11/10/2025
COPPERBELT UNIVERSITY CHAMPIONS ZAMBIA'S SOVEREIGN DIGITAL FUTURE AT THE DIGITAL GOVERNMENT AFRICA SUMMIT 2025
=========================================
The Copperbelt University (CBU) is cementing its role as a major player in Zambia's national development and as an agent of change in digital transformation. From 7th to 9th October 2025, CBU participated through the ICT Business and Innovation Centre (IBIC) at the third annual Digital Government Africa (DGA) Summit. Their partners in the Pamodzi Digital Consortium - IHM Southern Africa, Corelink Consulting Ltd, and Blue Code Systems -joined as key stakeholders. The Summit, hosted at Ciêla Resort and Spa on Bonanza Estate near Lusaka, attracted over 500 representatives from government, tech giants, and investors across Africa and the world.
The Pamodzi Digital Consortium is a strategic joint venture focused on building a secure, sovereign, and self-sustaining digital ecosystem for Zambia. It is made up of the Copperbelt University, IHM Southern Africa, Corelink Consulting Limited, and Blue Code Systems Limited. The Consortium operates with a clear mandate to ensure sovereignty over the nation’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI). By working closely with the Smart Zambia Institute (SZI), the Alliance leads the shift from foreign technology dependence to locally-owned and managed digital infrastructure. This shift will help all Zambians benefit from digital innovation, driving economic growth and improving public services.
This pioneering work was showcased on a continental stage at the Summit, where over 26 countries were represented. The Summit provided a platform for CBU and the Alliance to connect with stakeholders and demonstrate their ability to deliver world-class, locally-engineered digital solutions.
The strategic importance of this initiative has attracted significant attention from the highest levels of government, underscoring the national priority of digital sovereignty. CBU-IBIC's facilities and the work of the Alliance have been noted with interest during high-level visits from dignitaries including His Excellency, President Hakainde Hichilema; Her Honour, the Vice President of Zambia, Mrs. Mutale Nalumango; and the Secretary to the Cabinet, Mr. Patrick Kangwa. Furthermore, the project's vision has garnered regional recognition, marked by a visit from the Botswana Vice-President Ndaba Nkosinathi Gaolathe, signaling Zambia's emerging leadership in the digital space.
President Hakainde Hichilema officially opened DGA 2025, delivering a powerful call for Africa to accelerate digital transformation. He emphasized the need for indigenous digital platforms, enhanced service delivery, regional economic integration, and use of local currencies in cross border trade. During his address, the President recognized the efforts of Zambian institutions and local innovators in shaping the digital future of the country and the continent
CBU's role within the Pamodzi Digital Alliance is indispensable. As the academic anchor, the university provides the intellectual horsepower, a sustainable pipeline of skilled Zambian talent, and the research and development capacity required to innovate continuously. CBU-IBIC functions as the engine room for this national project, translating cutting-edge academic theory into practical, robust, and scalable digital solutions that address Zambia's unique challenges and opportunities.
By embedding itself at the heart of Zambia's digital revolution, the Copperbelt University is redefining the role of a modern academic institution. It is proving that the path to a prosperous, independent, and digitally empowered future is not imported, but rather cultivated through strategic national partnerships, homegrown talent, and a bold vision.
, , , . , ,
