The World Bank Group has approved the Digital Zambia Acceleration Project (DZAP), a new initiative designed to expand internet access and promote the use of digital services in Zambia. The project, backed by a $100 million grant from the International Development Association (IDA), aims to increase digital inclusion for women, girls, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups.
DZAP is part of the Inclusive Digitalization in Eastern and Southern Africa (IDEA) program’s second phase. Through this regional effort, Zambia joins Angola, Malawi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and COMESA in working toward more inclusive digital economies.
“I am confident that DZAP will enhance digital access, including access to e-government services for faster, more transparent public service delivery,” said Achim Fock, World Bank Country Manager for Zambia.
The project will support digital transformation across several sectors. In agriculture, it seeks to provide better market data and smart farming tools. In education, it plans to back e-learning platforms and develop digital content. For health care, DZAP aims to improve digital health records.
“The youth of Zambia are poised to benefit from this project thanks to its support for developing employment-ready digital skills among youth and underserved populations,” said Mehnaz Safavian, World Bank Practice Manager for Digital Development for Eastern and Southern Africa. “The project will also strengthen digital public infrastructure to improve service delivery and governance.”
DZAP is organized around four main pillars: expanding affordable broadband connectivity; creating interoperable and secure platforms for government services and trade; supporting high-impact sectoral digitization initiatives; and focusing on program management with capacity building.
The initiative aligns with the World Bank’s Country Partnership Framework for Zambia covering fiscal years 2025–2029. This framework emphasizes job creation, human capital improvement, and climate resilience as key priorities. It also supports Zambia’s Vision 2030 goal of becoming a prosperous middle-income country by creating jobs through economic transformation.
The IDA was established in 1960 as part of the World Bank Group to help low-income countries by providing grants or low- or zero-interest loans aimed at boosting growth and reducing poverty. Since its inception, IDA has provided $563 billion in assistance globally—averaging about $34.5 billion annually over recent years—with approximately 70 percent directed toward African nations.
For further information regarding the project or media inquiries:
In Zambia: Carlyn Hambuba (chambuba@worldbank.org)
In Washington: Daniella Van Leggelo Padilla (dvanleggelo@worldbank.org)