EcoBank and ZICTA Drive Digital Learning for Differently Abled Students in Zambia

The Government of Zambia, under the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema, has reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive, equitable, and quality education for all children. This dedication was highlighted during the handover of a newly refurbished ICT laboratory at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) Special School, donated by EcoBank Zambia as part of its Transforming Africa Through Education campaign. The initiative underscores the government’s vision that every child, regardless of ability or background, should have access to education and the tools necessary to succeed in a digital world.

During the event, the Minister of Technology and Science, Hon. Felix Mutati, emphasized the President’s directive that no child should be left behind. He called attention to the importance of recognizing the potential of all learners, noting that the real challenge lies not with students but with society’s ability to create inclusive systems that nurture diverse abilities. The UTH Special School was described as a center of innovation and transformation, where creativity and determination converge to inspire progress in education.

The minister praised EcoBank’s three-year commitment to supporting education through digital transformation, which included the donation of 20 computers and the establishment of an ICT laboratory. He also announced that the Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA) would expand this initiative by donating an additional 10 computers and introducing AI-enabled learning platforms to support personalized education. The partnership between government and the private sector represents a strong step forward in integrating technology and innovation into Zambia’s education system.

The event also marked EcoBank’s 40th anniversary in Africa and 13 years of community impact through the EcoBank Foundation. The bank reaffirmed its commitment to promoting inclusive education and digital literacy by investing K700,000 in the ICT lab, classroom furniture, and a projector for the UTH Special School. The initiative reflects EcoBank’s belief in education as a driver of social and economic transformation. The organization highlighted the growing role of artificial intelligence and assistive technologies in helping children with disabilities overcome barriers to learning and achieve their full potential.

EcoBank’s efforts were complemented by the involvement of the Harvest Group of Companies, whose social impact arm, the Harvest Foundation, donated 256 school bags containing exercise books, pens, and pencils to support the learners. The group reaffirmed its commitment to empowering communities through sustained investment in education, particularly for vulnerable and differently-abled children. The partnership between EcoBank, Harvest Group, and the Zambian government demonstrates the strength of collaboration in driving community impact and educational development.

The EcoBank Day 2025 celebration at UTH Special School showcased the power of collective effort between government, private sector, and civil society in advancing inclusive, technology-driven education. The event featured the launch of a refurbished ICT laboratory equipped with 30 computers and AI-enabled learning systems. It also highlighted a shift in perspective from viewing students as having “special needs” to recognizing “differentiated abilities,” emphasizing the importance of inclusive curriculum design and digital literacy.

The initiative represents a major step in Zambia’s journey toward inclusive education through digital transformation. It highlights the country’s growing leadership in fostering collaboration between stakeholders to ensure that no learner is left behind. By integrating technology, innovation, and inclusivity, Zambia is laying a strong foundation for a future in which education serves as a powerful tool for national transformation.