Government, through the Ministry of Technology and Science, in partnership with the Finnish Government, has embarked on a pilot programme to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) in key sectors such as health and mining.
Minister of Technology and Science, Felix Mutati, says the initiative is aimed at enhancing service delivery and improving data management across critical sectors of the economy.
ZANIS reports that speaking during a dialogue meeting in Lusaka this morning, Mr Mutati said the adoption of AI in the health sector will improve record-keeping, data analysis and overall efficiency within the health system.
“The inclusion of Artificial Intelligence in our health systems will help us to keep accurate and reliable records, improve decision making and enhance the quality of healthcare delivery,” he said.
The Minister added that the application of AI in the mining sector will support the expansion and better management of Zambia’s mineral stock data, thereby strengthening the country’s mining value chain.
“Through technology, particularly Artificial Intelligence, Zambia can improve mineral exploration, expand mineral inventories and optimise the mining sector for sustainable economic growth,” he said.
Mr Mutati further highlighted that the Finnish Government, through Nokia, partnered with Zambia to sponsor 100 young entrepreneurs, equipping them with entrepreneurship skills and digital literacy to enable them to participate meaningfully in the digital economy.
Meanwhile, Finnish Minister of Economic Affairs, Sakari Puisto, said Finland has made significant investments in Zambia’s technology and mining sectors through public funding of strategic national programmes.
He emphasised that the integration of AI in health and mining is central to Finland’s efforts to help bridge the digital literacy gap in Zambia.
Dr Puisto has reaffirmed Finland’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with Zambia through the Ministry of Technology and Science, noting that the collaboration remains key to advancing digital transformation and economic growth.