By Josiah Kariuki
Kenya and Zambia have initiated talks aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation in digital technology and telecommunications.
The move follows a meeting in Nairobi between Stephen Isaboke, Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Broadcasting and Telecommunications, and Felix Mutati, Zambia’s Minister of Technology and Science.
The engagement, held at the Ministry headquarters, brought together senior officials from both governments as the Zambian delegation sought to benchmark Kenya’s progress in information and communication technology and digital transformation.
Zambia’s visit reflects Kenya’s growing reputation as one of Africa’s leading technology hubs, with Nairobi increasingly attracting regional interest due to its policy frameworks and innovation-driven digital ecosystem.
During the discussions, the two leaders explored opportunities for deeper collaboration through the African Telecommunications Union, a continental body that promotes cooperation among African countries in telecommunications and digital policy.
Cybersecurity emerged as a key area of focus during the talks, with Kenyan officials sharing experiences from the implementation of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act.
The law has played a significant role in strengthening the country’s capacity to detect and respond to cyber threats while protecting the integrity of digital systems.
Both delegations acknowledged that as digital platforms continue to expand across Africa, governments must strike a balance between protecting citizens from cybercrime and safeguarding digital freedoms.
The meeting also addressed the growing challenge of misinformation and disinformation, which officials warned pose increasing risks to democratic discourse and public trust in digital platforms.
The two sides emphasized the need for responsible digital governance frameworks that promote accountability while protecting freedom of expression.
Kenya also briefed the Zambian delegation on its forward-looking digital agenda, including the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2025–2030, which seeks to position the country as a continental leader in artificial intelligence through innovation, talent development and responsible technology adoption.
Zambia expressed interest in the strategy, reflecting broader continental efforts to harness artificial intelligence and emerging technologies to accelerate economic and social development.
The Zambian delegation included Brilliant Habeenzu, Permanent Secretary for Technology and Science; Alfred Musemuna, Zambia’s High Commissioner to Kenya; and Nkula Mwanza, Director of Communications. Representing the Kenyan government was Patricia Ondeng, Secretary for Public Communication, alongside other senior officials.
Officials from both countries said the Nairobi engagement underscored the importance of African nations learning from each other, sharing experiences and building digital systems that respond to the continent’s unique development priorities.
The talks concluded with both sides emphasizing that Africa’s digital transformation will depend largely on partnerships, shared expertise and coordinated policy approaches among African states seeking to harness technology for social and economic progress.