Today, President Hakainde Hichilema officiated at the 2024 Digital Government Africa Conference, themed “E-Government, Digital Skills, Fintech and Identity.” The conference highlights Africa’s recognition of the critical role of ICT, digitization, and technology in driving social and economic growth.
Participants will explore strategies to bolster African economies through digitization, addressing the diverse needs of youth to enhance their contributions to economic development. The summit offers a platform for African governments to establish connections, promote cross-border payment systems, and facilitate networking among cybersecurity professionals.
President Hichilema emphasized that Africa, being the least tradeable continent, must prioritize intra-continental trade, leveraging the skills and expertise of attendees to foster quicker trade among COMESA, SADC, EAC, and ECOWAS. He urged discussions on how digitalization can improve farming efficiency, particularly in the face of climate change, while also stressing the need to prevent digital platforms from spreading hatred or misinformation that could incite unrest.
He called for the conference to serve as a checklist for addressing policy and regulatory challenges hindering progress. Under the New Dawn Administration, significant investments are being made in technology and digital education, reflecting a commitment to enhancing educational quality. The President concluded that technology and digital platforms are vital for reducing the cost of doing business and delivering services to remote areas across the continent.
