Scale up digital economy investment, says Think Tank

MORE resources towards developing a strong digital and entrepreneur led Zambian economy are needed as this is essential in adapting to the ever-changing global frugality.

This should be driven by skilled Micro, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSMEs), particularly those led by the younger generation, according to the Centre for Trade Policy and Development (CTPD)-Trade and Development Researcher, Emmanuel Muma.

Mr Muma said Zambian citizens could be empowered with skills to adapt to the ever-changing global economy by increasing investment focusing on digitalization and entrepreneurial skills development.

He observed that this would also enable citizens to be able to sustain business and employment, as well as encourage innovation to generate sustainable and inclusive growth.

“Access to digital technology and entrepreneurship will be key economic drivers in post-pandemic world.

“We need to ensure that our Zambian people are smart and fully equipped with the business skills and tech-competencies for the future, especially the young generation,” Mr Muma said in a statement.

He indicated that the advent of Covid-19 had identified trends that were likely to shape the future economies and had summoned policy direction that developing countries such as Zambia should undertake towards securing a sustainable future economy.

CTPD, he said, reiterated the need for the scale up of Governments investment and resource commitment through the Ministry of Technology and Science and the Ministry of SMEs to promote skills development and countrywide access to affordable technology, internet, and communication network services.

Mr Muma stated that access to technology and communication channels was key to helping the country in advancing other agendas such as addressing environmental challenges, including climate change, extreme weather, and natural disasters for a sustainable future.