Botswana’s Vice President Ndaba Gaolathe has called for deeper continental cooperation and bold national reforms to drive Africa’s digital transformation.
ZANIS reports that speaking at the Africa Digital Summit being held at the Ciela Resort in Lusaka, Mr Gaolathe said time for isolated progress was over and urged countries to harmonise laws, co-invest in infrastructure, and build federated digital systems to unlock Africa’s collective digital potential.
Mr Gaolathe said these were not merely technical topics but the foundation of a more integrated, prosperous, and equitable Africa.
“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 said.
He outlined Botswana’s own digital transformation journey, which he described as critical for reducing dependence on diamonds and diversifying the economy.
He pointed out that through its Economic Transformation Programme and national blueprint, Botswana aims to become a “digitally empowered, export-driven, and economically diversified nation.
Mr Gaolathe called for accelerated collaboration across African borders.
He urged countries to harmonise policies on data protection, e-signatures, and digital identity laws, and to establish cross-border trust frameworks.
Mr Gaolathe also proposed shared investment in regional data centres and internet exchange points to increase resilience and reduce costs continent-wide.
“Our digital transformation is not just a national agenda, it is a continental mission, Africa’s digital destiny will be written through collaboration, or we must forget it.” The Vice President said.
And speaking earlier Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security Jack Mwiimbu said Zambia was intensifying its digital transformation efforts with the aim of delivering every public service online by 2027.
Mr Mwiimbu revealed that Zambia has already digitised most of its national ID and civil registration records through the Integrated National Registration Information System (INRIS), which uses biometric data to give citizens easier access to services like healthcare, education, and social protection.
“Our next priority is full interoperability across government systems, by 2027, we aim to ensure every government service is just a click away for every Zambian.” Mr Mwiimbu said.
Mr Mwiimbu said the INRIS project, launched in 2024, is already improving lives. He cited examples such as farmers receiving agricultural subsidies and students enrolling in school through a single digital ID.
He pointed out that the Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security was also using digital identity tools to enhance border security and streamline immigration services adding that a biometric pilot project at one border post has helped reduce smuggling and facilitate legitimate trade.
“By integrating digital identity with immigration systems, Zambia will verify travelers securely, prevent identity fraud, and strengthen collaboration with regional security frameworks,” Mwiimbu said.
Mr Mwiimbu said to ensure inclusivity, the Ministry plans to deploy more mobile registration kits to rural areas by the end of 2026, expand digital literacy campaigns, and implement a new Data Protection Act to safeguard citizens’ personal information.
He further said Zambia was also working with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the East African Community to develop cross-border digital ID verification, aligning with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 for a digitally integrated continent.
The Digital Government Summit which was opened by President Hakainde Hichilema on 7th October runs from October 7 to 9 with different regional leaders, government officials, and tech experts in attendance to discuss the future of e-government in Africa.
