Felix Mutati, minister of science and technology.

Zambia is preparing to build a tier-3 data centre and an innovation hub.

According to Felix Mutati, minister of science and technology, the country also plans to complete its fibre network link to Mozambique, construct Community Digital Transformation Centres, and connect all schools in the country to the internet.

Mutati stated that building of the data centre and innovation hub, which would be located in the Lusaka South Multi-Facility Economic Zone, will begin in 2024.

"This significant development marks a pivotal step towards reinforcing Zambia's digital infrastructure and fostering innovation in the region," Mutati said in a statement.

Mutati added that combined efforts between the government and the corporate sector had effectively extended fibre connectivity to seven of the eight surrounding nations this year, ahead of projects scheduled for 2024.

With the exception of Mozambique, he stated that an ongoing initiative to connect Mozambique to the network was underway, with completion anticipated for June 2024.

"This strategic step not only reinforces Zambia's status as Southern Africa's digital centre. "Through fibre networks, it solidifies its position as Africa's most connected country," the minister said.

Angola, Botswana, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe all share borders with the copper-rich country.

In addition, the Smart Zambia Institute will lead the establishment of Community Digital Transformation Centres in Zambia in 2024.

Smart Zambia Institute, a branch of the President's Office tasked with coordinating and implementing e-government, will create these centres using the Zambia Postal Services Corporation's infrastructure.

The centres will serve as locations where citizens may get free internet connection.

The hubs will offer e-government services like as trading licences, cooperative registration, road fees, and social cash transfers.

The goal is for the centres to play a role in offering digital literacy and skills training.

"We believe empowering citizens with digital skills is as crucial as providing internet access," he said.

Zambia plans to connect all 1 291 schools in the country to the internet in conjunction with the commercial sector, with the goal of connecting the first 100 schools by the end of this year.

"This transformative initiative goes beyond the installation of mere internet connectivity," he stated.

"It is poised to revolutionise education by enhancing the uptake and delivery of ICT and digital skills among our students," he went on to say.