Govt urges investment in ICT sector at Zambia-Mauritius business forum

Government has called on the private sector and international partners to take advantage of Zambia’s rapidly expanding digital landscape, citing the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector as the fastest-growing segment of the economy.

The call was made during a Zambia–Mauritius business forum held on Monday, which focused on strengthening strategic partnerships and unlocking investment opportunities in ICT.

The meeting is part of the Mauritius-Africa Export of ICT Services Roadshow, running from March 16 to 25, 2026, and covering Namibia, Botswana, and Zambia.

Technology and Science Minister, Felix Mutati, said Zambia’s progress reflected a deliberate shift from economic vulnerability to investment-grade status, driven by a structured digital transformation agenda.

Speaking at the Mauritius-Zambia ICT Business Forum—organised by the Economic Development Board of Mauritius in collaboration with the Zambia Development Agency on Monday in Lusaka, Mutati emphasised the central role of digital infrastructure in economic growth.

“The ICT sector is now the fastest-growing in our economy and is making a significant contribution to GDP. This progress is the result of a clear, methodical strategy,” he said.

Mauritius’ Minister of Information Technology, Communication and Innovation, Avinash Ramtohul, noted that his country’s digital achievements stemmed from decades of consistent investment, dating back to 1977 with the establishment of its Data Processing Division.

Ramtohul said Mauritius had since developed strong, integrated systems across key sectors such as finance, industry, human resources and ICT, positioning itself as a leader in government technology and efficient licensing systems.

He stressed the importance of deeper collaboration among developing nations, describing Mauritius as a “trusted partner” for African countries seeking to accelerate digital transformation.

Ramtohul also encouraged Zambian stakeholders to leverage Mauritius’ data centre infrastructure and skilled, multilingual ICT workforce.

Meanwhile, ZDA Director-General Albert Halwampa said the engagement came at a pivotal time as Zambia intensifies its digital transformation efforts and enhances its appeal as a destination for technology-driven investment.

In remarks delivered on his behalf by Director of Investments Chimuka Nketani, Halwampa highlighted Zambia’s strategic location and vast opportunities in the ICT sector, urging investors to capitalise on the favourable environment to drive innovation and growth.

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