By bringing together researchers, innovators and policy makers, IndabaX Zambia 2025 will take a decisive step towards building an AI ecosystem that reflects local values, addresses national challenges and empowers communities across the country.
Zambia hosted Deep Learning IndabaX 2025 at the Urban Hotel in Lusaka, bringing together leading artificial intelligence (AI) experts and innovators under the theme “Joining Hands for Zambia’s AI Future”. The event showcased Zambia’s commitment to positioning itself as a regional hub for ethical, inclusive and locally relevant AI innovation.
The two-day meeting highlighted Zambia’s progress in AI implementation in key areas. In healthcare, AI-powered tools like Dawa Health are improving maternal outcomes through intelligent triage systems. In the mining sector, AI-enabled exploration by Kobold Metals has identified a promising copper deposit at Mingomba. AI-powered advisory tools are also benefiting agriculture, increasing crop yields by 20-30% in regions affected by climate change.
The conference highlighted the National AI Strategy (2024-2026), which provides the framework for Zambia’s AI-driven transformation. The strategy is based on six pillars: policy and regulation, human capital development, infrastructure and data ecosystems, research and innovation, sectoral integration, and international partnerships, and aims to increase participation in STEM from 23% to 40%, expand internet access to 75% by 2030, and drive productivity gains across agriculture, manufacturing, and financial services.
Responsible AI remains a central focus, with emphasis on fairness, transparency, accountability, and protection of citizens’ rights. The importance of gender inclusion was highlighted, with efforts underway to increase the participation of women in AI research, leadership and entrepreneurship, who currently make up 28% of Zambia’s technology workforce.
IndabaX Zambia 2025 also reinforced the government’s commitment to supporting the commercialization of AI, building advanced digital infrastructure, and fostering global partnerships. The event served as a platform to translate research into practical solutions, strengthen national development, and ensure Zambian innovators play an active role in shaping the AI revolution.
By bringing together researchers, innovators and policy makers, IndabaX Zambia 2025 will take a decisive step towards building an AI ecosystem that reflects local values, addresses national challenges and empowers communities across the country.
