MAJOR BOOST

…as Liquid Technologies unveils SME digital platform to drive business growth

By BUUMBA CHIMBULU

LIQUID Intelligent Technologies has launched a new digital platform designed to empower the country’s Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) with affordable, efficient and accessible technology solutions aimed at boosting productivity and competitiveness.
Liquid Intelligent Technologies Acting Chief Executive Officer Mwendamo Mazaba described the initiative as a milestone in the company’s mission to bridge the digital divide and accelerate economic growth through innovation.
Mr Mazaba was speaking during the launch in Lusaka yesterday.
“This is an important milestone for us and a very proud moment to be launching the Liquid SME Portal,” Mr Mazaba said.
“It’s a bundle of digital solutions designed specifically for the SME market, allowing customers to access our products and services at the press of a button.”
Mr Mazaba highlighted that SMEs form the backbone of Zambia’s economy, contributing about 70 percent to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and employing more than 80 percent of the country’s workforce.
“SMEs are truly the engine of growth,” he said. “In many countries, over 97 percent of all businesses fall within the SME category, which shows just how critical this segment is to economic development.”
He noted that despite their significance, many small businesses struggle to adopt digital tools due to high costs or limited technical expertise.
“Our new platform provides solutions that are simple to use, easily accessible, and affordable,” Mr Mazaba explained. “Starting today, an SME no longer needs an expensive IT department to access fast internet or modern digital tools. With just a few clicks, they can sign up and get started.”
The platform offers access to high-speed internet, Microsoft productivity tools, and website hosting services designed to enhance communication, operational efficiency, and online visibility.
“For example, a café or restaurant can use the platform to create a professional email, develop a website, and manage online orders,” Mr Mazaba said. “This improves their digital presence, expands market reach, and supports sustainable growth.”
Mr Mazaba added that the launch builds on Liquid’s broader efforts, including the rollout of public Wi-Fi, the establishment of a Cybersecurity Operations Centre, and strategic partnerships with global technology firms.
“The SME Portal will make operations more efficient, secure, and scalable, helping businesses thrive in a digital economy,” he said.
Liquid Intelligent Technologies Chief Business Officer Mirriam Ngala reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting SMEs as key drivers of the country’s economic transformation.
“SMEs are the engine of national growth, and we remain committed to ensuring their inclusion in the digital transformation agenda,” Ms Ngala said.
“Over time, we have diversified to provide a wide range of smart solutions across markets and have seen the growing importance of small enterprise industries.”
Ms Ngala stressed that Liquid’s focus extends beyond providing technology – it aims to help businesses understand and utilise digital tools effectively.
“We want to bring insights that help small and medium enterprises appreciate our solutions in the most effective way,” she explained. “Our contribution is to make digital transformation inclusive, convenient, and efficient for every business owner.”