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Techtrends Zambia, Lusaka (2026)

13/04/2026

𝗡𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘄 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗴𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗔𝗜 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝘁 𝗘𝗜𝗭 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀

Netagrow has been recognised for Engineering Innovation in AI for Sustainable Development by the Engineering Institution of Zambia ( EIZ), marking a significant milestone in the company’s mission to deliver practical, farmer-first artificial intelligence solutions.

The recognition was announced during a recent event where the Patents And Companies Registration Agency (PACRA) partnered with EIZ to celebrate engineering excellence and innovation across Zambia. The ceremony saw EIZ award over K1.1 million to 10 recipients under the EIZ Engineering Fund.

The fund, a strategic initiative by EIZ, aims to promote engineering excellence, research, and innovation while supporting professionals and innovators who often lack the resources to bring their ideas to life. It is designed to bridge the gap between concept and implementation, particularly for solutions with real-world impact.

Netagrow’s recognition highlights the growing importance of AI-driven solutions in agriculture, especially those tailored to the needs of farmers. The company continues to position itself at the forefront of using technology to address sustainability challenges within Zambia’s agricultural sector.

EIZ President Eng. Wesley Kaluba noted that the fund is helping to foster a culture of continuous learning, problem-solving, and industry advancement, while contributing meaningfully to national development.

13/04/2026

𝗭𝗘𝗦𝗖𝗢 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗜𝗡𝗭𝗔𝗟𝗢 𝘁𝗼 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗠𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗹𝗮

Zesco Limited, in partnership with INZALO Utility, has announced a six-month pilot project to install smart meters in Lusaka’s Chalala area. The initiative will see 100 old meters replaced with smart ones as part of efforts to improve electricity reliability, reduce unplanned outages, and enhance customer service.

The new meters will allow remote monitoring of electricity usage, faster response to outages, tamper detection, and convenient remote top-ups. They will also support features such as load limiting and remote connection or disconnection.

To facilitate the installation process, electricity supply in Chalala will be interrupted from April 13 to 15, 2026, daily between 08:00 hours and 16:00 hours.

ZESCO has urged customers and the public to treat all power lines as live during the period, adding that supply may be restored earlier than scheduled.

13/04/2026

𝗡𝗥𝗙𝗔 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗠𝗼𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘆 𝗣𝗮𝘆𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝘁 𝗧𝗼𝗹𝗹 𝗚𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀

The National Road Fund Agency - NRFA has rolled out mobile money payment options at toll gates across the country, offering motorists a more flexible and convenient way to settle toll fees.

According to NRFA Public Relations Manager Alphonsius Hamachila, the new system will operate alongside existing payment methods, including E-Toll cards and cash. The move gives motorists three accessible payment options aimed at reducing congestion, improving traffic flow, and enhancing overall customer experience.

However, the mobile money payment option will not be available at toll gates operated under Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangements.

NRFA ICT Manager Mumba Mubili said the initiative is part of the agency’s broader digital transformation agenda to make toll payments more efficient and user-friendly. He added that the agency remains committed to leveraging technology to modernise operations and strengthen revenue collection for road construction, rehabilitation, and maintenance.

10/04/2026

𝗣𝗲𝗻𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸𝘀 𝗟𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗘-𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘄𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗔𝗰𝗿𝗼𝘀𝘀 𝗭𝗮𝗺𝗯𝗶𝗮

Penmarks Limited has taken a major step in its digital growth journey with the launch of its new e-commerce website, www.penmarks.net, a platform designed to make it easier for customers across Zambia to order stationery, printing supplies, and office furniture online.

The company first soft-launched the website in December 2025, before rolling out its full-scale launch in February 2026. The full launch was timed to coincide with the start of Penmarks’ Panarottis promotional campaign, helping to introduce the platform to a wider audience while rewarding online shoppers.

With the new platform now live, Penmarks customers can browse products online, place orders digitally, and have goods delivered to their doorstep nationwide in Zambia. The development marks an important shift for a long-established Zambian business that is now embracing e-commerce to improve convenience, accessibility, and customer experience.

For businesses, institutions, and individual shoppers, the platform offers a more efficient way to source essential office and school supplies without needing to visit a physical store. It also reflects a wider trend in Zambia’s business landscape, where more companies are investing in digital channels to meet changing customer expectations.

To support the launch, Penmarks is running an online-exclusive campaign in partnership with Panarottis Pizza. Under the promotion, customers who shop online at www.penmarks.net and spend any amount receive a free K250 Panarottis voucher with their order, whether the order is delivered or collected. The campaign is exclusive to purchases made through the Penmarks e-commerce platform.

According to the campaign terms, the offer is limited to one voucher per invoice or purchase per customer per day, and applies only to online purchases made via the Penmarks website. It does not apply to in-store purchases, email orders, or other ordering methods. The flyer also notes that payments are accepted through DPO for card and mobile money transactions, or by direct bank transfer with proof of payment emailed to Penmarks.

