06/08/2026
CHINA–ZAMBIA ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE COOPERATION-6th August 2026
SEMINAR ON STRENGTHENING PRACTICAL COOPERATION IN ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Zambia and China are exploring deeper cooperation in Artificial Intelligence (AI) as the technology increasingly shapes economic development, public services, education, industry and digital transformation. The seminar brought together Government, academia, industry and technology stakeholders to exchange perspectives on how the two countries can build practical, inclusive and locally relevant AI cooperation. Discussions focused on strengthening digital infrastructure, developing Zambia-tailored AI applications, building local skills and innovation capacity, improving data and computing capabilities, and promoting inclusive AI governance that protects national interests and ensures that the benefits of AI reach communities across the country.
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Technology and Science Eng. Dr Brilliant Habeenzu noted that Zambia’s participation in the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference and its role in establishing the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization demonstrates the country’s commitment to meaningful international cooperation on AI. He said Zambia’s priorities are closely aligned with efforts to bridge the AI divide, strengthen governance and ensure inclusive participation, particularly for countries of the Global South.
He emphasised that AI is important to Zambia’s ambition of accelerating economic growth and achieving a more productive, digitally enabled economy. He welcomed opportunities for Zambia to benefit from international AI training initiatives, with a pledge of five thousand training opportunities, knowledge exchange and proposed mechanisms for supporting AI development.
The Permanent Secretary observed that Zambia’s AI strategy is approaching the end of its current cycle and will require careful review. He stressed that the country must adopt AI rapidly enough to avoid falling behind, while ensuring that the renewed strategy reflects Zambia’s national realities, priorities and development needs.
He identified limited access to computing infrastructure, quality data and interoperable standards as major barriers to wider AI adoption. He welcomed the emphasis on open-source technologies because they can be adapted to Zambia’s local environment. He further highlighted the importance of reviewing relevant legislation, including data protection frameworks, so that policies and laws remain aligned with the requirements of responsible AI development and effective data management.
Dr Habeenzu called for practical cooperation in developing AI infrastructure and applications in key sectors such as agriculture, mining and manufacturing, while also recognising the importance of health and education. He said AI should be used to improve productivity, optimise national development targets and support better outcomes for citizens.
He further outlined Zambia’s progress in digital transformation, including strengthened cybersecurity legislation, expansion of digital connectivity, increased access to mobile money services, deployment of telecommunications infrastructure with higher-speed connectivity, and expanded fibre-optic links. These developments, he said, provide an important foundation upon which Zambia can build its AI ecosystem.
Dr Habeenzu stressed that Zambia should not approach AI development as though it were starting from zero. Instead, cooperation should build on existing national capabilities, understand Zambia’s culture and context, and develop infrastructure and solutions that are fit for purpose. He expressed confidence that cooperation with China can help Zambia move faster while ensuring that AI development remains aligned with national priorities.
The Permanent Secretary also said that the government is fast-tracking Digital Monetisation and growing the Digital Economy by ensuring that all citizens are migrated from 2G and 3G to 4G and 5G propelling digitalisation of digital services and encourage citizens to make payments online. The Ministry has engaged content creators, Gamers, Influencers, Innovators, Inventors through the Digital Round Table hosted by the Ministry, the Presidential Delivery Unit and other Stakeholders.
H.E. Han Jing –Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to the Republic of Zambia noted that the seminar was timely because progress in any sector requires collaboration among government, industry and academia. He said the gathering provided an opportunity to exchange views on AI and explore the substantial potential for cooperation between China and Zambia.
The Ambassador described AI as a major driver of technological advancement, industrial transformation and social progress. He noted that digital innovation presents developing countries with opportunities to accelerate development, narrow existing gaps and pursue sustainable growth. At the same time, he stressed the need for fair and inclusive international cooperation that enables developing countries to participate meaningfully in the digital and intelligent era.
He highlighted the establishment of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization as an important platform for global AI governance and cooperation. According to the Ambassador, the organisation can provide a framework for expanding access to AI technologies, promoting fair governance norms, sharing innovation resources and strengthening South-South cooperation. As founding members, China and Zambia can use this framework to translate their longstanding friendship and mutual trust into practical, project-based AI cooperation.
