Find Computing and Office Supplies expertise in Zambia

Computer and internet penetration in the country is low; there are 11 personal computers (2005) and 100 internet users per 1,000 people (2010). The sector is developing however with a number of software companies and ICT solutions-providers that distribute the products of the global hardware, mainly based in Lusaka.

The Ministry of Communications and Transport launched the national ICT policy in March 2007, with the objectives of bridging the digital divide and developing a knowledge-based society. Further access to information technology is being facilitated through the Open-source Zambia Initiative (OSZi), a registered organisation which aims to provide access to free open-source software in the country. It has developed databases and systems for organisations such as the Organic Producers and Processors Association Zambia.

Several education programmes in computer science and ICT are in place in the country which are contributing to the growth of the industry.

According to the World Economic Forum Global Competitiveness Report (2012-2013) Zambia ranks highly in the extent to which government procurement decisions foster new technology at 41 out of 144 countries worldwide. It receives a score of 3.9 out of 7, above the world average of 3.6 and above Cameroon and UK.

It ranks moderately in terms of availability of latest technologies in the country at 92 out of 144 with a score of 4.6, below the world mean of 5.0. In the extent to which businesses absorb new technologies, Zambia ranked 88 out of 144 with a score of 4.5 out of 7, slightly below the world average of 4.8.