The launch of www.penmarks.net positions Penmarks Limited as part of the growing movement toward digitised retail and service delivery in Zambia. By combining online ordering with nationwide delivery, the company is expanding access to its products while making procurement easier for customers wherever they are located.

As more Zambian businesses adopt digital tools to serve customers better, Penmarks’ move into e-commerce shows how traditional businesses can evolve with the times while creating practical value for the market.

Shop online at www.penmarks.net and get a free K250 Panarottis voucher with your order. Online purchases only. Ts&Cs apply.

10/04/2026

𝗧𝗟𝗚 𝗖𝗮𝗽𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗲𝘀 $𝟱 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗮 𝗖𝗮𝗽𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗭𝗮𝗺𝗯𝗶𝗮 𝗟𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗠𝗘 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗶𝘁 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀

TLG Capital, a leading private credit fund manager specialising in sub-Saharan Africa, has closed a $5 million scaling facility for Shona Zambia, an SME lender providing fast and flexible loans to small and medium-sized businesses across Zambia.

The facility is structured to support the growth of Shona Zambia's loan book: capacity will be released in subsequent tranches as Shona Zambia scales, with additional guarantors and institutional partners expected to join as the transaction grows.

TLG's mission is to reach SMEs operating in critical sectors, and through this partnership, TLG and Shona Zambia will support SMEs across healthcare, retail, and agriculture — the lifeblood of the Zambian economy — addressing a longstanding gap left by the formal banking sector. This investment will enable Shona Zambia to scale its operations significantly.

The investment, made from TLG's Africa Growth Impact Fund II (AGIF II), marks TLG's first foray into Zambia, bringing its footprint to 21 African countries. Together, TLG and Shona Zambia are working to address Zambia's $2 billion SME financing gap.

Shona Zambia operates in the $10,000 to $100,000 lending corridor, serving businesses too established for microfinance institutions yet too small or insufficiently documented for commercial banks. Where traditional lenders might take several weeks to disburse funds, Shona Zambia can disburse funds to borrowers within five days.

Shona Zambia operates via a proprietary full-stack technology platform that enables fast, flexible, and data-driven lending tailored to each business. The platform allows Shona Zambia to conduct rapid credit assessments, manage loan disbursements efficiently, and monitor portfolio performance in real time.

"Zambia's SME financing gap is $2 billion, and the hardest part to close is the middle — businesses too established for microfinance, too informal for a commercial bank. TLG is genuinely excited to be investing in Zambia and backing capital providers doing the hard work day-to-day with businesses on the ground. Shona Zambia is building something that works." — Isha Doshi, Co-Founder and Partner at TLG Capital

"We started Shona Zambia with a simple belief: that a well-run Zambian SME deserves a fair shot at credit. TLG understood what we were building from the outset. They asked the right questions and structured a facility that fits the way we actually operate. It gives us exactly the foundation we need to grow." — Kayinja Mfuni, CEO of Shona Capital Zambia

10/04/2026

𝗠𝗧𝗡 𝗠𝗼𝗠𝗼 𝗟𝗮𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘀 ‘𝗪𝗶𝗻𝗮 𝗡𝘆𝘂𝗺𝗯𝗮 𝗻𝗮 𝗠𝗼𝗠𝗼’ 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

MoMo From MTN ZM has launched “Wina Nyumba na MoMo,” a nationwide campaign rewarding customers for everyday use of mobile money services.

The promotion offers a grand prize of a house, five winners of K100,000 over five months, and 1,000 monthly winners receiving up to K2,000. Customers qualify by depositing into their MoMo wallets and transacting as usual, with winners contacted via 115 or 215.

Speaking at the launch, MTN Mobile Money CEO Komba Malukutila said: “MoMo has become part of everyday life for millions of Zambians. People rely on it for payments, transfers, school fees, business transactions, and family support. Wina Nyumba na MoMo is our way of saying thank you by giving customers the chance to win simply for using a service that already makes their lives easier. Last year, we gave away five brand-new cars, creating unforgettable moments for families across Zambia. The excitement, the joy, and the stories inspired us.

This year, we are taking things even further. In 2026, we are turning dreams into reality by giving one lucky customer the chance to win a brand-new home of their own, while thousands more walk away with cash prizes.”

Minister of Ministry of Commerce,Trade and Industry, Hon. Chipoka Mulenga MP added: “Mobile money continues to serve as a key enabler of financial inclusion by providing access to financial services for individuals, households, and businesses across both urban and rural areas. This promotion reflects a practical application of digital innovation that enhances participation in the formal financial system without creating barriers to entry.”

