Zambian authorities have taken a significant step in their digital transformation strategy by launching a large-scale program to train agricultural agents in digital skills. Supported by the Zambian ICT Authority, this initiative aims to modernize production and enhance the competitiveness of the sector, a key pillar of the national economy.
Zambian authorities have launched a digital skills training initiative for agricultural agents as part of their strategy to modernize the sector. The goal is to digitalize agriculture to achieve annual production targets of 10 million metric tons of maize, 1 million metric tons of wheat, and 1 million metric tons of soybeans by 2031. The training will enable agents to collect real-time data and provide up-to-date information to producers.
“Zambia states that digitalization is a necessary means to avoid stagnation in agricultural production, as the current national average maize yield is 2.1 metric tons per hectare, which is well below the national potential. Furthermore, the government launched a large-scale digital training program for agricultural extension agents at the end of October. This training aims to achieve a national production of 10 million metric tons of maize, 1 million metric tons of soybeans, and 1 million metric tons of wheat by 2031. In this context, digitalization can transform national activities.”
The program, supported by the Zambian ICT Authority (ZICTA), has already distributed 550 tablets to agents in twenty districts. It addresses shortcomings identified in 2022, including a lack of connectivity, equipment, and digital literacy among agents. This initiative is also part of a broader effort to strengthen national skills, in collaboration with the World Bank.
“The first condition I wish to note is reliable and affordable connectivity, especially in rural areas, because it is the rural farmers who are primarily affected. Without this connectivity, the tool remains completely useless. The second point I note is adoption by smallholder farmers. The applications must be designed for them and their realities. And the last point I want to make is integration into the value chain. Through digital means, the farmer must be able to access machinery and inputs at the right time, not be isolated from them. In this area, it must be noted that Zambia has made significant progress.”
Digitalization aims to improve productivity and market access through tools like the Agricultural Market Information System and the Electronic Voucher Program for agricultural inputs. According to the GSMA, adopting these technologies could increase yields by 10 to 20%, generate 300,000 jobs, and nearly $46 million in added value by 2028. The agricultural sector accounts for 23% of employment but only 3% of GDP, highlighting the growth potential offered by digital tools.