Lusaka, Zambia – (African Boulevard News) – Business featured high on the agenda of Hakainde Hichilema’s Shenzhen stop-off, with the leader visiting five leading companies over the course of two days. Hichilema, who will reportedly end his state visit to China with a meeting with President Xi Jinping, has emphasized the importance of collaboration between China and Zambia.
During his tour, Hichilema visited top technology firms, including Huawei, Tencent, DJI, Baidu, and Alibaba. The purpose of these visits was to explore potential areas of collaboration and investment in the technology sector, which is increasingly becoming a crucial driver of economic growth.
At Huawei, Hichilema discussed opportunities for the expansion of Zambia’s telecommunications infrastructure, with a particular focus on 5G technology. He emphasized the need for reliable and affordable connectivity across the country to facilitate digital transformation and ensure that Zambia remains competitive in the global market.
Speaking after his visit to Tencent, Hichilema expressed his admiration for the company’s success in the gaming and social media industries. He highlighted the potential for collaboration in developing Zambia’s own technology and gaming sector, creating opportunities for local talent and attracting foreign investment.
DJI, the world’s leading drone manufacturer, also welcomed Hichilema, who praised the company’s innovation in aerial technology. He acknowledged the potential applications of drones in various sectors, including agriculture, infrastructure development, and wildlife conservation in Zambia. Hichilema stressed the need for technological advancements to address pressing challenges and drive sustainable development.
Another company that caught Hichilema’s attention was Baidu, China’s leading search engine. The Zambian leader discussed the importance of digital platforms in promoting e-commerce, online education, and digital financial services. He emphasized the need for affordable and accessible internet services to bridge the digital divide, especially in rural areas.
Lastly, Hichilema visited Alibaba, an e-commerce giant, where he emphasized the importance of promoting e-commerce and creating an enabling environment for Zambian businesses to thrive in the digital economy. He highlighted the potential for partnerships with Alibaba to enhance trade, boost exports, and attract foreign investment to Zambia.
The visits to these top tech firms have showcased Hichilema’s focus on harnessing technology to drive economic growth and development in Zambia. Speaking about his tour, Hichilema stated, “China’s technological advancements are impressive, and I believe that by collaborating with these leading companies, we can accelerate Zambia’s digital transformation and create new opportunities for our people.”
Industry experts have praised Hichilema’s proactive approach in seeking collaboration with China’s top tech firms. Dr. Joseph Mwepu, a technology analyst, stated, “This visit signals Hichilema’s commitment to leveraging technology to address socio-economic challenges in Zambia. By partnering with leading tech companies, Zambia can tap into their expertise and experience to drive innovation and economic growth.”
With his tour of top tech firms in China, Hichilema has laid the foundation for future collaboration between China and Zambia in the technology sector. As the Zambian leader continues his state visit to China, the potential for fruitful partnerships and investments in technology looks promising, paving the way for a more prosperous future for Zambia.
