TechPression

Tag: Zambia

  • Zambia launches citizen support portal to improve service delivery

    Zambia launches citizen support portal to improve service delivery

    To enhance service delivery and boost citizen engagement, the Zambian government launched the Citizen Support Services Portal on Tuesday.

    Through this cutting-edge online platform, citizens may report problems, ask for help, and monitor the progress of their requests in real time.

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

    Citizen Support Portal to serve as communication bridge between government and citizens 

    The portal, created by the SMART Zambia Institute’s Electronic Government Division, attempts to close the communication gap between the public and the government by encouraging openness, responsibility, and effectiveness in the provision of services.

    The Citizens Support Portal’s launch has been hailed by Secretary to the Cabinet, Mr Patrick Kangwa, as a “momentous milestone” in Zambia’s journey towards a more interconnected and citizen-focused government.

    He also said that the days of “Boma Iyanganepo” are over because their voices will now be heard on the portal.

    Mr. KANGWA underlined that the portal’s purpose is to give citizens an easy-to-use interface for obtaining government services.

    “The Citizens Support Portal is a significant step towards creating a more responsive and citizen-centred government,” he added.

    Namibia to learn from Zambia’s Citizen Support Portal initiative 

    Speaking at the same event, Dr. George Simataa, Namibia’s Secretary to the Cabinet, stated that Zambia has taught his nation a lot about citizen-centric administration, particularly with the introduction of the Citizen Support Portal.

    Ms. Kusobile Kamwanbi, the head of the Presidential Delivery Unit (PDU), has emphasised the portal’s function in fostering effectiveness, accessibility, and openness, and that everyone has the opportunity to communicate with the government regardless of location or financial situation.

    “This initiative aligns with Zambia’s vision of leveraging technology to foster inclusivity, and enhance service delivery.”

    Read also: Zambia launches Citizen Support Portal for improved service delivery, transparency enhance government services

    Need for digital literacy for citizens to access Citizen Support Portal 

    Ms. Kamwambi underlined the need of digital literacy in ensuring that all residents can properly access the portal.

    “As we make strides in connecting and empowering 80% of Zambians with digital access and literacy by 2026, it follows naturally that government services must also transition to meet citizens where they are – digitally.”

    SMART Zambia’s national Coordinator, Mr Percy Chinyama, has underlined that the Citizen Support Portal functions as a bridge between the government and its residents, adding that it helps the public service to deliver services according to its original purpose.

    “The traditional way of just providing a service and not getting feedback has been proven as ineffective as we now have to meet citizens at their points of need ensuring continuous improvement of government services,” he said.

    The Citizen Support Portal, which was initially scheduled to be inaugurated on January 15, represents a critical turning point in Zambia’s digital transformation process.

  • Yango Ride partners with Zambian transport hubs for affordable trips

    Yango Ride partners with Zambian transport hubs for affordable trips

    On Wednesday, Yango Ride, a division of the global IT business Yango Group, partnered with the country’s major transport hubs, including airports, to address passenger and driver difficulties and provide a smooth and satisfying transportation experience through its official Facebook page.

    With an emphasis on openness, equitable practices, and enhancing the transportation ecosystem, Yango is working with hub authorities to balance reasonably priced trips for customers and equitable possibilities for drivers.

    Read also: Zambia launches Citizen Support Portal for improved service delivery, transparency enhance government services

    Yango also states that overcharging passengers is prohibited. If partner drivers overcharge airport passengers, the platform will suspend them.

    Kabanda Chewe, Country Head for Yango in Zambia, declared, “The process that we have engaged in together with the transport hubs demonstrates our shared commitment to improving the travel experience for everyone involved. By working closely with hubs’ authorities, we aim to develop measures that address concerns while supporting drivers and passengers alike.”

    Yango encourages riders to use the app’s help feature to report any problems they have during their rides. This makes sure that problems are fixed quickly and holds riders accountable.

    About Yango ride

    Yango, a ride-hailing service, allows users to travel to their destinations swiftly, securely, and reasonably. It conducts business in more than 600 major cities in 17 different countries.

    This machine learning-powered innovative service was introduced in 2011. Yango uses mapping and routing technologies to find and transport passengers, bringing this technological capability to the market. This strategy enables you to maximise your passenger experience.

