Convened by the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) and African Population Health Research Center (APHRC) with GSMA, the 9–11 July event in Lusaka gathered legislators from transport, health, and technology committees across 20 nations. Zambian Technology Minister Felix Mutati opened proceedings.

According to summit records, delegates endorsed the Lusaka Declaration prioritizing evidence-based digital transformation aligned with AU Agenda 2063. Draft reports on digital health and smart manufacturing presented by APHRC and GSMA were debated for submission to PAP’s plenary session later this month.

APHRC Programs Director Anthony Mveyange emphasized digital health’s potential to “leapfrog traditional development pathways,” while PAP Committee Chair Behdja Mokrani stressed lawmakers’ critical role in Fourth Industrial Revolution governance.

Key resolutions include harmonizing Africa-led data protection standards, embedding ICT training in public services, and accelerating connectivity infrastructure investment. GSMA’s Kenechi Okeleke noted policy alignment could unlock Africa’s digital health market, projected to reach $6.5 billion by 2030.

A roadmap establishes “Evidence-to-Policy” units and regional forums to standardize AI and digital health legislation. Partners AUDA-NEPAD, Africa CDC, and APRM will support capacity-building for parliamentarians.