Micmar Zambia CEO Michael Kroupnik said: “At Micmar, we believe in driving meaningful impact within our communities. We are passionate about supporting initiatives that change lives and build a stronger future for all Zambians. This is why we are proud to partner with MTN on the ‘Wina Nyumba’ campaign.”

The promotion runs from April to August 2026 and is open to all active MoMo customers nationwide, reinforcing the role of mobile money in driving financial inclusion across Zambia.

10/04/2026

We are delighted to share that our 2026 report is out now!

Discover the latest trends from across the mobile ecosystem, including:
✅ 5.8 billion unique mobile subscribers
✅ 50 million jobs worldwide
✅ $7.6 trillion contributed to global GDP

Download the full report here 👉 https://gsma.at/1a4

09/04/2026

What does Infratel really do?

Reinvent business.

It’s easy to see Infratel as just another infrastructure player in Zambia’s telecoms space but that’s only part of the story.

At its core, Infratel is positioning itself as a partner in business transformation. According to Chief Commercial Officer Andrew Ngulube, the company’s focus goes beyond connectivity to reinventing how businesses operate through digital solutions.

This transformation is powered by a mix of infrastructure and innovation. From data centres and cloud services to tower infrastructure and enterprise platforms, Infratel is building the backbone that supports Zambia’s growing digital economy. But the real value lies in how this infrastructure is used.

It enables financial institutions to operate securely and efficiently in the cloud. It gives SMEs access to tools that improve productivity and visibility. And it helps enterprises leverage data to better understand their customers and unlock new revenue opportunities.

In a market where digital adoption is accelerating, businesses are under pressure to evolve. Infratel’s role is to make that evolution possible, reliable, scalable, and future-ready.

09/04/2026

𝗤𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺 𝗨𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗶𝗹𝘀 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗽 𝗦𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗤𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲

Qualcomm Incorporated has announced the selection of 10 startups for its fourth year of the Qualcomm® Make in Africa Mentorship Program. This initiative is part of the Qualcomm Africa Innovation Platform, which supports the development of Africa’s deep-technology ecosystem. It provides mentorship and training programs, with a focus on advanced connectivity and processing technologies such as Edge AI/ML, compute, IoT, and Qualcomm’s AI development platform from Arduino.

At the program’s Finale, one startup will be awarded a Social Impact Fund grant from Qualcomm for Good, while all participating startups will be eligible for a $5,000 stipend upon successful completion of program requirements, and Qualcomm provides the startups with a variety of resources such as product design guidance on Arduino AI platforms, business coaching, access to engineering consultation, and free IP education such as L2Pro Africa.

For this year’s edition of the one-of-a-kind equity-free African mentorship program, 10 early-stage startups were chosen from a record number of over 1,200 applications from over 45 African countries, based on their ability to apply advanced connectivity and processing technologies to innovative end-to-end systems solutions. The industries represented by the startups include agriculture, assistive technology, smart cities and utilities, smart infrastructure, EV transportation, and education.

Notably, Zambia is represented by QualiKeeper Investments Ltd, which is developing an affordable AIoT livestock monitoring system tailored for low-connectivity rural environments, helping address key challenges in agriculture and livestock management.

“This year’s startups’ achievements are a powerful testament to Africa’s flourishing innovation ecosystem,” said Wassim Chourbaji, President, Middle East and Africa, and Senior Vice President, Government Affairs, Europe, Middle East and Africa at Qualcomm. “Four years into Qualcomm Make in Africa, what stands out is not only the growing number of applications we receive, but the increasing sophistication of the solutions being built. These startups are pushing the boundaries of what technologies such as Edge AI and 5G can enable, and how they can be deployed at scale across the continent. Qualcomm is proud to support and help guide this next wave of African high-tech innovation, from early design and product development to real-world commercialization, and I look forward to seeing where these startups go next.”

Participants will receive free edge-AI capable platforms from Arduino, alongside 1:1 technical mentorship and business coaching. “Arduino® UNO™ Q and the upcoming Arduino® VENTUNO™ Qgive the 2026 Qualcomm Make in Africa cohort a fast path from idea to intelligent machine,” said Fabio Violante, Vice President and General Manager of Arduino, Qualcomm Technologies Inc. “By bringing perception, decision-making, and actuation onto a single, affordable board, founders can prototype and deploy edge‑AI solutions directly where challenges exist — in farms, clinics, factories, and cities.”

They will also access engineering consultations for product development and guidance on protecting intellectual property. This includes patent filing consultation from Adams & Adams, Africa's leading IP law firm, and free IP courses through L2Pro Africa – an IP e-learning platform designed to empower startups, SMEs, and researchers in Africa to protect, secure, and maximize their innovations.

At the end of the mentorship cycle, startups will be eligible for the Social Impact Fund through Qualcomm for Good, supporting societal and market impact through wireless technology. All participants will also receive a $5,000 stipend upon successful program completion. Finally, those who file patents during the program can claim up to $5,000 in filing fee reimbursements.

