06 August 2024

The World Bank is considering providing $100 million to the Zambian government to improve people’s access to the internet and digital services.

According to Wencai Zhang, managing director of the Bretton Woods institution, the $100 million will be used to implement the Digitalization of Zambia Acceleration Project (DZAP). The project is expected to be approved by the World Bank Board of Directors in March 2025. Meanwhile, $6 million will be released in advance for project preparation activities. In addition, an implementation unit will be established and operationalized within the Smart Zambia Institute.

The World Bank funding will bolster the country’s digital transformation efforts. In November 2023, the government unveiled a project for community digital transformation centres to provide people with internet access and build digital skills. Lusaka is also stepping up initiatives to strengthen the country’s digital infrastructure. The government has set a goal of connecting every Zambian to a reliable communications network by 2030.