Purpose of the Policy
The National ICT Policy 2023 provides a framework for harnessing Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to drive economic growth, digital transformation, and national development. It aims to:
- Enhance digital infrastructure and connectivity.
- Promote e-Government services and digital inclusion.
- Strengthen cybersecurity and data protection.
- Support ICT innovation, research, and entrepreneurship.
- Foster a knowledge-based economy through ICT adoption.
Key Policy Objectives
- ICT Infrastructure Development
- Expand broadband connectivity nationwide.
- Promote investment in fiber optic networks and 5G technology.
- Improve affordable internet access for all.
- Digital Government and e-Services
- Enhance electronic governance (e-Government) platforms.
- Promote paperless transactions and digital payments.
- Strengthen interoperability among government ICT systems.
- ICT Industry Growth and Innovation
- Support startups and tech entrepreneurs.
- Encourage local software and app development.
- Promote Artificial Intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies.
- Cybersecurity and Data Protection
- Enforce cybercrime laws and data privacy regulations.
- Establish national cybersecurity frameworks.
- Promote digital trust and secure online transactions.
- Digital Skills and Capacity Building
- Integrate ICT education in schools and universities.
- Enhance digital literacy programs for citizens.
- Develop specialized ICT training for professionals.
- ICT for Socio-Economic Development
- Support e-Health, e-Agriculture, e-Commerce, and FinTech solutions.
- Use ICT for climate monitoring and environmental sustainability.
- Bridge the urban-rural digital divide.
Implementation & Monitoring
- The government will partner with private sector, academia, and civil society.
- A monitoring and evaluation system will track policy effectiveness.
- Investment in research and innovation will be prioritized.
Expected Outcomes
- Improved internet access and ICT infrastructure.
- Increased digital job creation and entrepreneurship.
- Strengthened cybersecurity and data protection.
- Enhanced efficiency in government services.
This policy serves as a roadmap for Zambia’s digital transformation, ensuring ICT plays a key role in national development.
