TechPression

Tag: SMART Zambia

  • Zambia launches digital framework to improve public service delivery

    Zambia launches digital framework to improve public service delivery

    The Zambian government has introduced the Public Service Change Management Framework, a major step towards improving service delivery and digital transformation.

    The e-Government Division (SMART Zambia Institute) was commended for its efforts to transform access to government services through digital means by Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick Kangwa, who oversaw the launch.

    Mr Kangwa emphasised that, in a major step towards effective and corrupt-free service delivery, citizens can now pay for government services via digital platforms. Percy Chinyama, the National Coordinator of SMART Zambia, was also commended by him for spearheading the agenda for digital transformation.

    Read also: Zambia launches citizen support portal to improve service delivery

    Zambia’s efforts to adapt to evolving tech innovations 

    The launch is a component of the government’s endeavours to adjust to the changing technology landscape and the demands of its constituents.

    The importance of the civil service in promoting development, raising standards of living, and assisting in the expansion and employment of the private sector has been underlined by Mr Kangwa.

    Mr Kangwa has declared that all public service directors and assistant directors will be placed on contracts by February 28, 2025, as part of an order to promote reform.

    The framework’s significance was emphasised by Ms. Kusobile Kamwanbi, head of the Presidential Delivery Unit (PDU), who said it couldn’t have arrived at a better moment, particularly when citizens require faster services.

    The Zambian government’s introduction of the framework was also praised by Mr. Axel Ulmer, country director of GIZ Zambia.

    Read also: SMART Zambia partners with CBU to drive localised software and systems development

    Citizens Support Portal to improve public service delivery 

    Similarly, The Citizen Support Portal was launched last month by the Zambian government as part of its ongoing initiatives to improve transparency, service delivery, and public participation.

    The SMART Zambia Institute’s e-government branch created the Citizens Support Portal as a digital platform to help citizens and the government communicate more effectively. Through this platform, citizens can provide feedback to the government regarding the services provided by different entities.

    Additionally, the portal promotes accountability and openness by giving citizens real-time updates on the status of their requests and complaints.

  • Zambia to introduce payment gateway to enhance tax collection between citizens and local authorities

    Zambia to introduce payment gateway to enhance tax collection between citizens and local authorities

    In a statement released on Tuesday, the government of the Republic of Zambia revealed plans to create a payment gateway for organisations, including local authorities.

    It is anticipated that this cutting-edge platform would completely transform the way that citizens pay for taxes and services while guaranteeing that the appropriate organisations get money straight into their bank accounts.

    Read also: Zambia, World Bank commence technical review of Digital Zambia Acceleration Project

    SMART Zambia National Coordinator Mr. Pery Chinyama stated during the ‘Let the People Talk’ radio program on Radio Phoenix that the new payment gateway will resemble the Government Service Bus (GSB), but it will differ in that funds will be sent straight to the appropriate institutions.

    According to Mr. Chinyama, residents will be able to pay their levies, rates, and other payments online, and the money will be safely transmitted to the appropriate local authorities.

    “The payment gateway is designed to ensure that all funds are paid directly to the relevant institutions, eliminating the need for intermediaries and reducing the risk of revenue leakages,” He explained.

    “This will not only enhance transparency and accountability but also improve the efficiency of revenue collection for local authorities.”

    Read also: SMART Zambia partners with CBU to drive localised software and systems development

    Convenience of service delivery 

    The creation of the payment portal, he emphasised, is a major step in improving accountability and transparency in Zambia’s public financial management system. It is anticipated to guarantee the efficient use of public funds and lower the possibility of income leaks.

    “With the payment gateway, local authorities such as the Kabwe Municipal Council will be able to offer their services online, allowing citizens to make payments from the comfort of their own homes. This will not only improve the convenience of service delivery but also reduce the administrative burden on local authorities,” he said.

    “The payment gateway is expected to be launched soon, and citizens will be able to access it through various payment channels, including online banking and mobile money platforms.”

    This would guarantee that local governments have the money they require to offer vital services to their communities while giving citizens a safe, practical, and effective option to pay for services and fees.

  • Zambia to introduce AI-power system to tackle misinformation, disinformation

    Zambia to introduce AI-power system to tackle misinformation, disinformation

    The Zambia government has declared its intention to create an artificial intelligence (AI) system to tackle social media misinformation and disinformation.

    The goal of this approach is to stop the spread of misleading information regarding government issues by giving citizens access to verified information straight from the government.

