In a significant move to bolster technological collaboration, Ghana, today, welcomed a high-level delegation from Zambia, led by the Minister for Technology and Science, Felix Mutati. The two-day visit aims to promote innovation, cooperation, and investment between the two nations.
The engagement underscores the strengthening bilateral relations as both governments express a shared commitment to utilizing technology as a catalyst for economic advancement and development.
The Zambian delegation includes 16 business representatives from Lusaka who are set to engage in a series of discussions, roundtable meetings, and networking events aimed at translating dialogue into actionable business ventures.
During a meeting hosted by the National Communications Authority, Ghana’s Minister for Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Sam Nartey George, expressed optimism about the potential outcomes of the visit.
He noted that the activities in Accra would reflect previous discussions held in Lusaka, calling the occasion “exciting” for Ghana as it hosts such a distinguished delegation from Zambia. He highlighted that the busy 48-hour agenda would encompass extensive discussions, learning experiences, and the establishment of meaningful partnerships.
George emphasized the value of mutual learning, urging both countries to leverage each other’s experiences to enhance their respective technological landscapes. He expressed confidence that while Minister Mutati’s official visit would conclude with his departure, some Zambian delegates would remain in Accra to finalize business arrangements.
He elaborated on the structured framework for the engagement, indicating that multiple meetings would occur simultaneously across various clusters to optimize both time and results. The focus will be on forging robust alliances that can deliver long-term advantages for both nations.
Zambia’s Minister Mutati, underscored the vital role of the technology sector in his country’s economy, noting its contribution of approximately 50 percent to Zambia’s Gross Domestic Product. He asserted that deeper cooperation with Ghana would be crucial in developing locally driven solutions to common African challenges.
Mutati called for a transformative shift in mindset among African nations, advocating for a transition from being mere consumers of technology to becoming innovators who create groundbreaking solutions. He stressed the importance of enhanced intra-African collaboration, knowledge sharing, and the practical application of technology to tackle pressing issues.
Highlighting the transformative potential of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, Mutati cited a recent example where a start-up utilized AI to discover what he termed the largest copper deposit found in a century. Such innovations should inspire African creators to pursue bold and transformative outcomes.
The two-day engagement is anticipated to focus on knowledge exchange, partnership cultivation, and exploration of business prospects within the technology sector.
By: Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong