(Ecofin Agency) - ICT is at the heart of the digital transformation prioritized by many governments across the globe. Therefore, to accelerate the realization of their digital ambitions, states are exploring mutual collaborations in the sector.

Angola and Zambia want to enhance their IT cooperation, reports the Angolan Press Agency (ANGOP). According to the agency, on June 12, 2023, Mário de Oliveira (photo), Angolan Minister of Telecommunications, Information Technology and Social Communication, and Felix Mutati, Zambian Minister of Science and Technology signed a memorandum of understanding in that regard. 

The memorandum of understanding was signed on the sidelines of the 3rd edition of Angola's International Information and Communication Technology Forum (ANGOTIC). It is in line with the ambition of both parties to accelerate the development of their respective ICT and telecoms sectors at a time of accelerating digital transformation in Africa.

The agreement covers areas like staff training and exchanges of experience. Zambia wants to build on Angola’s space experience to set up its space program.  The two countries also want to strengthen cooperation for the construction of digital infrastructure.  

"We are very interested in connecting to Zambia via fiber optics. We are connected to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Namibia. Within a month, we will be connected to Congo Brazzaville, from the northern border of Cabinda," said Mário de Oliveira.

This collaboration should help to improve the regulation of the Angolan and Zambian telecom markets, ensuring sound operational frameworks for telecom operators. This will lead to improved coverage and quality of ICT services provided in both countries.

According to the latest statistics from the Angolan Communications Institute (INACOM), Angola has 23.9 million cell phone subscribers and 10.08 million Internet users. Zambia, meanwhile, has a national customer base of 20.2 million cell phone subscribers and 10.4 million Internet users, according to data from the Zambia Information and Communication Technology Authority (ZICTA).

Isaac K. Kassouwi