He also acknowledged the contributions of regulators, mobile network operators, innovators, and scientists, citing collaborative efforts in upgrading 5G infrastructure, enhancing online child protection, and completing the Chibombo Ground Receiving Station.
Felix Chipota Mutati has expressed gratitude to President Hakainde Hichilema, ministry officials, and industry stakeholders as he bid farewell to Zambia’s Ministry of Technology and Science after serving for five years.
In a message shared following a tribute from Permanent Secretary Eng. Dr. Brilliant Habeenzu, Mutati reflected on the achievements recorded since the Ministry’s establishment in 2021, describing the experience as “the honor of my life” and emphasizing the collective effort behind the transformation of the sector.
Mutati credited President Hakainde Hichilema for providing the vision and leadership that guided the Ministry’s creation and development. He said the administration’s objective was not only to enact policies but to reposition Zambia as a knowledge-based and innovation-led economy fit for the 21st century.
He also paid tribute to Permanent Secretary Dr. Brilliant Habeenzu and the ministry’s management team, describing them as the driving force behind the Ministry’s progress. According to Mutati, the Ministry evolved from a startup institution into a key contributor to the economy, now accounting for 2.8% of Zambia’s GDP.
Highlighting some of the sector’s achievements during his tenure, Mutati said the country’s fibre-optic backbone expanded from 15,000 kilometres to more than 42,000 kilometres, while mobile money transactions increased to K486 billion. He noted that these developments had improved connectivity and created greater access to economic opportunities for citizens.
He also acknowledged the contributions of regulators, mobile network operators, innovators, and scientists, citing collaborative efforts in upgrading 5G infrastructure, enhancing online child protection, and completing the Chibombo Ground Receiving Station.
Addressing staff at the Ministry of Technology and Science, Mutati urged them to build on the foundation already established. He called on the team to protect gains made in areas such as cybersecurity, technical and vocational education, and youth innovation initiatives under the HH Innovation Fund.
Mutati further noted that TEVET enrolment had expanded by more than 200% during the Ministry’s growth period, adding that sustaining such progress would require continued resilience and discipline as Zambia works toward achieving a $60 billion economy.
Concluding his remarks, he said leadership is defined by the trust leaders inspire and the people they leave behind, expressing confidence that the Ministry’s team is well-positioned to continue advancing Zambia’s technology and innovation agenda.
