Huawei has reiterated a commitment to expand partnerships with the Zambian government to accelerate the country’s digital transformation.

Officials from the Chinese global technology firm gave the pledge during a just-concluded handover of equipment, mainly smart boards, to the Zambian government.

The Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development is the beneficiary.

Maambo Hamaundu, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, received the equipment.

“The government is driving the agenda of leveraging information and communications technology to enhance decision-making,” he said.

“The technology will play a pivotal role in Zambia’s digital transformation journey,” added Bette Chen, MD, Huawei Zambia.

“It (equipment) will enhance service delivery and set a yardstick for other institutions in pioneering innovation,” she said.

The equipment is to enhance connectivity and reduce travel by the officials and includes video conferencing and wireless sharing capabilities.

Huawei and the Zambian government have previously partnered in numerous initiatives.

In July this year, they signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the former to construct 100 smart villages in the country.

The first village has been launched in Namwala district of the Southern Province.

The smart village project is anticipated to provide electricity and internet access to the 100 villages and create more than 5 000 new jobs. Some 400 000 villagers are to benefit.