Zambia Country Commercial Guide
Learn about the market conditions, opportunities, regulations, and business conditions in zambia, prepared by at U.S. Embassies worldwide by Commerce Department, State Department and other U.S. agencies’ professionals
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Zambia - Digital Economy
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Overview

National Focus: Zambia’s Digital Economy Strategy

With a population of about 20 million, Zambia has a significant and growing youth population. The Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector has been increasingly recognized for its potential to drive economic diversification, moving the country away from traditional reliance on mining and agriculture. The Zambia Statistics Agency (ZamStats) reports that the ICT sector has contributed significantly to Zambia’s GDP growth in recent years, reflecting its emerging role as an economic catalyst.

The Government of Zambia has developed the Zambia National Digital Economy Strategy (2024–2030), which aims to harness digital technologies to drive socio-economic development across all sectors. This strategy focuses on building a robust digital infrastructure, enhancing digital literacy and skills, fostering innovation in digital services, and promoting local content development. The strategy is organized around key pillars such as Policy and Regulation Development, Digital Infrastructure, Digital Skills and Literacy, Digital Services, Emerging Technologies, and Digital Society.

Digital upskilling is a central priority for the Zambian government in collaboration with private sector partners. Global technology firms have launched initiatives to boost digital skills in Zambia. For example, U.S. companies have partnered with the government to provide training for thousands of Zambian youths in technology and programming skills; offered digital skills training, coding programs, and technical training aimed at young Zambians to support digital literacy; and managed digital literacy and safety campaigns to empower youth and improve their online skills.

Projected Digital Economy Growth

The ICT sector is experiencing rapid growth fueled by policy support and increased investments in telecommunications infrastructure. Zambia’s mobile phone market is expanding steadily with millions of subscribers benefiting from improved network coverage and broadband availability. As of mid-2025, internet penetration has been rapidly increasing due to affordable data plans and expanded 3G/4G/5G networks.
Key ICT sectors in Zambia include telecommunications services, digital content development, IT consulting, broadcasting, and software development. Leading telecommunications operators such as MTN Zambia, Airtel Zambia, and Zamtel dominate the mobile market, pushing digital adoption across the economy. These operators play a critical role in expanding internet access, which stimulates activities in education, commerce, and government services.

Several international technology partners are active in Zambia’s digital ecosystem. Notable collaborations include partnerships with Chinese technology firms, supported by government bilateral agreements for ICT capacity building. Zambia benefits from initiatives funded by the European Union and international agencies to expand digital infrastructure and foster digital entrepreneurship. Such partnerships support broader efforts by the Zambian government to build a competitive digital economy for sustainable development.

Market Challenges

Regulatory Environment

Data Privacy

Zambia’s data protection framework is governed by the Data Protection Act of 2021, which establishes rules for the collection, processing, and storage of personal data. Companies operating in Zambia must comply with these regulations, which include requirements for consent, data subject rights, data breach notifications, and cross-border data transfers. While the government is strengthening enforcement mechanisms, some uncertainties persist regarding implementation, which may pose challenges for foreign ICT investors.

Data Localization

Zambia promotes data localization to enhance national security and support local ICT industries. The National ICT Policy encourages organizations, especially in telecommunications and critical public sectors, to store certain categories of personal and national data within the country. Though there is flexibility for cross-border data transfers under specific conditions and safeguards, the emphasis on local hosting aims to develop domestic cloud and data center capabilities.

Cybersecurity

The Zambian government has enacted legislation such as the Cyber Security Act (2025) and Cyber Crimes Act (2025) to address growing cyber threats alongside policies to protect critical national information infrastructure, but the new laws grant the government broad powers to monitor and punish citizens’ online activity with little to no oversight and lay the groundwork for an extensive surveillance apparatus. Various agencies, including the Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA) and the Office of the National Security Advisor, oversee cybersecurity standards and enforcement. The government promotes public-private cooperation to strengthen cyber defenses.

Standards Development

The Zambia Bureau of Standards (ZABS), in collaboration with ZICTA, governs standards setting and quality assurance across industries including ICT. ZABS works on establishing national standards related to telecommunications, software, and electronic devices to support innovation and protect consumers. Resource constraints limit rapid development of standards, but ongoing collaborations with regional bodies help align Zambia’s standards with international best practices.

Market Entry

U.S. companies targeting Zambia’s digital economy should consider building strong local partnerships with distributors, service providers, and technology firms. Face-to-face relationship building is valued and critical for success. Partnering with established local firms allows quicker market access and expansion. Zambia’s relatively small market size compared to larger African economies means focused, long-term engagement is essential.

Public Sector Procurement

Zambia’s government procurement is regulated under the Public Procurement Act, with transparent tendering processes published on official platforms. Domestic and foreign companies registered in Zambia receive national treatment in government procurement. However, challenges such as delays in payments and bureaucratic procedures can affect contract execution, requiring careful planning by new entrants.

Trade Barriers

Technology Barriers

Reliable access to electricity remains a challenge for ICT infrastructure development in Zambia, with many firms relying on backup power solutions. Investors often explore partnerships with local power companies or invest in renewable captive power to mitigate disruptions. Regulatory changes also create some uncertainty, but the government is gradually stabilizing policies to encourage innovation and investment.

Opportunities

The Ministry of Technology and Science (MoTS) is Zambia’s lead ministry with regards to the following opportunities and leading subsectors. ZICTA  fall under MoTS.  

Artificial Intelligence

In November 2024, Zambia released its inaugural  three-year National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (NAIS), aimed at ethical AI adoption for sectors like agriculture, health, and education. U.S. companies have opportunities to contribute expertise and technologies supporting AI development and solutions tailored for local challenges.

Internet Access, 5G, and Infrastructure

Zambia’s telecommunications authority is issuing 5G licenses, with MTN and Airtel rolling out 5G throughout Zambia’s urban centers. Expanding 5G nationwide requires substantial investment in fiber optic networks, small cell sites, and base stations. Zambia is connected to major undersea cables such as WACS and EASSy, enhancing international connectivity. National projects like the “Zambia Broadband Expansion” aim to increase fiber optic coverage and link government facilities to high-speed internet.

Leading Sub-sectors

Cloud Computing and Data Centers
With increasing digital transformation and government support, Zambia offers growth potential in cloud computing and data center investments. While cloud adoption faces challenges due to regulation and infrastructure, the construction of Tier III-quality data centers and improved fiber optics networks open investment opportunities.

Financial Technologies
Fintech is rapidly evolving in Zambia, expanding access to mobile money, digital payments, lending platforms, and insurance services. Financial inclusion is a key driver as fintech solutions allow millions of previously unbanked Zambians to participate in the formal economy.

Cybersecurity
As digital services become more widespread, demand is growing for cybersecurity solutions to combat cybercrime and protect digital assets, especially in banking, ecommerce, and government systems. The market outlook for cybersecurity products and services is strong.

Internet of Things (IoT) and Smart Cities 
Zambia is exploring smart city concepts, especially in Lusaka and other urban areas, focused on connected infrastructure, improved healthcare, safety, and efficient resource management enabled by IoT technologies. Growing broadband penetration supports such innovations.

Digital Health Services
The government is advancing digital health initiatives to integrate electronic medical records, telemedicine, and health information systems nationwide. These projects improve rural access to healthcare and create avenues for digital health technology providers.

Local Industry Events

  • Digital Government Africa (October 2025)
  • Africa Smart Cities Expo (November 2025)
  • Zambia Fintech Summit (March 2026)
  • Zambia ICT Conference and Exhibition (June 2026)
  • Lusaka Digital Innovation Week (September 2026)

 

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