Secretary to the Cabinet, Patrick Kangwa, says embracing technology and innovation can help Zambia promote its tourism sector by finding new and engaging ways of telling the country’s story.
Mr Kangwa says the integration of technology into tourism can improve visitor experiences, showcase Zambia’s cultural heritage and contribute to job creation and economic development.
Mr Kangwa said this in Lusaka last night during the 2026 Thousands of Miles on the Silk Road-Colours of Africa Transnational Drone Light Show, which celebrated Zambia-China relations through culture, technology and creativity.
“Technology can become a powerful tool for tourism storytelling,” he said.
Mr Kangwa said Zambia and China have maintained strong relations for over 60 years, with the partnership extending to sectors such as trade, investment, infrastructure, tourism, culture and people-to-people exchanges.
Mr Kangwa said the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority remains an important symbol of the longstanding friendship between Zambia and China and was among the shared milestones highlighted during the drone display.
He said the Brand Zambia Initiative, launched in March this year under the tagline “Zambia Moves You,” provides a platform for showcasing the country’s tourism potential, cultural heritage, peace and investment opportunities.
“We must use innovation to market Zambia beyond our borders,” he said.
Mr Kangwa said Government is targeting more than 2.5 million international tourist arrivals and over US$1 billion in tourism earnings by the end of 2026.
He stated that achieving the target will require Zambia to develop quality tourism products and market the country more deliberately, creatively and competitively.
And Ministry of Tourism Permanent Secretary, Evans Muhanga said the drone light show demonstrated the potential of combining technology and creativity with tourism and cultural promotion.
Mr Muhanga said Zambia has a wide range of natural and cultural tourism assets which can be promoted through innovative platforms to attract both local and international visitors.
“Innovation can enrich the visitor experience,” Mr. Muhanga said.
He said the event also provided an opportunity to celebrate the longstanding friendship between Zambia and China while highlighting their shared culture, heritage and history through modern technology.
Mr Muhanga said the Ministry of Tourism will continue collaborating with various stakeholders to strengthen Zambia’s position as a competitive tourism and events destination.
He added that the Ministry of Tourism also contributed about K150,000 towards the event, to ensure that the drone light show could be recorded and broadcast on Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC).
Meanwhile, Chinese Ambassador to Zambia, Han Jing, says China and Zambia will continue to deepen their longstanding all-weather friendship through practical cooperation in various sectors.
Mr Han said the drone light show held in Lusaka is another highlight of the celebrations and demonstrates how technology can be used to promote cultural understanding and strengthen ties between the two countries.
He said technology and innovation should ultimately improve people’s livelihoods, citing the use of drones in agriculture monitoring, emergency disaster response, delivery of medical supplies to remote communities and ecological conservation.
Mr Han said China remains committed to working with Zambia in promoting people-centred development through practical cooperation, technology and stronger people-to-people relations.
The event was supported by Shaanxi Radio and Television Media Convergence Group Company Limited, Shenzhen High Great Technology Company Limited, the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Zambia and the Zambia Chinese Association, among other cooperating partners.