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

    Yango has 36 million users and 700,000 drivers globally. After one billion rides, the firm celebrated in September 2018.

    To provide safe, reliable, and equitable transportation, Yango continues. By working with stakeholders, the company keeps service standards high, transparency high, and passenger-driver trust high.

  • Zambia launches Citizen Support Portal for improved service delivery, transparency enhance government services

    Zambia launches Citizen Support Portal for improved service delivery, transparency enhance government services

    The Government of the Republic of Zambia will launch the Citizen Support Portal on January 15, as part of its ongoing efforts to improve service delivery, increase citizen engagement, and foster transparency. This announcement was made by the e-government division on Monday, also known as Smart Zambia Institute.

    The Citizen Support Portal is a digital platform that allows citizens to report problems, ask for help, and monitor the progress of their requests for government services.

    The portal will enable residents to actively engage in the governance process and guarantee their voices are heard by providing a practical and easy-to-use interface.

    Read also: Liquid Expands its Operation in Zambia

    Benefits of the Citizen Support Portal

    Simple access to government services: From the convenience of their homes, citizens can access a range of government services, such as applications, payments, and document submissions.

    Improved transparency: By giving citizens up-to-date information on the progress of their requests and complaints, the site fosters accountability and transparency.

    Improved citizens engagement: By allowing citizens to take part in online surveys, consultations, and feedback systems, the portal makes sure that their opinions are heard.

    Increased efficiency: By automating numerous manual procedures, the portal lowers the time and effort needed to obtain government services.

    Better data management: By offering a centralised, safe platform for data management, the portal lowers the possibility of data loss and enhances data-driven decision-making.

    Read also: Zambia tech minister announces readiness to be Africa’s next major tech hub

    How the Citizen Support Portal works

    The Citizen Support Portal can be accessed through an intuitive mobile application and website.

    Users can register for a secure account, access a range of government services, and monitor the real-time status of their requests.

    The SMART Zambia Institute has also incorporated a number of communication methods, such as a chatbot, a mobile app, WhatsApp, Facebook, voice calls, emails, SMS, and the portal. Through these channels, citizens can provide feedback by speaking with live agents in various government institutions.

    In order to rate the government ministries according to the input collected, a survey option has also been added to the platform.

    Goal of the Citizen Support Portal 

    The goal of the Citizen Support Portal is to give people the tools they need to take an active role in government and make sure their opinions are heard.

    The portal encourages accountability, openness, and citizen-centric governance by providing an easy-to-use interface.

    A citizen who files a complaint will be assigned a number and allowed to monitor its status.

  • Zambia to launch open-source eKYC system with MOSIP framework

    Zambia to launch open-source eKYC system with MOSIP framework

    Zambia is about to accomplish a noteworthy milestone by utilising the Modular Open-Source Identity Platform (MOSIP) framework to introduce an open-source Electronic Know-your-customer (eKYC) system. This was announced by SMART Zambia Institute on Friday.

    The nation’s digital transformation journey has reached a major turning point because of tenacity, local leadership, and strategic alliances.

    Read also: Zambia to roll out SmartCare Pro to boost digital transformation

    Challenges to the development of eKYC 

    Zambia’s success is especially noteworthy considering its many challenges, such as inadequate support for digital public infrastructure (DPI), vendor-locked solutions, and limited funding.

    Co-Develop and the Centre for Digital Public Infrastructure (CDPI) have helped the nation overcome these obstacles; nevertheless, the country has made great progress.

    Under the direction of Mr. Pery Chinyama, National Coordinator, the SMART Zambia Institute has played a pivotal role in advancing the project. Because of the institute’s centralised structure, digital activities across all government sectors have been able to be coordinated, keeping the project a priority even in the face of funding limitations.

    International partnership in the development of Zambia’s eKYC system 

    Additionally, Zambia’s dedication to open-source solutions has opened doors for global collaboration and cooperation.

    Partners such as MOSIP and OpenG2P have contributed technical know-how and assistance, highlighting the effectiveness of teamwork in promoting digital transformation.

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

    It’s important to consider the importance of this accomplishment as Zambia gets ready to introduce its new eKYC application.

