Zambia progresses with AI strategy and ICT sector regulation amidst broader African technological advancements

Zambia’s Minister of Science and Technology, Felix Mutati, has declared the initiation of efforts to create an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Framework for the nation. In collaboration with the Tony Blair Institute, known for its strategic, policy, and delivery guidance to governments and leaders, the Zambian government is in the process of crafting an AI Strategy. The Minister also mentioned that Zambia is coordinating with the European Union (EU) to develop a Startup Bill, which will further support technological innovation and entrepreneurship.

Emphasizing the importance of a supportive framework for AI deployment, Minister Mutati noted that the government is actively updating the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act. This legislation is crucial for enabling the effective implementation of AI technologies. The announcement was made public through an X post by the Minister during the inauguration of the Future of AI in Africa Conference held in Lusaka.

In a subsequent event, the Copperbelt Agricultural Mining Industrial Networking Enterprise (CAMINEX) held in Kitwe in May 2024, Minister Mutati revealed that the government had finished drafting the AI strategy, which aims to capitalize on the advantages of cutting-edge technologies. At that event, he indicated that the official launch of the AI strategy was scheduled to take place within the next two months, specifically in July 2024.

Zambia is taking proactive steps to regulate the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector with new guidelines for practitioners. In early June, the Minister of Technology and Science announced the forthcoming issuance of a Statutory Instrument (SI) intended to govern the activities within the ICT field. The purpose of this regulatory measure is to address professional misconduct and irregularities, ensuring that ICT practitioners maintain ethical standards and follow best practices in their work.

The move to establish a framework for Artificial Intelligence (AI) is not unique to Zambia within the African continent. In April 2024, Nigeria took a significant step by bringing together 120 experts to craft a co-created framework aimed at fostering the adoption of AI in the country. The initial draft of Nigeria’s National AI Strategy has already attracted $3.5 million in seed funding from interested partners, demonstrating a strong commitment to the initiative.

South Africa is also engaging in the conversation around AI regulation. The country is in the process of setting up an AI Expert Advisory Council, which will be tasked with providing guidance on the development and enforcement of AI-related policies and regulations. This council is expected to play a key role in shaping the future of AI governance in South Africa, ensuring that the technology is developed and used responsibly and ethically.