Zambia Establishes National Digital Trust Infrastructure for Secure Online Services
Zambia has established a National Public Key Infrastructure (NPKI) designed to strengthen digital identity, electronic signatures and secure online transactions as the country expands its digital government services.
The infrastructure was formally established during a production key ceremony held by the Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA) on September 7, 2026.
The NPKI will enable Zambia to issue and verify digital certificates, allowing citizens, businesses and government institutions to securely establish and authenticate their identities online. The infrastructure is expected to increase trust in digital transactions and improve the security of government services delivered through digital platforms.
Percy Chinyama, National Coordinator of the e-Government Division at SMART Zambia Institute, described the NPKI as a foundation for the country’s digital identity ecosystem. He also highlighted the importance of adoption, skills development and sufficient resources to ensure the infrastructure delivers its intended benefits.
ZICTA Director General Eng. Collins Mbulo said the initiative is expected to create a more secure environment where citizens, businesses and government institutions can confidently conduct transactions and provide services digitally.
The national digital trust infrastructure was designed and deployed by Altron Security after the company secured the project through a public tender in partnership with the Zambian Government.
The NPKI is expected to support multiple digital government applications, including electronic document signing, licence applications, digital records management and secure authentication when accessing government platforms.
The infrastructure provides an important layer of trust for Zambia’s expanding digital public service ecosystem. By enabling secure authentication and digital signatures, the system can help reduce reliance on physical processes while strengthening confidence in online government interactions.
The success of the NPKI will depend on continued adoption, technical capacity and investment as Zambia works to expand secure and reliable digital services across the country.
