ZAMBIA CALLS FOR INCLUSIVE AI COOPERATION

SHANGHAI, CHINA, July 20th 2026 - SMART Zambia Institute, National Coordinator, Percy Chinyama has called on the global community to ensure that Artificial Intelligence serves as a tool for inclusive development and shared prosperity, particularly for developing nations.

Speaking at the Informal Preparatory Session on the Establishment of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO) in Shanghai, China, Mr Chinyama emphasized that AI is no longer a technology of the future but a foundation for modern economies, governments, and societies.

He noted that for countries like Zambia, AI presents a unique opportunity to leapfrog traditional development barriers and accelerate social and economic transformation.

“Zambia has already established important digital foundations upon which AI innovation can grow, including the Government Service Bus, secure government networks, digital identity initiatives, and national data-sharing frameworks,” the National Coordinator stated.

“The SMART Zambia Institute, mandated to drive digital transformation across the public sector, recognises that the future of digital government will increasingly be powered by Artificial Intelligence.”

As follow-up work, Mr Chinyama proposed that WAICO prioritises five key areas. First, capacity building and skills transfer to ensure that developing countries have the human capital needed to harness AI technologies effectively. Second, responsible AI governance to promote ethical, secure, and trustworthy use of artificial intelligence across all sectors.

“Third, pilot projects in developing countries to demonstrate tangible benefits and gather practical evidence on how AI can address real development challenges. Fourth, cooperation on data governance and digital public infrastructure to strengthen the foundational systems that make AI innovation possible. And fifth, inclusive working groups to shape standards and practical programmes that reflect the diverse needs and perspectives of all member states, he said.

Mr Chinyama reaffirmed that no country can fully realise the benefits of AI in isolation, stressing that developing countries must not merely be consumers of AI technologies but active participants in shaping their development, governance, and application.

Zambia welcomed the establishment of WAICO and expressed readiness to work with all member countries to build an AI-enabled future that is innovative, inclusive, secure, sustainable, and beneficial to all.

The meeting was convened by the Government of the People’s Republic of China.

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