Zambia Holds a Workshop on Developing a Communications Strategy Focused on Technology and Innovation
Zambia's Ministry of Technology and Science Unveils Comprehensive Communications Strategy
The Ministry of Technology and Science in Zambia has embarked on a comprehensive Communications Strategy to enhance public understanding, awareness, trust, and engagement across its three key sectors: Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and Digital Technologies, Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI), and Skills Development[1][2].
The strategy, led by Eng. Dr. Brilliant Habeenzu, the Permanent Secretary, aims to establish a coordinated, evidence-based communication strategy to shift public perception of the Ministry's work and impact[2].
Key elements of the strategy include:
- Communicating the socio-economic impact of ICTs and digital technologies, which have seen major growth with internet penetration rising from 56% in 2022 to 69% in 2025 and mobile broadband subscriptions exceeding 24 million. The Ministry highlights the expansion of e-Government platforms offering over 267 public services online, which reduce bureaucracy and improve citizen convenience[1][2].
- Addressing challenges of public trust and cybersecurity by providing clear, timely, and reassuring communication about cybersecurity measures, reporting channels, and digital literacy initiatives. This is crucial to building confidence and encouraging safe use of digital services, considering ongoing cybersecurity threats[1][2].
- Promoting the value and adoption of Science, Technology, and Innovation efforts, such as over 120 peer-reviewed publications annually and local patents in agricultural sensors, mobile health apps, and renewable energy prototypes. Many of these achievements remain underappreciated or unknown to the public, so the strategy aims to improve public recognition, facilitate adoption, and support commercialization of innovations[2].
- Enhancing communication on Skills Development to align with Zambia’s socio-economic transformation by building capacity in technology and scientific skills relevant to the country’s development priorities[1].
The Ministry's approach involves collaboration with stakeholders and recognizes effective communication as a critical enabler of the Ministry’s shared objectives across these sectors[1][2].
The launch of the Communications Strategy was attended by Dr. Habeenzu, who emphasized the importance of effective communication in advancing the Ministry's objectives[2]. He also emphasized the importance of repositioning skills development and entrepreneurship as drivers of industrialization, job creation, and economic growth[2].
The Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system in Zambia graduates thousands of students each year, many of whom pursue entrepreneurship within two years[3]. However, public trust in digital systems remains a challenge due to ongoing cybersecurity threats[3].
The Communications Strategy, currently under formulation as of August 2025, targets increasing public awareness and trust in technological progress and innovation as foundational pillars for Zambia’s socio-economic transformation[1][2][3].
[1] Ministry of Technology and Science (2025). Zambia's Communications Strategy: Enhancing Public Understanding of the Ministry's Work. Lusaka: Ministry of Technology and Science.
[2] Ministry of Technology and Science (2025). Press Release: The Launch of Zambia's Communications Strategy. Lusaka: Ministry of Technology and Science.
[3] Zambia Daily News (2025). TVET Graduates Pursue Entrepreneurship, but Public Trust in Digital Systems Remains a Challenge. Lusaka: Zambia Daily News.
- To boost public understanding and trust in the Ministry of Technology and Science's work, the Communications Strategy aims to communicate the socio-economic impact of mobile broadband subscriptions, e-Government platforms, and the innovative advancements in Science, Technology, and Innovation, such as mobile health apps and agricultural sensors, while addressing the challenges of public trust and cybersecurity.
- Recognizing effective communication as a critical enabler, the Ministry's Communications Strategy seeks to promote education and adoption of Science, Technology, and Innovation, enhance communication on Skills Development, and encourage the safe use of digital services through clear, timely, and reassuring communication about cybersecurity measures, reporting channels, and digital literacy initiatives.
- As part of the effort to reposition skills development and entrepreneurship as drivers of industrialization, job creation, and economic growth, the Communications Strategy highlights the need to increase public awareness and trust in technological progress and innovation, particularly among TVET graduates, who often pursue entrepreneurship within two years, yet face challenges in trusting digital systems due to ongoing cybersecurity threats.
