South Africa and Zambia Put Artificial Intelligence to Work
In an effort to deepen cooperation on digital agriculture and artificial intelligence, South Africa and Zambia are exploring how technology can improve agricultural services, strengthen farmer support and modernise production systems.
A South-South Cooperation Exchange Visit taking place from 14 to 17 September 2026 brings together agricultural and technology stakeholders from both countries to share practical experience in digital transformation. The National Department of Agriculture, in partnership with the Western Cape Department of Agriculture, is hosting a Zambian delegation comprising representatives from the Zambian Ministry of Agriculture, FAO Zambia and Smart Zambia. FAO South Africa is also participating in the programme. The discussions focus on the design, implementation and governance of digital agriculture systems, alongside the application of artificial intelligence to agricultural services.
For farmers, the value of digital systems lies in access to timely information on weather, markets, production practices, pests, diseases and government support. Platforms accessed through mobile phones and other connected devices can improve the speed and reach of communication between farmers and public institutions. Artificial intelligence can support these systems by analysing large volumes of agricultural data, identifying patterns and assisting with decision-making. Potential applications include crop monitoring, forecasting, information services and digital decision-support tools. The exchange is therefore focused on how these technologies can move from technical concepts into practical systems that respond to the needs of farmers and agricultural officials.
The participation of agricultural authorities, technology institutions and FAO representatives reflects the wider requirements of digital transformation. Technology alone cannot sustain effective digital agriculture. Institutions also need appropriate policy frameworks, data governance, reliable infrastructure and systems that can operate over time. South Africa’s Western Cape provides a practical setting for discussing the development and use of digital agricultural services. Engagement with the visiting delegation offers an opportunity to examine implementation challenges, including technology adoption, data management, accessibility and institutional coordination.
For Zambia, the exchange creates a platform to draw lessons from South African experiences while contributing knowledge from its own agricultural and digital transformation efforts. South-South cooperation allows participating countries to examine approaches that can be adapted to their own institutional and agricultural environments. The discussions also recognise that digital access remains uneven. Farmers with limited connectivity, digital skills or access to suitable devices may struggle to benefit from technology-led services. Ensuring that digital agriculture is inclusive will therefore be as important as developing the systems themselves.
As agricultural sectors face pressure to improve productivity, respond to climate-related risks and deliver better services, digital tools are becoming an increasingly important part of the policy conversation. The cooperation between South Africa and Zambia places that conversation on a practical footing, linking digital innovation and AI with the everyday needs of farmers, agricultural institutions and rural economies.
