Zambia’s Minister of Science and Technology, Felix Mutati, is leading the charge in the country’s efforts to establish an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Framework. At the recent Future of AI in Africa Conference in Lusaka, Mutati unveiled Zambia’s progress and future plans in AI development.
Working in collaboration with the Tony Blair Institute, known for its expertise in advising governments on strategy and policy, Zambia is crafting an AI Strategy to drive innovation and entrepreneurship. Additionally, the country is partnering with the European Union to create a Startup Bill aimed at creating a conducive environment for startups.
Mutati emphasized the importance of embracing AI, stating that it is here to stay and will bring significant improvements to everyday life. He also highlighted the government’s efforts to revise the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act to facilitate the deployment of AI technologies.
In a previous announcement at the CAMINEX event in Kitwe, Mutati revealed that the government had completed drafting the AI strategy and planned to launch it in July 2024. He reassured the public that AI will not lead to job losses but rather bring economic benefits to the country, particularly in sectors like mining.
Zambia’s push for AI integration is in line with other African countries like Nigeria and South Africa, who are also making strides in AI development. With Mutati at the helm, Zambia is poised to harness the potential of AI and drive innovation in the country.