IN 2021, Zambians across the nation voted for change – today we see that change has many meanings and possibilities for the people of our land. Sitting at the helm of Smart Zambia Institute has given us a vantage point view to see the many faces of change and gain insights on how the ambitions of every Zambian can be brought to life.
As the Smart Zambia Institute, our mission has been clear: to leverage technology to improve governance, service delivery and the quality of life of every Zambian citizen. As we advance towards the Digital Government Africa 2024 (DGA2024), it is vital to recount our steps and share insights of the way we have chartered forward.
Faster, Better Services for all
embracing technology is embracing people. By making digital tools and platforms a part of public service delivery, we are opening new channels for engagement, feedback and service delivery to the people who deserve the best. The deployment of systems such as the Health Management Information System (HMIS), Zambia Integrated Agriculture Management Information System (ZAIMIS), Zambia Immigration Management System (ZIMS), Zambia Integrated Land Administration System (ZILAS), and the Electronic Government Procurement System (e-GP) is a testament to our commitment to digitalize essential services.
These systems are designed to enhance operational efficiency, economic productivity, and service quality, ensuring accountability and transparency in governance.
Today we are equipped with learnings from our diverse, dynamic teams working tirelessly to align work output to the vision we have for our nation. On the ground, e-government is more than just a portal, it is a way to reduce time spent in queues and on transportation by linking services to the people that need them most. Investment in digital government systems has improved trade, quickened the base of business and boosted confidence in the possibility to partner and collaborate with us. With more Zambians on the grid, doors of opportunity in tech innovation will open as our systems offer entrepreneurial support and real time prospects to learn and pivot.
Protecting Our Digital Infrastructure
Safety is the right foundation for our digital future, the establishment of the Zambia Computer Incident Response Team (ZmCIRT) reflects our dedication to creating a secure ICT environment.
ZmCIRT is tasked with preventing, handling, and mitigating cybersecurity incidents. Despite the high costs associated with implementing robust information security measures, we are committed to investing in the necessary technologies and systems to protect our digital infrastructure. This includes prioritizing the most critical systems and adopting advanced cybersecurity technologies to ensure the safety of users and consumers of government digital services.
We are devoted to positioning government as the partner of the progress that the people desire.
The future matters because digital transformation is a race against time as we lay a foundation for a brighter future. We are reinforcing our systems to stand the test of time and listen to the voices of boys and girls across Zambia who will be the men and women of our nation tomorrow. Equipping provinces with infrastructure such as Starlink is equipping people with platforms to learn, engage and have their voice heard.
We are excited to see the innovations that will arise in the face of our land once all systems are ingrained and every Zambian is on the grid. That is what we are working for, an equalised, inclusive digital Zambia.
Gratitude must be extended to our partners, our public service, our teams and of course the citizens of Zambia who have been willing, able and open minded to the process. We challenge everyone to use the platforms and gain first-hand experience and reach out to us with learnings and feedback we can implement for our digital future.
In 2023, it was a gracious honour to host the First Ministerial E-Government Summit that united industry solution providers, technology leaders and senior government officials to address government digital and cloud infrastructure, public sector innovation and e-government payments, digital identity and cybersecurity. This year the event returns bigger and better, with genuine outcomes for the good of Zambian citizens. The event will be hosted in Lusaka, between 2-4 October, 2024.
As we prepare for DGA24, our vision is to foster greater South-South cooperation and develop digital corridors that facilitate open-border trade between African countries. Our priorities include enhancing digital connectivity, promoting ICT investment opportunities, and showcasing our achievements in digital governance. The Boma Chat app, a platform for citizen engagement and government communication, is a key initiative we are excited to present at DGA24.
This app exemplifies our commitment to leveraging technology for inclusive and participatory governance.
In conclusion, the journey towards a fully digital government is both challenging and inspiring. As we continue to implement the National E-Government Plan 2023, we are guided by our unwavering belief in the transformative power of technology.
By working together, we can build a digital future that benefits all Zambians, fostering a more efficient, transparent, and inclusive society. I invite all stakeholders, both local and international, to join us in this exciting endeavour. Together, we can create a digital Zambia that is resilient, innovative, and prosperous.
By Percy Chinyama, National Coordinator, E-Government Division (Smart Zambia Institute), Office of the President
Kalemba July 4, 2024
