Zambian president Hakainde Hichilema has advised other African countries to prioritise digitisation in order to eliminate trade barriers and boost their economies.
On Tuesday, he delivered the keynote address at the third Africa digital Ministerial E-Government Summit, which opened in the capital of Zambia.
Hichilema urged other African governments to develop digital strategies to enhance cross-border trade efficiency, as well as to embrace technology to reduce travel and transportation time between countries.
“Africa bears a high cost of doing business because of delays in the movement of goods," he told delegates attending the three-day event.
Hichilema said through digitalisation, countries could overcome such barriers and create a truly-connected continent.
“Our primary focus should be attaining a first-degree digital space for Africa, not second or third. Let’s use the digital space to measure and drive our economic performance effectively,” he said.
“The digital space presents an opportunity to deliver development efficiently and inclusively. We must use digitalisation to reduce the cost and time of doing business, thereby lowering prices for consumers and enhancing competitiveness.”
The summit in Zambia has attracted the participation of 26 African countries.
“Africa has honoured us, and we are grateful,” Hichilema said.
Smart Zambia organised the event, in collaboration with the Ministries of ICT, Finance and National Planning as well as Home Affairs and Internal Security.
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