- Zambia has signed a new agreement with Huawei to deploy AI and cloud technologies across the public sector.
- The partnership includes plans for a national AI data center and training for 5,000 ICT professionals by 2028.
- The initiative supports Zambia’s broader digital transformation agenda, including e-government services and digital identity programs.
Zambia is deepening its digital transformation efforts through a new partnership with Huawei aimed at bringing artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and advanced digital services into government operations.
Smart Zambia, the public agency responsible for coordinating the country’s e-government strategy, signed a memorandum of understanding with Huawei Technologies last week in Lusaka during the Zambia Mobile Congress 2026.
Vice President W.K. Mutale Nalumango said the partnership is designed to deliver tangible results while supporting Zambia’s national priorities. According to Nalumango, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and next-generation networks have become essential tools for improving public services and strengthening Zambia’s economic competitiveness.
Under the agreement, Huawei will help deploy AI and cloud-based solutions across government institutions. The two parties also plan to establish a national AI data center that will host the infrastructure and data needed to support the development of artificial intelligence applications within Zambia.
The initiative includes a major workforce development component. Huawei has committed to training 5,000 Zambian information and communications technology professionals through its Global Academy by 2028. The government also plans to gradually introduce AI-powered public services across all 25 ministries.
The partnership forms part of Zambia’s broader Digital Acceleration Program, which includes plans to deploy 2,000 kilometers of fiber-optic infrastructure, connect 500 public institutions, and issue four million digital identities by 2031. Authorities expect these investments to improve the efficiency of public services while supporting the wider digital transformation of the economy.
The latest agreement expands a long-standing partnership between Huawei and the Zambian government. In July 2024, Huawei signed a separate deal to deploy 100 smart villages in rural areas. The initiative combines internet connectivity, solar power, digital education, and telemedicine services to improve access to essential services.
The new memorandum comes as Zambia increases spending on digital infrastructure. Last month, the government announced an investment of 225 million kwachas (about $12.6 million) to improve telecommunications services nationwide. The funding is intended to expand network coverage, improve service quality, and support the country’s ambitions in e-government, digital identity, and technology-driven innovation.
Source : www.ecofinagency.com
