transformation agenda, and this summit provides a unique opportunity to showcase our progress in building a smart, inclusive and innovative economy,” Nkandu said.
The summit will bring together government policymakers, private sector innovators and global technology firms to foster partnerships on areas such as e-governance, smart infrastructure, digital finance and artificial intelligence.
According to John Glassey, CEO of African Brains, the summit’s partner organisation, the event is not a standard conference of speeches but a meetings-based platform that allows one on one engagements between government and investors.
“The true art of good government is turning policy into practical reality, and this summit is about bringing together decision makers with industry leaders who can provide solutions,” Glassey said.
National e-Government Coordinator Percy Chinyama noted that the summit, in it’s third edition this year, originated from a 2021 cabinet decision to position Zambia at the forefront of digital governance on the continent.
“This puts Zambia on another pedestal. We become the country that brings others together in one place to discuss digitisation, and that in itself is leadership,” Chinyama said.
Meanwhile, Glassey said major investors including Microsoft, Visa and Thales are expected to attend, alongside local entrepreneurs.
The event is aligned with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 for a digitally integrated continent and will be officially opened by President Hakainde Hichilema next Tuesday.
By Moses Makwaya
Kalemba October 2, 2025