    In addition to being a technological milestone, it also shows how resilient and determined the nation is.

    “Zambia’s journey showcases the impact of strong local leadership combined with collaborative efforts,” said Pramod Varma, Co-Chair of CDPI.

    “Their dedication to embracing open-source solutions and innovative approaches sets a powerful example for digital transformation across the continent,” he noted.

  • Infratel opens ‘Digital House’ to enhance Zambia’s digital economy

    Infratel opens ‘Digital House’ to enhance Zambia’s digital economy

    Infratel, the leading provider of digital infrastructure in Zambia, celebrated a major milestone on Tuesday by formally opening its new headquarters in Lusaka, named Digital House.

    This facility is a representation of Infratel’s unwavering dedication to fostering innovation and furthering Zambia’s digital transformation.

    Cornwell Muleya, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), alongside other dignitaries attended the launch of the facility.

    Read also: Vertiv wins two prestigious awards at the Africa Digital Economy Awards in Kenya

    In his keynote message, which was read by Leya Ngoma on his behalf, Muleya commended Infratel for its efforts to help Zambia achieve a digital economy and emphasised the critical role that digital infrastructure plays in empowering individuals, communities, and enterprises.

    “Digital House is more than just a building; it is a collective commitment to embracing a digital future. It will serve as a hub for innovation, collaboration, and excellence, propelling Zambia closer to becoming a knowledge-based economy,” Mr Muleya remarked.

    Infratel board chair’s remarks 

    The Infratel Board Chairperson, Stein Liyanda, while speaking at the same ceremony, praised the efforts that made the Digital House vision a reality.

    “This facility stands as a testament to what we can achieve through resilience and innovation. It represents progress, opportunity, and our shared vision of a digitally empowered Zambia,” Mr. Liyanda said.

    “Digital House is strategically designed to be a centre for creativity, development, and execution of digital solutions that address Zambia’s unique challenges,” stressed Dr. Evans Silavwe, Chief Executive Officer of Infratel.

    Read also: MTN opens innovative Digital Experience Centre in Johannesburg

    The facility will be crucial in facilitating digital communications infrastructure, encouraging digital inclusion, and using technology to boost economic growth.

    Prominent stakeholders, including Infratel management and employees, attended the event and received recognition for their commitment and role in achieving this goal.

    Infratel is starting a new chapter with the launch of Digital House, further solidifying its standing as a reliable partner in Zambia’s digital transformation process.

  • Airtel Zambia, ZICTA launch e-waste collection campaign to protect environment

    Airtel Zambia, ZICTA launch e-waste collection campaign to protect environment

    Airtel Networks Zambia Plc and Zambia Information Communication Technology Authority (ZICTA) have commenced a collaborative awareness campaign about the collection and disposal of electronic waste.

    As part of this initiative, refuse bins will be placed in each of the 61 Airtel stores nationwide.

    On Wednesday’s campaign launch, Elliot Kabalo, Manager of Standards and Electronic Networks for the Zambia Information Communication Technology Authority (ZICTA) expressed his satisfaction with Airtel’s efforts to raise awareness and collect electronic waste throughout the company’s customer service centres.

    “We are very happy to be here to witness Airtel launch their campaign in a bid to help with collecting the electronic waste from the community. We hope that the communities can take advantage of your drop-off points in your stores to deposit any old and unused phones, kettles and even television sets,” Kabalo said.

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

    Environmental protection: A top priority

    Martin Jowi, the director of supply chain at Airtel, stated that environmental protection was a priority that required everyone’s attention and could not be compromised.

    “Our ambition, through our very elaborate Sustainability Policy, is to address and minimise the impact of our operations on the environment,” Mr Jowi said. This is critical for the world we live in and as we know Electronic Waste contains toxic substances and it is for this reason that when a product is totally unusable or even broken, instead of just being thrown in bins, it is important that a certified e-waste haulier or recycler picks up the waste to manage it in an environmentally accepted manner.”

    “We have challenged our staff for the next 7 days to bring all their old and dysfunctional electronic gadgets with a surprise prize for the team that brings the most e-waste,” he added.

    Customers and the general public can deposit their electronic waste in the drop-off boxes located in each of the 61 Airtel locations nationwide. Airtel will pick up the waste and forward it to the appropriate location for safe disposal.

