As part of the EU member states’ support activities for the African Union member states, the Finnish government is funding consultation for the Zambian government on their ambitious digitalisation strategy. This strategy represents a significant leap forward in Zambia’s digitalisation landscape.
Gofore sends AI Strategy Consultant Oula Järvinen for a three-month secondment to provide digitalisation consultation for the Zambian Ministry of Technology and Science in the second half of 2024.
The consultation takes place under a project funded by Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland and implemented by HAUS Finnish Institute of Public Management, aiming to increase Finnish-African digital partnerships.
Zambia’s growth journey as a digital society
Zambia’s digitalisation landscape presents both challenges and opportunities. With approximately half of the population being children and less than half of homes and schools having electricity, the country faces shortcomings. Only about 7% of the population has used a computer, yet more than half are already using the internet in some capacity, and smartphones are common. This indicates a burgeoning potential for digital growth despite existing limitations.’
“Zambia’s journey towards digitalisation is not just about catching up; it is an opportunity to use the latest technologies to leapfrog over several stages that other countries, like those in Europe, had to go through. Digitalisation in Africa is crucial not only for creating a more functioning and equitable societies but also releasing the continent’s potential in various sectors. Digital services have been developing in recent years in Zambia, from government services shifting to online platforms to mobile money services, but there is still a lot of untapped potential when it comes to digitalisation.’’, says Järvinen.
According to Järvinen, Zambia’s youth have the opportunity to seize the global digital services markets, thus addressing demographic shifts in Europe and other parts of the world where the demand for digital services is constantly increasing.
Ethical digitalisation provides new opportunities
The project aims to help Zambia construct a digital society that is ethical and promotes educational and economic opportunities for all. This includes also activating the private sector by empowering SMEs and startups to capture value from and prevent value leakage to the global digital market.
“I am excited to immerse myself in a different culture, understanding how Zambians think and approach challenges. This experience will help me tailor our support to their specific needs. We have strong digital expertise in Finland, but working in Zambia requires adaptation to the local context and requires a fresh perspective. We need to consider the availability of cellular networks and electricity to how digital services can improve equal distribution of wealth and educational services. Together, we will discover what is sustainably possible in this setting.” Järvinen states.
Järvinen trusts that this initiative can open doors to larger development opportunities as investments in Africa are increasingly being directed to digital initiatives. He trusts that there is an opportunity to contribute significantly to the continent’s digital future by understanding the local situation and establishing connections with key people.