PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema has called on African countries that are doing well in digitisation to help pull up other countries around the continent that are behind.
Officiating at the Digital Government Africa Summit in Chongwe this morning, President Hichilema noted that it was important for African countries to invest in digitisation so as to help accelerate development on the continent.
The President stated that digitisation helps in uplifting the lives of the people and reduces the cost of doing business among African countries.
“When one African country is ahead of others, it’s the duty of that African country to pull the other countries that are behind because it will not help you grow your own economy. Because, your partners are not ready to trade with you and you get goods at expensive prices. Digitisation, technology, ICT is critical to answering our individual countries and the continent’s quest for accelerating economic and social development, to improve the lives of those that elected us into public office.”
“Let’s treat each other as partners. Those that have made progress, engage us who haven’t, mutual benefit are here. Some people may not tell you that they need help, it’s up to you to help,” noted President Hichilema.
He further stated that digitisation can lead to African countries creating non stop boarder posts to enhance trade.
“Let’s use digital platforms to deliver value for our people. Even non stop border post through technology. We should know what’s in the truck so that they just drive through at the border. Collaboration is important,” said the President.
And Home Affairs minister Jack Mwiimbu disclosed that 80 percent of records in his Ministry have now been digitised from manual records to help make things easier.
Speaking at the same function, Technology and Science Minister Felix Mutati revealed that the country is setting up an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Centre of Excellency in Lusaka to promote digitisation.
And Nigeria’s Senator Garba Maidoki shared that through Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Nigeria has been blessed with 2.5 million jobs.
Senator Maidoki revealed that in Nigeria so far, 250 fintechs contribute US$ 500 billion annually to that country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
By Catherine Pule
Kalemba, October 3, 2024
