As digital technologies transform industries and reshape daily life, the demand for skilled workers in Zambia’s evolving digital economy is rising
This shift presents a significant opportunity for the country’s youth at a time when over 10% are unemployed, aligning with the implementation of Zambia’s National Development Plan 2022-2026.
According to Bernard Banda, director of Economic Regulation at the Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA), digital skills have become essential in today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape. Speaking to ITC, he emphasized that businesses must enhance their services, introduce new offerings, and hire workers with the right expertise. “This has also extended to the need for cybersecurity of embedded e-commerce systems or digital services,” he added.
Recognizing the potential for youth entrepreneurship and rural economic growth, the National Development Plan highlights digital capacity-building as a key strategy for economic transformation. In response, ITC partnered with the Women’s Entrepreneurship Access Center and ZICTA to train 175 individuals in Lusaka and Livingstone. The programme equipped them with knowledge in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and social media, enhancing their freelancing capabilities.
Of the participants, nearly half were women, and over 60 have already established profiles on freelancer platforms. Additionally, 43 have reported securing new work opportunities due to the training.
“The We’Digit training programme gave me the confidence to complete my e-commerce website, as I was able to apply the knowledge I gained from the training,” said Mercy Chewetu Mukupa, founder and CEO of Queen of Chitenge Fashion Ltd. She aims to use her platform to onboard other designers and generate advertising revenue.
Livingstone-based freelancer Clive Lusana credited the programme for helping her integrate artificial intelligence tools into digital content creation. “The DIY model really helped me take responsibility over my own future,” she said.
This initiative is part of ITC’s broader efforts to bridge Zambia’s digital divide and unlock new business opportunities. Through its Fast Tracking Digital Entrepreneurship in Africa programme—supported by the Government of the Netherlands—ITC has trained numerous tech hubs, start-ups, and digital entrepreneurs in cutting-edge skills and tools.
Under FastTrackTech Switch ON, ITC has also connected Zambian entrepreneurs with global opportunities by facilitating their participation in major events such as the 2023 Mobile World Congress in Barcelona and Web Summit in Lisbon. These networking efforts have helped professionals like Muchu Kaingu, chief technology officer of microfinance firm Lupiya, build international partnerships.
Lupiya has since secured US$8.25mn in Series A financing, attributing its success to ITC’s support through FastTrackTech Switch ON. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to make Zambian fintech start-ups investment-ready, enabling them to connect with investors at key events like Investor Days in Lusaka.
Moving forward, ITC and its partners will focus on expanding digital connectivity in urban and rural areas, making internet access more affordable and reliable. Other priorities include developing virtual e-commerce marketplaces and assisting MSMEs in adopting online payment systems.
Zambia serves as a pilot country for similar initiatives across Africa and beyond, all contributing to ITC’s ambitious ‘digital moonshot’ within its 2022-2025 strategic plan.
Digital skills drive Zambia’s job growth
Digital skills drive Zambia’s job growth by empowering youth with training, entrepreneurship, and new career opportunities.(Adobe Stock)
