The meeting reflects a growing bilateral focus on leveraging technology, innovation, and digital skills to drive Zambia’s economic transformation while fostering strong international collaboration.
On 5 February 2026, Zambia’s Minister of Technology and Science, Hon. Felix Chipota Mutati MP, met with Finland’s Minister of Economic Affairs, Hon. Sakari Puisto, to discuss ongoing and future cooperation in technology, innovation, and digital transformation. The meeting highlighted the productive and forward-looking partnership between the two countries, with a focus on five key areas defining their collaboration.
Minister Mutati emphasized Finland’s pivotal role in supporting Zambia’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy. Zambia has moved from strategy to implementation, piloting AI in the health sector through 20 AI-driven health centres, a major initiative aimed at improving service delivery and health outcomes.
The partnership also focuses on strengthening Zambia’s innovation ecosystem, with Finland supporting initiatives such as Kopala, designed to nurture innovation and entrepreneurship. Minister Mutati noted that continued collaboration this year aims to translate these initiatives into tangible results for Zambian innovators.
Discussions further explored expanded partnerships with Finnish companies, including Nokia, with a potential Memorandum of Understanding under consideration. Nokia has previously contributed to Zambia’s digital skills development by training 100 entrepreneurs, boosting enterprise development and supporting the country’s digital economy.
Addressing digital literacy, Minister Mutati highlighted that current levels stand at approximately 34 percent, a significant barrier to participation in the digital economy. He emphasized the importance of Finland’s continued support in building digital competencies among Zambian citizens.
Minister Mutati concluded by expressing gratitude to the Finnish government for the strong partnership and looked forward to deepening collaboration for mutual benefit.
Hon. Sakari Puisto underscored that education and the application of artificial intelligence are central to the shared priorities of both countries. He highlighted Zambia’s engagement with Finland’s startup ecosystem, particularly through participation in the SLUSH innovation platform, which has facilitated knowledge exchange and investment opportunities.
The Finnish minister also noted ongoing cooperation in the mining sector, where Finnish expertise and technology are being integrated with Zambian firms. He affirmed Finland’s commitment to strengthening the partnership and exploring new areas of cooperation to support sustainable growth and innovation.
The meeting reflects a growing bilateral focus on leveraging technology, innovation, and digital skills to drive Zambia’s economic transformation while fostering strong international collaboration.
