On Wednesday, the 18th of March, 2026, during the ICTAZ 2026 Conference, Training, and 17th Annual General Meeting, the ICT Association of Zambia had the distinct honour of conferring Patron status upon Hakainde Hichilema, President of the Republic of Zambia Hakainde Hichilema.
This prestigious honour was bestowed in recognition of the Republican President’s exemplary and visionary leadership, as well as his unwavering commitment to the advancement of Zambia’s ICT sector. Under his stewardship, the sector has flourished remarkably, emerging as one of the fastest growing sectors and a key driver of innovation, economic growth, and national development.
Through deliberate policies, strategic investments, and a clear vision for digital transformation, the Head of State has created an enabling environment that has inspired confidence, accelerated technological advancement, and positioned Zambia firmly on the path toward a digitally empowered future.
Notably, under his leadership, the ICT sector has recorded exponential growth, emerging as the largest contributor to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product for two consecutive years, 2024 and 2025, surpassing traditional sectors such as mining, agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing. This achievement reflects not only growth in scale but also a profound transformation in the substance and impact of the sector.
The impact of this transformation has extended beyond national borders. Zambia’s ICT professionals, through innovation, excellence, and global competitiveness, have made an indelible mark at the continental level. In 2025, at a prestigious continental platform held in Accra, Ghana, ICTAZ professionals won eight continental awards, including the recognition of ICTAZ as the ICT Association of the Year in Africa. This milestone achievement was further crowned by Zambia earning the rights to host the continental summit in September 2026 in Livingstone, a testament to the country’s rising prominence.
These accomplishments firmly position Zambia, through its capable and dynamic technology professionals, as one of Africa’s emerging technology powerhouses.
Today, the ICT sector stands as a true engine of national progress, powering opportunities, unlocking potential, and shaping the future of our nation.
The conferment of Patron status therefore serves as a symbol of the Association’s deepest appreciation and its continued commitment to advancing the vision of a digitally transformed and inclusive Zambia under the leadership of the Republican President.