  • Wiggle Ventures partners with Zambia’s Ministry of Green Economy for sustainability conference

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

    Wiggle Ventures Ltd, in collaboration with Zambia’s Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, is set to host a pivotal sustainability-focused conference between November 28 and 29, 2024, at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Lusaka.

    The event will bring innovators, policymakers, and industry leaders together to explore pathways toward a sustainable and inclusive green economy.

    Read also: Wema Bank’s Hackaholics: A ₦75m opportunity awaits Africa’s tech innovators

    Minister to officiate event highlighting Zambia’s green agenda

    Officiated by the Minister of Green Economy and Environment, the conference underscores the Zambian government’s commitment to advancing sustainability through partnerships and innovation. Businesses and organisations are invited to register as exhibitors, offering a unique opportunity to showcase groundbreaking solutions and technologies to a targeted audience of decision-makers and stakeholders.

    “This is your chance to be part of a vital dialogue shaping the future,” Wiggle Ventures said in its official announcement, as it is an opportunity to connect with industry leaders committed to sustainability and advance business to new heights.

    Opportunity for innovators to showcase solutions

    The two-day event will feature exhibitions, interactive sessions, and discussions to foster collaboration and highlight transformative ideas. Participants will engage with policymakers and industry experts, gaining visibility in Zambia’s rapidly growing green economy. The conference also promises opportunities to expand networks and forge strategic partnerships to contribute to sustainable development.

    Exhibitors can register for the event through Wiggle Ventures’ official website at www.wiggleventures.com. Interested participants can contact the organisers at info@wiggleventures.com or call +260 764171904 for further inquiries.

    Read also: Africa Tech Festival 2024: South Africa unveils AI institute to lead digital transformation

    Driving Zambia’s sustainable future

    With Zambia increasingly prioritising environmental innovation, this conference is crucial to aligning local strategies with global sustainability goals. Wiggle Ventures and the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment aim to position Zambia as a regional leader in sustainability efforts by facilitating dialogue and showcasing green innovations.

    As the event date nears, excitement builds for a gathering that promises to redefine Zambia’s commitment to sustainable development, creating a foundation for impactful change and collaboration in the years to come.

  • New fintech DigMo offers gamified wealth-building for Zambia’s underprivileged

    New fintech DigMo offers gamified wealth-building for Zambia’s underprivileged

    DigMo is a new financial services provider offering low- and middle-class Zambians gamified wealth-building solutions. The fintech company, designed for underprivileged customers and has a licence from the Bank of Zambia to run a wallet, gives them access to exciting goods with attractive rewards.

    The company has appointed James Chona as Chairman, who will guide DigMo’s growth in Zambia, as part of the initiative to increase the organisation’s  reach.

    Read also: Bank of Ghana suspends Taptap Send over regulatory infractions

    A simple, gamified approach to financial planning

    DigMo is a free, safe digital money account that allows users to play a “financial planning game” with a unique account. It is easy to use and encourages clients to begin saving for the future. The focus is on offering financial planning services that cater to underserved market segments target and  niche marketing sectors. 

    Wealthier and upper-middle-class clients have traditionally been the target audience for financial planning services in Africa. The pricing, messaging, and incentives of these services have been designed with this demographic in mind. They are designed for individuals who can cope with gradual, consistent returns and can afford to put money away for the long run. DigMo aims to change this dynamic by offering a more inclusive and innovative approach that appeals to a broader audience, including those in lower-income brackets.

    Read also: EBank launches InfoSec Academy to empower youths, drive digitalisation in Egypt

    Save to Win: Rewarding financial habits

    The platform hopes that by offering customers the opportunity to win significant prizes, they will develop long-lasting saving habits. The acquisition of non-financial assets, including cattle and highly liquid items, is currently a significant aspect of many Africans’ lives and is known as informal planning. There must be an additional push and greater innovation in this area to get the general public to plan using more formal and effective approaches.

    One of DigMo’s flagship products, Save To Win , encourages users to save small amounts regularly, starting from as little as 10 ZMW (about USD 0.37). This no-fee, easy-to-use service offers the chance to win rewards up to 500,000 ZMW (around USD 18,400) as an incentive for consistent saving. The platform is designed to make saving both rewarding and fun, creating long-lasting financial habits among users.

