The Zambian government aims to pursue a digital path and enhance trade partnerships, emphasizing the need for preparedness in services and cross-border interactions.

A delegation from Zambia's digital economy sector arrived in Nigeria, on July 10, to study the country's digital economy model through a visit of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).

Led by Austin Sichinga, a director from the Zambia Information and Communication Technology Authority (ZICTA), the delegation aims to learn from Nigeria's successful approach and adapt it to their digital transformation efforts.

“NITDA has leapfrogged most African institutions that are into technology development in the continent. We have seen and acknowledged its development efforts in supporting ICT start-ups, and imparting relevant ICT skills on young minds,” Mr. Sichinga said.

During the visit, the Zambian team will study “Nigeria’s IT regulatory instruments, policy implementation, Public Key Infrastructure, and cyber security, and explore NITDA’s relationship with government agencies and stakeholders in the digital economy sector,” NITDA explains on Twitter.

NITDA's Director General, Kashifu Inuwa, commended the Zambian government's initiative to study the Nigerian model, highlighting the importance of collaboration among African nations to develop effective digital strategies. “We need to work as a team, so as Africans, I think this is high time for us to come together; come up with our digital strategy because digital is beyond boundaries, it is borderless,” he said.

The Zambian delegation's visit to NITDA follows visits from Ghana, Gambia, and Kenya, reflecting the agency's reputation for driving technological development. NITDA plans to share its expertise through a playbook to promote a strong digital economy across Africa.

NITDA is a government body that implements Nigeria's IT policy and coordinates IT development. The agency's initiatives, such as the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR) and the Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation (ONDI), support startups and contribute to job creation and economic growth.

Hikmatu Bilali