Technology has the power to transform education — but only if it reaches the learners who need it most. In Zambia, we've made progress, but there's still a long way to go. Here's an honest assessment of where we stand and what it will take to get every Zambian learner the digital tools they deserve.
The Progress
Over the last decade, Zambia has taken important steps. The government's ICT in Education policy has created a framework for technology integration. More schools — especially in urban areas — now have computer labs. Mobile internet penetration continues to grow, putting digital tools within reach of more Zambians than ever before. Organisations like ours are filling gaps with training programmes and technology supply.
The Gaps
Despite progress, significant gaps remain. Many rural schools still have no electricity, let alone computers. Where labs exist, teachers often lack the training to use them effectively. Internet costs remain high relative to incomes. And perhaps most importantly, digital literacy is not yet embedded in the national curriculum in a way that ensures every student graduates with essential digital skills.
What It Will Take
Closing these gaps requires a coordinated effort. Government, private sector, NGOs, and community organisations all have roles to play. Key priorities include: investing in infrastructure (power and connectivity), training teachers at scale, making devices and internet access more affordable, and developing locally relevant digital content.
Our Part
At Digital Literacy Consultants, we're focused on the pieces we can directly impact: training, technology supply, digital content creation, and school lab installation. But we can't do it alone. If you're an educator, policymaker, funder, or simply someone who cares about Zambia's digital future — we'd love to work with you.