Zambia has established collaboration with the Czech Republic to train locals in artificial intelligence (AI), cyber security, and other information and communication technologies.

Initially, 25 scholarships were pledged; this is a boost for the Southern African country, which is rapidly adopting AI.

The scholarships are for Bachelor's and Master's degrees in artificial intelligence, cyber security, and related information and communication technologies.

These opportunities in the Czech Republic will occur on an annual basis.

Pavel Prochazka, the Czech Ambassador to Zambia, and Felix Mutati, Zambia's minister of science and technology, formally launched their collaboration this weekend in Lusaka.

“We want Zambian professionals to perfect their skills as the country prepares to embrace artificial intelligence,” the Czech envoy said.

According to Mutati: "Zambia's priority at the moment is on artificial intelligence as the country faces many challenges such as climate change, the drought and (planning on) scaling up of mining production."

The minister revealed that he and the visiting ambassador had discussed the idea of the Czechs providing vocational training to Zambians.