President Hakainde Hichilema says the digital sector in the country has a special responsibility to deliver economic growth.

President Hichilema says universal access to digital services such as internet connectivity is vital for the growth of businesses and ultimately, the economy.

Mr Hichilema further emphasised the need to normalise the use of digital platforms by government in order to improve service delivery.

He added that this would in turn promote growth for the digital sector such as mobile network and internet service providers in the country, thereby contributing to more jobs and economic growth.

The head of State was speaking when a delegation from the Payment Association of Zambia paid a courtesy call on him at State House, in Lusaka.

“Connectivity is important for your businesses, MTN, ZAMTEL, and AIRTEL, to operate, to expand. You need connectivity and so we need to continue to embrace the package of components that make this thing work”, President Hichilema stressed.

And Payments Association of Zambia Representative, Komba Malukutila has disclosed that the value of mobile money transactions has grown from K22.2 billion in 2018, to K452 billion in 2023.

“As an industry, we recognise and acknowledge the tremendous strides that the government has made in stabilising the economy and promoting the growth of digital financial services and consequently, the growth of financial inclusion,” he stated.

Earlier, Minister of Technology and Science, Felix Mutati disclosed that reforms introduced by government in the digital sector such as the removal of duty on digital infrastructure has contributed to growth in the sector.