Techbytes: Mauritius pushes ICT partnership drive in Zambia, SADC region

The Mauritius government has unveiled a new digital cooperation strategy targeting Zambia and other members of the Southern African Development Community, aimed at strengthening regional ICT partnerships and deepening cross-border digital integration. In a statement issued in Lusaka on Wednesday, Avinash Ramtohul, Minister of Information Technology, Communication and Innovation, outlined his country’s vision for more robust collaboration across the digital landscape. His remarks followed the Mauritius–Zambia ICT Business Forum held on March 23, 2026.

The event was jointly organised by the Zambia Development Agency and the Economic Development Board of Mauritius as part of the broader Mauritius Africa Export of ICT Services roadshow. Ramtohul said Mauritius’ engagements with Namibia, Botswana and Zambia are anchored in the country’s Digital Transformation Blueprint 2025–2029, which focuses on building a secure, innovative and modern digital economy. He stressed that beyond exporting infrastructure and services, Mauritius is positioning itself as a provider of trust, governance and digital expertise.

He emphasised that Africa must be viewed as a long-term partner rather than a short-term export market, adding that Mauritius’ regional outreach demonstrates sustained commitment to collaboration. Looking ahead, Ramtohul called for more targeted initiatives, including sector-specific missions, enhanced cooperation in artificial intelligence, strengthened digital public services, follow-up business engagements and deeper ties with regulators and innovation ecosystems. He further proposed a three-tier policy approach to sustain momentum.

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This included continued dialogue between Mauritius—through the Economic Development Board and other institutions—and its regional counterparts to address barriers and unlock new opportunities for cooperation. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.

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