    Percy Chinyama, the national coordinator for SMART Zambia, clarified Tuesday that the AI system will give the official government stance on potentially false material circulated on social media.

    Read also: Zambia launches citizen support portal to improve service delivery

    AI-powered system to serve as chatbot or Personal assistant 

    Mr Chinyama clarified that the AI would function as a chatbot or personal assistant, providing the official government stance on potentially false material disseminated on social media.

    This program emphasises how crucial it is that people have access to correct information on the activities and policies of the government.

    He underlined that the absence of such an artificial intelligence tool has made it possible for those with bad intentions to disseminate lies about government issues without the government’s response being taken into consideration.

    Mr Chinyama emphasised that citizens are legally entitled to have the correct information regarding the activities of the government.

    He gave the people his word that the government’s AI system would be designed to efficiently meet Zambians’ social media information needs.

     

  • SMART Zambia partners with CBU to drive localised software and systems development

    SMART Zambia partners with CBU to drive localised software and systems development

    Smart Zambia and Copper belt University (CBU) have signed an agreement to promote localised software and systems development, according to an announcement on Tuesday.

    Through this strategic relationship, CBU will become a digital hub that offers individuals access to government services and possibilities for digital literacy.

    The Acting National Coordinator for SMART Zambia, Mulomba Hameja, stated that the partnership will concentrate on thematic areas that will advance Zambia’s digital transformation.

    Read also: Smart Zambia conducts digital upgrade in Muchinga province to enhance online presence

    Digital Transformation Centre

    A significant turning point in this process will be the creation of a Digital Transformation Centre (DTC) at CBU.

    Mr Hameja emphasised that the Government Service Bus (GSB), which SMART Zambia established, serves the public interest by providing convenient access to government services.

    He went on to say that the employment of digital ambassadors will increase the extent to which citizens use government services.

    Software and systems development 

    In order to promote digital transformation in the nation, M Hameja further underlined the necessity of working with CBU on localised software and systems development.

    In the meantime, Mr Pastor Hampande, the ICT Director for Business and Innovation at Copperbelt University, clarified that his university has established a software development department in order to internalise software development challenges.

    By building systems domestically, this department removes the need to purchase from foreign developers.

    Read also: SMART Zambia introduces eKYC to enhance security and efficiency in identity verification

    Development of student digital skills 

    Mr. Hampade expressed gratitude to SMART Zambia for acknowledging CBU’s digital endeavours.

    He pointed out that the university will develop students with the necessary skills through the MOU, bridging the gap between academics and industry.

    He underlined that the MOU includes dotmax systems, fleet management systems, and council-in-a-box solutions, all of which are currently undergoing evaluation.

    This accomplishment is a component of Zambia’s larger initiatives to use technology to promote growth and development that is inclusive.

    SMART Zambia is closing the digital divide and enabling people to engage in the digital economy by fostering digital literacy and granting access to government services.

  • Smart Zambia conducts digital upgrade in Muchinga province to enhance online presence

    Smart Zambia conducts digital upgrade in Muchinga province to enhance online presence

    A group from the Electronic Government Division (also known as Smart Zambia), under the direction of Francis Sangal Hachoombwa, is working on a thorough digital upgrade in the province of Muchinga this week.

    The project intends to increase the effectiveness of regional computer systems and the province’s online visibility. This was announced by Smart Zambia Institute on Monday.

    Read also: SMART Zambia introduces eKYC to enhance security and efficiency in identity verification

    To provide citizens and stakeholders with timely and correct information, the team is also gathering and updating content on the Provincial website.

    Routine maintenance of computer systems to enhance performance 

    To minimise downtime and maximise performance, the crew is also performing routine maintenance on local computer systems.

    A government-led initiative called Smart Zambia aims to use technology to boost public service delivery, boost economic growth, and improve governance.

    The government aims to close the digital divide and provide people the chance to engage in the digital economy by funding digital infrastructure.

    Read also: Ethio Telecom, Jigjiga City Administration sign agreement to execute Smart City project

    What you need to know about Smart Zambia 

    Electronic Government (e-Gov) also known as the Smart Zambia Institute, functions under the control of the Office of the President.

    Its main responsibility is to oversee and advance electronic government procedures and services. The division is in charge of making these services accessible, to improve service delivery and citizens’ access to government services.

    It also manages information and communication technology-related issues in public entities and plans e-government projects.

    The division is empowered under the Electronic Government Act No. 41 of 2021, a governance law intended to improve service delivery and facilitate access to electronic government services.

