Botswana Calls for Collaboration in Africa’s Digital Transformation at the Africa Digital Summit
At the Africa Digital Summit taking place at the picturesque Ciela Resort in Lusaka, Botswana’s Vice President Ndaba Gaolathe took center stage, advocating for a transformative shift towards deeper cooperation among African nations. In a landscape where digital capabilities are expanding, Mr. Gaolathe emphasized that now is the time for countries to unite rather than progress in isolation. His stirring call for harmonizing legal frameworks, co-investing in vital infrastructure, and developing federated digital systems was both timely and inspiring.
He articulated a vision for Africa that extends beyond mere technicalities; he sees it as a foundation for a more integrated and prosperous continent. “It is clear that our discussions today have moved beyond ideas to action. We have spoken of secure digital identities, resilient infrastructure, and regional cooperation,” he noted, capturing the urgency of the moment.
Highlighting Botswana’s own digital transformation journey, Mr. Gaolathe explained how critical it is for the nation to reduce its historical reliance on diamonds. Through its Economic Transformation Programme, Botswana is on a path to becoming a “digitally empowered, export-driven, and economically diversified nation.” The Vice President further championed the need for accelerated cross-border collaboration and proposed critical initiatives such as creating shared investments in regional data centers and internet exchange points.
Zambia’s Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security, Jack Mwiimbu, echoed this sentiment, sharing that Zambia is committed to having every public service accessible online by 2027. The Zambian initiative, which has already digitized national ID and civil registration records via the Integrated National Registration Information System (INRIS), represents a significant step forward. This robust system utilizes biometric data to enhance citizens’ access to essential services such as education and healthcare.
“Our next priority is full interoperability across government systems. By 2027, we aim to ensure that every government service is just a click away for every Zambian,” announced Mwiimbu enthusiastically. He highlighted tangible benefits of the INRIS project, which is already improving the lives of many citizens by providing streamlined access to services such as agricultural subsidies for farmers and simplified school enrollments for students through a single digital ID.
Additionally, Mwiimbu underscored the role of digital identity tools in enhancing border security and improving immigration procedures. With a biometric pilot project already yielding positive outcomes, Zambia is taking significant steps to integrate digital solutions into national security frameworks.
In a proactive move towards inclusivity, the ministry plans to deploy mobile registration kits in rural areas, expand digital literacy campaigns, and implement a new Data Protection Act. Furthermore, ongoing collaborations with regional bodies like the Southern African Development Community (SADC) align with the African Union’s ambitious Agenda 2063, aimed at fostering deeper digital integration across the continent.
The Digital Government Summit, inaugurated by President Hakainde Hichilema, has brought together leaders, officials, and tech experts from various regions to explore the e-government landscape in Africa. As discussions continue from October 7 to 9, all participants are motivated by a shared goal: to reshape Africa’s digital future through collaboration and innovation.
As the continent strives to harness its collective digital potential, the synergy between nations may well define the success of this transformative era.
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