    DigMo guarantees safe, inexpensive account formation through a relationship with Africa-focused compliance tech company pawaPass, lowering risk and enabling the provision of reasonably priced goods to this market niche. DigMo is positioned for future growth thanks to this partnership, which also reduces delivery costs and keeps consumers safe.

  • Airtel-UNICEF partnership brings Internet to 100 schools in Zambia

    Airtel-UNICEF partnership brings Internet to 100 schools in Zambia

    Airtel and UNICEF are making significant strides in transforming the educational landscape in Zambia, having connected 100 schools to the Internet as part of their ongoing partnership. Launched in January, the partnership seeks to improve access to quality education through digital connectivity, bringing new opportunities for both students and teachers across the country.

    The partnership aimed to attain or at the very least “progress the fourth sustainable development goal, ‘education for all’,” UNICEF stated in January.

    Expanding Digital Access Across Zambia

    The partnership seeks to close Zambia’s digital gap by connecting schools in urban and remote areas to the Internet.

    Read more: IHS Nigeria and UNICEF launch a digital impact initiative

    Given Zambia is a nation beset by limited Internet connectivity, the partnership is deemed a major step forward as it will furnish the students  with vast educational resources, including e-learning platforms, academic content, and interactive tools that enhance their learning experience.

    Empowering teachers and students through UNICEF’s Learning Passport

    Central to the initiative is the Learning Passport, an innovative digital platform developed by UNICEF. The platform provides free access to quality educational content for children and young people, including videos, lesson plans, and interactive exercises. Students will be able to learn at their own pace, making use of a range of digital resources that were previously unavailable to many.

    Airtel-UNICEF partnership brings Internet to 100 schools in Zambia

    The Learning Passport aims to give all learners, including those in rural and underserved communities, access to the same educational opportunities. 

    Additionally, the platform is designed to be inclusive, with features that cater to students with disabilities, ensuring they are not excluded from the digital learning revolution.

    Read more: Why computer programming should be for all students

    Airtel and UNICEF in Zambia, in conjunction with the Zambian Ministry of Education, recently conducted a blended learning training session for 50 educators from 50 schools across the Eastern, Lusaka and Southern Provinces. In this training, participants were acquainted with the digital Learning Passport and optimised the routers supplied to their respective institutions.

     Also, the impact of vandalism and its impact on this project was acknowledged during the program. In the inauguration, Dr Brenda Musanya, a representative from the Ministry of Education’s Directorate of Open and Distance Learning (DODE), urged educators to protect the routers diligently and to maximise the training opportunity by posing numerous enquiries to facilitate connectivity for the designated schools.

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

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

    Zambia will host the Mozilla Festival House (MozFest) between November 20 and 21 at the Lusaka International Convention Centre. MozFest, a gathering of art lovers and tech enthusiasts keen on making social impact in the society. The Festival aims to “make the internet a better, safer, and fairer place for everyone.”

    MozFest is in its 15th year, and Zambia will become the next destination after the Netherlands. The Mozilla Manifesto has directed Mozilla’s efforts since it was established as a community-driven open-source initiative in 1998.

    Read also: Tech-X-Con 2024: Dev League’s premiere event to inspire African tech talents in Kwara

    With the theme “Collective Action for Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence (AI)”, the foundation desires to examine the influence of AI, data, community-focused technological solutions, and social justice in technology to illustrate the efficacy of collective action in collaboratively shaping a more responsible, trustworthy, and inclusive digital future.

    It will be an assembly aimed at collaborative efforts to attain reliable AI. It calls to action and prioritises Africans in developing Trustworthy AI systems. It is focused on establishing collaboration among activists, policymakers, engineers, artists, and civil society to establish a new norm for a responsive and adaptive future, ensuring technology benefits everyone.

    It is believed that MozFest House Zambia in 2024 will serve as a platform to showcase the strength of solidarity and the boundless potential attainable through unity within the African surroundings. Some of the themes to be explored include Tech and Inclusion, tech and Culture, tech and economic justice, and tech and Governance, amongst others.

    To attend this event, you can register using this link.