Zambia, like many African countries, faces the challenge of brain drain, with skilled tech professionals leaving for better opportunities abroad. The survey will address this by informing policies that could retain local talent, foster better job opportunities, and create an environment conducive to innovation.

Zambia has launched the State of the Developer Ecosystem in Zambia Survey 2025, a collaborative effort between the ICT Association of Zambia (ICTAZ) and BongoHive, a technology and innovation hub. The survey, announced on April 11, aims to guide Zambia’s digital transformation, with insights on the needs, challenges, and goals of the developer community.

At the launch, Minister of Technology and Science, Hon. Felix Mutati, commended BongoHive and ICTAZ for their foresight and leadership in launching the state of the developer Ecosystem in Zambia Survey 2025.

The survey will address several key areas. First, it will focus on skills development, ensuring that developers have continuous access to learning and training in emerging fields like AI, blockchain, and cybersecurity. It will also tackle employment and opportunities to retain talent and reverse brain drain through targeted policies. Entrepreneurship and innovation will be prioritized, with a focus on providing tech start-ups with capital, mentorship, and supportive policies. The survey will also examine overcoming barriers, emphasizing the importance of improving innovation quality to attract funding and support. Lastly, it will explore the strategic pillars of skills development and entrepreneurship to further boost digital growth.

According to the Ministry of Technology and Science, the ICT sector grew 17.8% in 2024, contributing 3.5% to GDP. This growth demonstrates that digital technology is increasingly becoming a key driver of economic progress. By focusing on the developer ecosystem, the government aims to sustain this momentum and ensure the sector is equipped to meet future challenges. As technology continues to disrupt industries, from agriculture to finance, the demand for skilled developers is more critical than ever to fuel the digital economy.

Hikmatu Bilali