The OECD.AI Policy Navigator

The National Artificial Intelligence Strategy of Zambia 2025–2027 sets out a national framework to harness artificial intelligence for economic growth, improved public services and inclusive and sustainable national development. It recognises the promise of AI for Zambia while noting that the national AI ecosystem is still at an early stage, with challenges including limited digital infrastructure, shortages in skilled AI talent, fragmented data ecosystems and the absence of a dedicated AI governance framework.

The strategy is organised around key strategic priorities and pillars. These include establishing a policy and regulatory framework for ethical and responsible AI, developing human capital through AI literacy, education reform and professional training, expanding digital infrastructure and data ecosystems, and promoting research, innovation and entrepreneurship. Sector‑specific AI adoption is prioritised in agriculture, healthcare, education, mining, finance and public services, where AI is intended to improve productivity, efficiency and service delivery. International collaboration and benchmarking are also emphasised to align Zambia’s AI efforts with global best practices.

The strategy builds on identified strengths and enabling factors, including emerging private sector initiatives, early AI applications in healthcare and mining, ongoing digital inclusion programmes, and alignment with international frameworks such as the African Union’s Continental Strategy for Artificial Intelligence, UNESCO’s Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence and the OECD Principles on Artificial Intelligence. It adopts a multi‑stakeholder approach involving government ministries and agencies, academic and research institutions, private sector actors, civil society organisations and international partners.

Governance, ethics and oversight are integral to implementation. Strategic guidance is provided by a National AI Council, with sector‑specific delivery and monitoring supported by Technical Working Groups. Overall coordination is led by the Ministry of Technology and Science, with defined roles for institutions such as the Smart Zambia Institute. A Monitoring and Evaluation framework establishes indicators, reporting mechanisms, mid‑term and end‑term evaluations and public dissemination to ensure accountability, transparency and continuous learning, while ethical principles including fairness, transparency, accountability, data privacy, inclusivity and sustainable development guide responsible AI adoption.