Zambia is looking to Ghana’s growing reputation in financial technology and digital infrastructure as a model for advancing its own innovation ecosystem, according to Zambia’s Minister of Technology and Science, Felix Mutati.
Mr Mutati made the remarks during a visit to Ghana with a delegation of about 16 innovators and startup founders, aimed at fostering partnerships, sharing ideas, and exploring opportunities within West Africa’s digital economy.
He explained that Zambia’s focus is shifting from standalone systems to integrated digital platforms, and Ghana’s progress in areas such as fintech and digital identification provides useful lessons for that transition.
“For us, the collaboration and things to learn are for us to deal with some of our own priorities in Zambia, particularly when it comes to fintech platforms. Because there are mostly systems, but we want to move from those systems to platforms,” he said.
Mr Mutati noted that effective digital transformation depends on strong foundational infrastructure, especially secure identification systems, highlighting Ghana’s digital ID framework as a key area of interest.
“To do that, you need the fundamental and underlying infrastructure, and one of those is the digital identification. Beyond the physical fibre, Ghana has done a lot in that area. So we want to learn and collaborate in that area,” he added.
He further explained that platform-based systems would allow Zambia to better integrate fintech services and other digital innovations, creating opportunities for cross-border cooperation within Africa’s tech space.
“So, I have told my innovators and startups, they should come here to be curious and discover,” he said, emphasising the importance of hands-on learning and regional collaboration.
The visit is expected to strengthen cooperation between Ghana and Zambia in technology and innovation as African countries increasingly pursue shared digital solutions for economic transformation.
