Minister of Technology and Science, Felix Mutati, says digital infrastructure is critical to driving Zambia’s investment and technology.

Mr Mutati has further highlighted that Zambia and the Czech Republic partnership through advanced engineering and technology scholarships every year, will enable Zambia to accelerate its digital transformation agenda that will create practical solutions that respond to the nation’s challenges.

The media reports that Mr Mutati also stated that cyber resilience is critical to delivering sustainable solutions across the Zambian economy.

He was speaking when he officiated at this year’s Tech4Zambia Innovation Forum 2025, which has been supported by the Czech Republic, Afripoli, the Ministry of Technology and Science, as well as the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA).

The Minister also explained that cyber security remains one of the major industries worldwide, therefore there is a need to tap into the space for digital transformation.

Mr Mutati stated that among other government building blocks, Artificial intelligence (AI) can be utilised positively for economic transformation that can establish vital opportunities.

He further re-echoed President Hakainde Hichilema’s sentiments in ensuring that development at all levels is delivered to the people of Zambia through various initiatives such as the Czech and Zambia collaborations.

The Minister said government has been putting in place an enabling environment for technology and innovation which suits purpose in the ICT sector.

Earlier in his remarks, Ambassador of Czech Republic to Zambia, Jiří Kyrian, reiterated the forum’s purpose, saying it aims to turn ideas into action.

Mr Kyrian highlighted that his country and Zambia’s partnership has both debt and continuity, citing that over the past decade the two countries have built practical cooperation in agriculture, health and the environment among other initiatives.

He noted that the forum will discuss satellites and earth observation to be able to map forests for conservation as well as AI digital tools that will enable smart public services in supporting small businesses.

And Afripoli Director, Petr Bohacek, highlighted his organisation’s call to stronger collaborations and investments between his country and Zambia with a key focus on local manufacturing and Zambia’s vision 2030 on job creation.

Mr Bohacek noted the need for value addition, knowledge transfer base, and new technology in critical sectors such as mining, energy and satellites.

ZDA Director General, Albert Halwampa, highlighted the importance of the Czech Republic investment in Zambia, noting that Zambia is endowed with major resources in addition to the enabling environment.

Mr Halwampa expressed that investors have testified of good leadership which is topping all factors to invest in the country and that the country’s investment has sky rocketed due to the latter.

He called on Czechia companies to invest in Zambia, noting that in as much as Zambia is peaceful, it also has good predictable policies that have been put in place and enables smooth flow of investment.

Other than showcasing innovative solutions, the forum serves as a platform for building long term partnerships between Zambia and Czechia.

Czechia and Zambia share a growing interest in practical, future-oriented cooperation, from renewable energy and digital infrastructure to advanced research and entrepreneurship