Govt invests over $1.4 billion in digital technology

Government says it has invested over 1.4 billion United States dollars in digital technology infrastructure.

Officiating at the digital economy diagnostic multi stakeholder workshop organized by the world bank in Lusaka, deputy secretary to the cabinet Christopher Mvunga expressed concern that despite the investments being put in by government, the level at which citizens are embracing digital technology is quite low.

Mr. Mvunga has dispelled the notion that digital technology will reduce on jobs, stating that it will instead help in redeveloping skills in the work force.

He says achieving the vision 2030 of Zambia becoming a prosperous middle income country can best be achieved in a smarter way through the use of technology.

Mr. Mvunga has noted that ICTs when used effectively can contribute to increased productivity in the country.

He has since urged all citizens to embrace and utilise digital technology and infrastructure that has been put in place for a more productive and prosperous economy.

Speaking earlier, world bank country manager Dr. Sahr Kpundeh, disclosed that the 2019 world development report reveals that reaching the au goal of universal and affordable internet coverage will raise growth per capita by 2 percentage points per year and reduce poverty head count by 1 percentage points, hence the need to close the digital infrastructure gap on growth and inclusion.

Mr. Kpundeh has however, noted that in order for digital technologies to have a positive effect on jobs, quick improvements need to be made in digital infrastructure, skills and the broader business environment in particular.