Government has called for greater investment in home-grown technology to create jobs and drive economic growth, with artificial intelligence (AI) offering potential solutions to practical challenges such as water losses.
Speaking at the opening of Africa Tech-Xpo 2026 in Lusaka, held under the theme “Innovation, Infrastructure and Africa’s Next Economy,” Dr Lally Mweetwa, representing Technology and Science Permanent Secretary Eng. Dr Brilliant Habeenzu, said Zambia must move beyond consuming foreign-developed technology and focus on creating its own solutions.
“Africa cannot afford to be a passive consumer of technology; we must become active creators, developers and owners of the solutions that will define the twenty-first century,” he said.
Dr Mweetwa said local start-ups and small businesses needed better access to finance, relevant skills and affordable technology. He added that stronger partnerships between universities, research institutions and the private sector could help turn research into commercial products.
Meanwhile, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Deputy Resident Representative Laurent Rudasingwa said AI could help address practical challenges, including water losses.
He said a planned pilot project with Lusaka Water Supply and Sanitation Company would test how AI could identify leakages, metering problems and billing gaps.
Rudasingwa added that technology could help local businesses become more competitive, attract investment and reach wider markets.
“Technology can make businesses more investable, while investment enables technology to reach more people,” he said.