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The government has reaffirmed its commitment to building a technology-driven economy as it partners with Liquid Intelligent Technologies Zambia in launching new digital solutions designed to empower Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) with affordable connectivity, productivity tools, and cybersecurity support.
The launch, held at the Taj Pamodzi Hotel in Lusaka, brought together government officials, private-sector leaders, and entrepreneurs to explore how technology can accelerate SME growth and strengthen Zambia’s digital transformation agenda.
Special Assistant to the President for Finance and Investment, Jito Kayumba, said SMEs remained the backbone of Zambia’s economy, yet many continue to face barriers such as limited access to capital, information, and modern technology.
“This is extremely important to us because SMEs are the heartbeat of our economy,” Kayumba said.
“Beyond access to finance, it is about consistent access to sufficient information and a practical understanding of business fundamentals — from managing financials and marketing strategies to putting in place efficient systems and processes,” he stated.
Kayumba encouraged entrepreneurs to see challenges as opportunities for innovation, stressing that technology can help businesses expand their markets and improve operations.
“Problems should be your motivation; problems should be your breakfast,” he said.
Kayumba said: “Part of what gives me purpose is looking for problems that require solutions — and attaching that mindset to what companies like Liquid are doing through platforms tailored for SMEs.”
He commended Liquid for developing affordable digital solutions that integrated connectivity, IT support, and business tools into one package, helping SMEs operate more efficiently.
“With one bundle, not only do you have connectivity, but also technological support services that many businesses previously had to pay separately for.
“Technology is not the complete solution, but it is a key enabler that can make your business work better,” Kayumba said.
He further urged SMEs to adopt artificial intelligence (AI), social media, and e-commerce tools to stay competitive in a changing business environment.
“The world is changing rapidly. Artificial intelligence is becoming more prevalent and transforming how business is done,” he said, adding, “If your competitor is using AI and you are not, they will outdo you. So be deliberate about adopting technology and controlling how your brand and product are defined online.”
On government initiatives, Kayumba said President Hakainde Hichilema’s administration was improving access to finance and easing regulatory processes to support entrepreneurship.
“Before 2021, about K10 million was placed in the Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission (CEEC) to finance SMEs. Today, that annual budget stands at K400 million,” he said.
Kayumba said: “We have also partnered with international institutions such as British International Investment, Swedfund, and NAPSA under the Growth International Partners initiative, which has pooled US$70 million to make affordable financing available.”
He added that the Business Regulatory Review Agency (BRRA) was working to harmonize certification and licensing requirements to lower costs and simplify compliance for small businesses.
“We recognize that the regulatory environment can be complex, so the BRRA is working to streamline requirements to make it easier and cheaper for SMEs to operate,” he said.
Meanwhile, Liquid Zambia Acting Chief Executive Officer, Mwendamo Mazaba, said the company’s new SME digital platform will enable small businesses to create online identities, access cloud storage, and improve efficiency without the need for heavy IT investments.
“SMEs will be able to get an email address linked to their business and develop a web presence, which is important for marketing their services beyond their location,” Mazaba said.
He added: This will provide cost-effective technology without the need for SMEs to invest heavily in IT resources or equipment.”
Kayumba added that the launch builds on Liquid’s broader efforts, including public Wi-Fi expansion, fiber-to-the-home services beyond Lusaka into the Copperbelt and North-Western provinces, and the establishment of a local cybersecurity operations center.
“This aligns with our vision of creating an accessible, affordable, and adaptable digital ecosystem that grows with the Zambian business community,” he said.
Liquid Chief Business Officer, Mirriam Mwape Ngala, noted that SMEs represented the majority of registered businesses in Zambia and contribute more than 80 percent to Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
“It is time that this market realizes it can now have access to good connectivity, collaboration tools, and cybersecurity,” Ngala said.
She added: “We are giving SMEs not just the ability to onboard seamlessly but also the tools to make real impact in their businesses.”
“When SMEs grow, the economy grows — and that is why today’s launch is so important,” she said.
The new SME digital solutions platform is now live and accessible to businesses across Zambia, offering integrated tools for communication, cloud computing, and cybersecurity to enhance efficiency and competitiveness in an increasingly digital marketplace.
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