Zambian President Calls on Businesses to Embrace Digital Technology

Zambian President Edgar Lungu, on Friday called on the business community to embrace digital platforms in order to reach wider markets amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Zambian leader said the pandemic had presented new opportunities for doing business resulting in a rise in the number of niche businesses poised to respond to renewed demands resulting from the pandemic.

He made the speech when he officially opened the Lusaka Business Expo 2021 being held with the theme “Awaken the Future.”

“We have seen a rise in the provision of digital solutions making it easier for people to access goods and services online without ever having to leave the comfort of their homes.

“Therefore, the importance for the business community and the citizenry at large to embrace the digital space cannot be overemphasized.’’

According to him, the pandemic has resulted in an increase in online activities such as virtual meetings, online shopping and door-step delivery of goods and services.

This proved that, even in crisis, there are opportunities for growth, he added.

The Zambian leader said the pandemic had not spared the country’s economy forcing the government to come up with an economic recovery programme aimed at restoring economic growth to three percent by 2022.

The expo is expected to provide a platform to drive timely discussions on youth empowerment,  small and medium.