Zambia’s new President Hakainde Hichilema has established a new Ministry of Technology and Science in an effort to promote innovation and economic growth through science and technology.

During a swearing-in ceremony of the Minister of Technology and Science Felix Mutati and other ministers, Hichilema said technology will be a major catalyst for economic growth, development and transformation in Zambia.

He told Mutati and fellow ministers that they have a huge responsibility to turn the economy around and that the country has abundant resources which should be used to serve the people.

He added that there is a sense of urgency to take Zambia to where it should be to deliver on campaign promises.

Hichilema later posted a tweet: “My young friends in the tech space, feel free to engage us with your ideas.”

An accountant by profession, Mutati was an alliance partner to Hichilema in the elections after forming his political party, the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC).

He previously served as Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry and Finance.

During his inaugural speech, Hichilema promised his government will promote the development of technology, support the digital evolution and attract investment into the country’s telecommunications industry over the next five years.

He said investment in technology and telecommunications is critical because it will create employment, especially for the youth, adding that his government will prioritise investment from within the region (the Southern Africa Development Community) and from within Africa before looking for investment further afield.