  • Smart Zambia’s Percy Chinyama calls for digital collaboration across Africa to spur development

    Smart Zambia’s Percy Chinyama calls for digital collaboration across Africa to spur development

    Africa must close the digital divide and leverage technology to drive socioeconomic growth, according to Percy Chinyama, National Coordinator of SMART Zambia.

    “Africa still relies heavily on Western countries for IP address allocation, which is a significant concern.”

    Chinyama made the statement while fielding questions at the ongoing 56th edition of the Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF) which began on Monday in Livingstone, Zambia.

    Read also: Smart Zambia expands GWAN to 88 locations, boosts digital access across country

    The conference, with the theme “Leveraging Technology and Innovation for Smart, Inclusive and Responsive Parliaments in the SADC Region,” focused on using digital technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), to modernise parliamentary procedures in an effort to establish inclusive, democratic, and effective governance structures in the region.

    He emphasised that Africa should create its own digital solutions, but that fragmentation frequently prevents cooperation and coordination.

    “Africa’s biggest challenge is digital fragmentation, with countries often working in isolation rather than collaborating to achieve common goals,” he said.

    “Technological breakthroughs are crucial in driving socio-economic development, and Africa has made significant strides in areas like digital payments and e-commerce,” he continued.

    “To harness technology effectively, Africa must prioritise collaboration and coordination, working together to develop and implement digital solutions that address regional challenges,” he stressed.

    Read also: Zamtel introduces e-SIM technology to Zambia

    Africa’s collaboration to address local challenges with local solutions 

    Chinyama emphasised that in order to close the digital divide and use technology for socioeconomic advancement, Africa must act decisively.

    He added that governments, businesses, and civil society organisations must work together to create and execute digital solutions that tackle local issues.

    Africa can reach sustained socioeconomic development and realise its full potential by cooperating and giving digital transformation top priority, said Chinyama.

  • Smart Zambia expands GWAN to 88 locations, boosts digital access across country

    Smart Zambia expands GWAN to 88 locations, boosts digital access across country

    The Government Wide Area Network (GWAN) is expanding to 88 locations around the country by SMART Zambia’s Infrastructure Department, marking a significant milestone in enhancing connectivity.

    This expansion will improve local government and district administration offices.

    The GWAN rollout, announced on Monday covered a number of provinces, including Eastern (16 sites), Western (12 sites), Southern (5 sites), Luapula (11 sites), Northern (13 sites), Muchinga (9 sites), Northwestern (7 sites), Copperbelt (6 sites), Lusaka (4 sites), and Central (11 sites), according to Paison Chikoye, Acting Assistant Director of the Infrastructure Department.

    Read also: Wiggle Ventures partners with Zambia’s Ministry of Green Economy for sustainability conference

    The project aims to link all local governments to the GWAN so that the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) Information Management System (IMS) may be implemented across the country.

    Citizens’ gain from the GWAN 

    Citizens will benefit immensely from this initiative, as it will improve the management of funds, projects, and services effectively.

    Furthermore, SMART Zambia, in partnership with the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA), has expanded the GWAN to border facilities immigration, and the Ministry of Commerce, Trade, and Industry in order to execute Coordinated Border Management (CBM).

    The collaboration aims to improve services at important border crossings for both agencies and travellers.

    Through the SmartCare Pro program, SMART Zambia has partnered with the Ministry of Health to digitise 1,000 healthcare facilities.

    Patients can now create Electronic Health Records (EHRs), which cuts down on wait times and makes it easier to access medical records from various facilities.

    Read also: Zambia to host 15th annual Mozilla Festival House (MozFest) focused on AI and social impact

    About Smart Zambia 

    The Smart Zambia Institute, also described as the Electronic Government (e-Gov), is a branch of the Office of the President.

    Its main responsibility is to oversee and advance electronic government procedures and services. The division is in charge of making these services accessible, with the goal of improving service delivery and citizens’ access to government services.

    It also manages information and communication technology-related issues in public entities and plans e-government projects.

    The division is empowered under the Electronic Government Act No. 41 of 2021, a governance law intended to improve service delivery and facilitate access to electronic government services.

    His Excellency Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, President of the Republic of Zambia, signed the Electronic Government Act No. 41 of 2021 Commencement Order on January 7, 2022.

    Therefore, the Smart Zambia Institute’s E-Government Division operates in compliance with the Electronic Government Act No. 41 of 2021.