Reflecting the program's relevance across the continent, the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) returns as a partner for the fourth consecutive year. “The ATU’s key mandate is to ensure that Africa's telecommunications ecosystem serves Africa's people. Qualcomm Make in Africa embodies that same principle by putting cutting-edge technology directly in the hands of African innovators to solve African challenges. Having seen firsthand the quality of the startups this program produces, returning as a partner in 2026 was not a question of if, but of how we could deepen our contribution. We look forward to seeing this cohort carry that work forward,” said Secretary General John Omo.

For more information about Qualcomm Make in Africa, please visit: https://www.qualcomm.com/company/locations/africa/qualcomm-make-in-africa

09/04/2026

Celebrating 17 years of presence, progress, and purpose in Zambia. For 17 years, FNB Zambia has remained committed to showing up , for our customers, our communities, and the country we serve. From enabling first opportunities to supporting businesses and driving financial inclusion, every step forward has been shaped by the people we serve. This milestone is about the shared progress we continue to build together. Thank you for being part of our story. Help Changes Everything.

09/04/2026

𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗹 𝗦𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗨𝗽 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗭𝗮𝗺𝗯𝗶𝗮’𝘀 𝗗𝗶𝗴𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗯𝗼𝗻𝗲

Infratel is scaling up its investment in Zambia’s digital backbone, with a strong focus on data centres and network resilience to support the country’s fast-growing digital economy.

During a media engagement and data centre tour at Digital House today, CEO Dr. Evans Silavwe outlined how the company is strengthening its infrastructure to deliver reliable connectivity, enable local data hosting, and support next-generation digital services.

This comes as improving macroeconomic conditions continue to create a more enabling environment for sustainable, long-term infrastructure investment.

What stood out:

- ZMW 150M going into power resilience: Battery systems, solar rollout, and power upgrades to keep tower sites running even during outages

- ZMW 40M for data centre expansion in 2026: More capacity, stronger redundancy, and infrastructure ready for AI and cloud demand

- Strong business performance: 22% revenue growth to ZMW 519M.

- Two straight years of profitability beyond towers: Now delivering Tier III data centres, cloud platforms, cybersecurity, and enterprise solutions

- Real impact on the ground: Better rural connectivity, more reliable networks, growth in locally hosted services

Infratel is no longer just an infrastructure provider but positioning itself as a core enabler of Zambia’s digital economy. From financial services to government systems and SMEs, the focus is clear: to build infrastructure that works, scales, and keeps the country connected. And with continued investment in AI-ready infrastructure and partnerships, the next phase is about future-proofing Zambia’s digital growth.

08/04/2026

𝗚𝗼𝗼𝗴𝗹𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗨𝗽𝗦𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗵 𝗛𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗹𝗲 𝗔𝗰𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗺𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗔𝗜 𝗦𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗔𝗹𝗹 𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻𝘀

Sub-Saharan Africa’s leading AI and business skills training partner, have announced a major redesign of the Google Hustle Academy programme. For the first time, the free training initiative is open to everyone, not just business owners. The new curriculum is focused on equipping individuals and entrepreneurs with practical AI skills.

Small businesses are the engine of Africa's economy, creating over 80% of jobs on the continent. To help them grow, the Hustle Academy was launched in 2022, providing bootcamp-style training on business strategy, digital skills, AI, and leadership. The program has since trained over 18,000 SMEs, with many reporting increased revenue and job creation.

Now, as AI reshapes the job market, the program is evolving. The 2026 edition is built for anyone in Sub-Saharan Africa, including employees, students, and jobseekers, who wants to use AI to advance their career. To meet the needs of a diverse audience, the new format includes short, 60-minute webinars and more immersive, high-impact bootcamps. These sessions are laser-focused on putting AI to work immediately in areas like digital commerce, marketing, and growth strategy.

Speaking about the academy, Gori Yahaya, Founder & CEO UpSkill Universe said “The 2026 Hustle Academy is designed to close the AI Skills gap with hands-on training that is short, focused, and immediately useful. AI is reshaping how businesses win and how careers are built, right across this continent. We’re excited to renew our partnership, now in its fifth year with Google, combining their global AI leadership with our deep regional AI expertise. The next wave of AI leaders will come from this continent. We are making sure they are ready."

The Hustle Academy initiative has strengthened digital competitiveness across emerging African economies by enabling SMEs to move beyond AI awareness to practical implementation, positioning them for sustained growth in an increasingly AI-driven business environment.

“We believe that the future of Africa’s digital economy lies in the hands of individuals and entrepreneurs alike. Our new strategy focuses on scaling reach by training individuals in the latest AI-centered tools and techniques,” said a Google representative.

Applications for the 2026 cohort are now open. Interested participants can apply at: https://rsvp.withgoogle.com/events/hustle-academy

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