By John Chola

Liquid Intelligent Technologies Zambia has launched a groundbreaking SME Digital Portal, the first of its kind in the country, designed to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) harness the power of digital technology to scale, compete, and thrive in an increasingly connected economy.

Unveiled at the company’s head office in Lusaka’s Elunda Park, the new Liquid SME Portal offers a bundled suite of affordable, user-friendly digital tools that combine connectivity, cloud services, cybersecurity, and collaboration solutions—all accessible at the touch of a button.

Speaking during the launch, Mwendamo Mazaba, Acting Chief Executive Officer of Liquid Intelligent Technologies Zambia, described the innovation as a major step forward in supporting Zambia’s most critical economic segment.

“This is an important milestone for us—a proud moment as we launch the Liquid SME Portal. It’s the first of its kind bundled solution for the SME market that allows customers to access our products at the press of a button,” said Mazaba. “We want to empower SMEs to compete, grow and thrive in this digital era that we can no longer ignore.”

SMEs account for an estimated 70 percent of Zambia’s GDP and employ more than 80 percent of the country’s workforce, yet many remain excluded from digital opportunities due to high costs and limited technical expertise.

Mazaba said the new portal directly addresses these barriers by offering affordable, easy-to-use packages tailored for SMEs.

Through the portal, a small business—such as a restaurant or retail shop—can now subscribe for as little as K1,000 and gain access to superfast internet, professional Microsoft communication tools, web hosting, and secure business email services linked to their company names.

“This gives SMEs a professional digital presence, allowing them to expand beyond their physical locations and market their services globally,” Mazaba explained. “By scaling up efficiently, SMEs will not only grow their businesses but also help create more jobs and contribute to a stronger economy.”

The SME Portal also complements Liquid Zambia’s wider digital transformation initiatives, including the public Wi-Fi project in Livingstone, the Cyber Security Fusion Centre launched in 2023, and a strategic partnership with CNC360 Consulting to co-develop SME-focused digital solutions.

Mazaba reaffirmed the company’s vision of building a digitally connected future that leaves no one behind, emphasizing Liquid’s belief that connectivity is a fundamental right.

“This platform is not just about technology—it’s about inclusion. We’re giving Zambian entrepreneurs the tools to innovate, grow, and compete on equal footing,” he said.

Liquid Intelligent Technologies Zambia is part of Cassava Technologies, a pan-African technology leader operating across more than 40 markets in Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America.

The company’s 110,000-kilometre fibre broadband network and satellite infrastructure provide reliable, high-speed internet access and cloud services to businesses across the continent.

With the launch of the SME Portal, Liquid Intelligent Technologies positions itself as a catalyst for Zambia’s digital economy—bridging the gap between innovation and inclusion while empowering small businesses to build sustainable futures in the digital age.