COMESA, World Bank launch IDEA Forum to accelerate inclusive digital Transformation across Eastern and Southern Africa
Monday, July 27, 2026 – Lusaka
The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), with support from the World Bank, has launched the inaugural Inclusive Digitalization in Eastern and Southern Africa (IDEA) Annual Digital Forum, bringing together policymakers, development partners, regulators and technology experts to accelerate digital transformation across the region.
The three-day forum, being held at Ciela Resort in Lusaka under the theme “Accelerating Inclusive Digital Transformation for Sustainable Growth,” is focusing on expanding digital connectivity, strengthening digital public infrastructure and harmonising regional digital policies.
Opening the forum, Ministry of Science and Technology Permanent Secretary Dr. Brilliant Habeenzu, whose speech was delivered by Assistant Director for Digital Technology Mr. Khumbuso Nkunika, said the gathering comes at a defining moment in Africa’s digital transformation journey.
He said digital technologies are rapidly reshaping economies, societies and governance systems across the continent, but stressed that the greatest challenge remains ensuring that the transformation is inclusive, equitable and sustainable.
Dr. Habeenzu noted that global digital transformation is projected to contribute US$15.7 trillion to the world economy by 2030, with Africa expected to capture US$1.2 trillion if digital adoption is accelerated responsibly.
He said the World Bank-supported IDEA Project has mobilised US$2.48 billion to expand affordable connectivity, strengthen digital public infrastructure and harmonise regulatory frameworks across more than 15 countries.
The Permanent Secretary added that COMESA’s regional component, backed by a US$10 million IDEA grant, is already driving policy harmonisation, knowledge exchange and capacity building among member states.
He further noted that mobile broadband penetration across Eastern and Southern Africa has risen to 72 percent in 2025, compared to less than 40 percent a decade ago, underscoring the rapid pace of digital adoption across the region.
“Digitalisation is not just about technology. It is about jobs, competitiveness and inclusion,” he said.
Dr. Habeenzu said digital transformation remains central to Zambia’s National Digital Transformation Programme, revealing that since 2022 the country has constructed more than 300 communication towers to expand connectivity, particularly in underserved rural areas.
He added that Zambia has continued strengthening digital identity systems, cybersecurity infrastructure and e-government platforms to improve access to health, education and financial services.
The Permanent Secretary said the investments demonstrate government’s determination to ensure women, young people, persons with disabilities, rural communities and small businesses all benefit from the digital economy.
He, however, challenged governments, development partners and the private sector to move beyond symbolic partnerships.
Dr. Habeenzu said collaborations should deliver practical outcomes through joint infrastructure projects, shared innovation hubs, harmonised regulations and cross-border digital services that improve people’s lives.
“Partnerships must be judged not by the number of agreements signed, but by the number of lives transformed,” he said.
He reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment to achieving universal broadband access by 2030 through continued investment in digital public infrastructure, digital skills development, cybersecurity, fintech, artificial intelligence and green technology innovation.
COMESA Secretary General Chileshe Kapwepwe said the IDEA Annual Digital Forum represents a major milestone in advancing regional digital integration and creating a single digital market capable of driving economic transformation across Eastern and Southern Africa.
She said digital transformation has become one of the most powerful enablers of regional integration, trade, innovation and sustainable development, making it imperative for member states to work together in addressing common digital challenges.
Ms. Kapwepwe noted that while many COMESA member states have made significant progress in expanding digital connectivity and services, disparities in infrastructure, digital skills, regulatory frameworks and access to affordable technologies continue to limit the full benefits of digitalisation.
She said the IDEA programme provides an important platform for countries to share experiences, harmonise policies and accelerate implementation of regional digital initiatives that support businesses and citizens alike.
The COMESA Secretary General urged governments to strengthen cooperation with development partners, the private sector, academia and civil society to ensure that no country or community is left behind in the digital revolution.
She also emphasized the importance of investing in innovation, digital entrepreneurship and emerging technologies to create jobs for young people and improve regional competitiveness in the global digital economy.
Ms. Kapwepwe said COMESA remains committed to supporting member states in developing harmonised digital policies, strengthening digital public infrastructure and promoting cross-border digital trade to unlock new opportunities for inclusive economic growth.
Earlier, World Bank Country Manager Martine Valcin said digital financial services have made Africa a global pioneer in financial inclusion by bringing millions of people into the formal economy and giving households new ways to save, transact and build resilience.
She said continued investment in digital infrastructure, supportive policies and regional cooperation will be critical to ensuring the benefits of digital transformation reach everyone, particularly women, youth and vulnerable communities.
The IDEA initiative is expected to strengthen regional digital integration, improve cross-border digital services, expand affordable connectivity and create new opportunities for trade, innovation and sustainable economic growth across Eastern and Southern Africa.
Picture (1) World Bank Country Manager Ms Martine Valcin (left) and COMESA Secretary General Ms Chileshe Kapwepwe at the launch of IDEA Digital Forum in Lusaka
Picture (2) Participants from the COMESA region at the IDEA Forum launch at Ciela Resort in Lusaka
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