The Ambassador proposed four key areas for deeper cooperation. First, he called for stronger digital infrastructure, including reliable power, communication networks, computing capacity and data centres. He noted that China’s cooperation in Zambia’s energy sector, including major solar projects, can contribute to the foundation required for future AI applications. He said China is ready to support Zambia, through relevant cooperation frameworks, in areas such as expanding 5G networks and developing energy-efficient local computing hubs.
Second, he proposed the development of locally tailored AI solutions that respond to Zambia’s actual needs. He pointed to the smart village initiative as an example of cooperation aimed at bridging rural digital gaps through connectivity, solar systems and smart classrooms. He said similar approaches can be expanded and complemented by AI applications in areas such as agriculture, healthcare and resource development.
Third, H.E. Han Jing called for expanded joint talent development. He identified the shortage of skilled digital professionals as a major constraint to AI development and proposed long-term mechanisms for academic exchanges, overseas training, technical workshops and multi-stakeholder seminars. He also encouraged universities and research institutions in China and Zambia to establish joint laboratories, AI training bases and innovation centres, supported by shared curricula, digital skills and online learning resources.
Fourth, the Ambassador called for closer coordination on global AI governance to safeguard the interests of developing countries. He advocated for an inclusive, fair, secure and accessible global AI governance system that respects data sovereignty and digital security. He said China and Zambia can work together to amplify the voice of the Global South and promote international AI norms that ensure technological progress benefits all countries.
Concluding, H.E. Han Jing described AI as an opportunity for shared development and a means of narrowing the digital divide. He said China’s technological capabilities and Zambia’s national digital transformation priorities can complement each other, creating opportunities for deeper practical cooperation and a mutually beneficial future.
Smart Zambia National Coordinator Mr Percy Chinyama described the seminar as critical to Zambia’s future, emphasising that decisions made at this stage could influence the country’s long-term AI development. He stressed the need for the discussions to translate into practical actions and for the outcomes of the seminar to be properly documented as part of Zambia’s AI development journey.
He identified four key areas that should guide Zambia’s approach to AI. First, he called for AI development to be grounded in Zambia’s national realities and existing digital foundations. He cautioned against simply leapfrogging into models developed in mature environments without considering Zambia’s own circumstances, capabilities, culture and development needs. He said Zambia must understand where it is today, determine where it wants to go and build an AI pathway that reflects its identity.
Second, Mr Chinyama emphasised the need to safeguard regulatory sovereignty and ethical alignment. He said Zambia should modernise without losing its cultural identity and should ensure that AI governance, standards and compliance requirements respond to the country’s own circumstances. He stressed that cooperation should support Zambia’s sovereignty rather than impose a one-size-fits-all approach.
Third, he highlighted the need to address the country’s computing deficit and data disparities. He noted that access to digital resources remains unequal and that the quality, management, storage and use of data are critical to successful AI development. Poor-quality data, he cautioned, can result in poor AI outcomes. He therefore called for stronger data management while ensuring that localised data can be used to support modernisation without eroding Zambia’s cultural identity or national interests.
Fourth, Mr Chinyama called for stronger local capacity and sustainable innovation. He welcomed China’s support for capacity building and stressed that Zambia must develop the skills and institutions needed to participate sustainably in the global AI ecosystem. He argued that the public must be able to see tangible benefits from AI rather than simply hear officials describe its importance.
Using the example of a young child who gained access to a smartphone and subsequently developed strong programming abilities, Mr Chinyama illustrated the untapped potential among children who lack access to digital tools and opportunities. He said Zambia must be intentional about extending access to technology, particularly to children and communities that are currently excluded. In his view, expanding access to digital tools, the internet and AI can become a genuine equaliser by giving more Zambians an opportunity to develop their abilities.
He commended the presentations and the cooperation being proposed, noting that the Government takes the initiative seriously. He expressed support for the proposal to deepen China–Zambia cooperation, emphasising that there is little value in maintaining the status quo when partnerships can help move Zambia towards a more inclusive and digitally enabled future.
