African lawmakers gathered in Lusaka, Zambia, from July 9 to 11, 2025, for the continent's first Digital Parliamentary Summit. The Pan African Parliament partnered with the African Population and Health Research Center and GSMA to organize the event. Participants addressed artificial intelligence governance, data protection policies, digital health initiatives, and smart manufacturing strategies. The summit produced the Lusaka Declaration, which establishes policy directions for Africa's technological advancement. Leaders called for Model Laws on AI and data protection while urging ratification of the Malabo Convention on cybersecurity.
Digital health has emerged as a priority sector, with market projections reaching $6.5 billion by 2030, up from current levels of $4.6 billion. Parliamentarians emphasized the integration of intelligent manufacturing through Industry 4.0 policies and increased investment in connectivity infrastructure. The declaration advocates for annual summits and continuous technical training for government officials. African nations must develop coordinated frameworks to prevent further marginalization in the global digital economy.
Digital health has emerged as a priority sector, with market projections reaching $6.5 billion by 2030, up from current levels of $4.6 billion. Parliamentarians emphasized the integration of intelligent manufacturing through Industry 4.0 policies and increased investment in connectivity infrastructure. The declaration advocates for annual summits and continuous technical training for government officials. African nations must develop coordinated frameworks to prevent further marginalization in the global digital economy.
