IfG.CC -
Institute for eGovernment

Transport and Communications Minister, Kapembwa Simbao, says government is on course with the implementation of electronic commerce.

Mr Simbao says government is doing this through the provision of appropriate workable strategies that focus on development of broadband infrastructure, digital content, human capacity and supporting innovation by both public and private sector organisations.

Vice-president Inonge Wina says Government has put in place measures and systems aimed at transforming and rebrand the Public Service.

Ms Wina said some of the measures include the rehabilitation of the Centre of Excellence for E-Government and ICT into a smart Zambia Institute to digitalise the Public Service.

Government has sourced funding from the African Development Bank-ADB for the implementation of the Mobile Health programme.

The programme is aimed at harnessing the use of mobile phones to disseminate information on health services.

M- Health Focal Point for Zambia, Maximillian Bweupe says the programme will greatly enhance the delivery of health services as close to the family as possible.

Transport, Works, Supply and Communications Permanent Secretary Bernard Chiwala said at a Computer Society of Zambia stakeholders’ meeting in Kitwe that the body would function under an Act of Parliament.

He said this in a speech read for him by Zambia Information Communications Technology Authority information technology manager Garry Mukelabai.

Minister of Communications and Transport Geoffrey Lungwangwa said the introduction of fibre optics in Zambia is one measure that is aimed at easing the use of ICTs.

He was speaking at the Fibre Optics Association (FOA) seminar held at Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka on Friday.

ICTs have the potential to empower communities and in the context of achieving wholesome connectivity or universal access increase local participation in the development process. New and creative enterprises can make rural areas more profitable, affordable and sustainable and served in a way to meet national development objectives.

It has become an essential condition for countries and regions to meaningfully integrate into the global economy and reap the benefits from it.

As a result of globalisation, activities and transactions are increasingly being conducted using the internet.

ICT applications, like e-Government, e-Commerce, e-Education, e-Health and e-Environment, are seen as enablers for development, because they provide an efficient channel to deliver a wide range of basic services even to remote and rural areas.

As technology permeates the corridors of schools, there is need to know better who is at risk with ICT, what prevention and how treatment strategies work best.

Technology application in schools -in all its rigid sense- has been at the same work for ages considering that every learner is the maker of his or her future.

The integrated health situation room was the buzz term almost a fortnight ago in Zambia’s health circles.

As a new tool to fast track the HIV/AIDS response in Zambia, it bears significance for being the first integrated situation room in Africa.

It was launched on March 6 by President Edgar Lungu and UNAIDS executive director, Michel Sidibé who was on an official visit to Zambia.

THE Zambia Union of Teachers (ZNUT) says the introduction of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) subject in primary schools is a source of worry for rural pupils who do not have access to computers.

The Ministry of Education has made it compulsory for pupils in primary schools to learn ICT although the move is not supported by adequate facilities.

Dr Mwansa is head of information technnology infrastructure at the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, the world's 18th largest stock exchange..

Dr Mwansa underscores that e-government solutions, automation of the processing and notification can mitigate the long queues of people at different government offices such as the Passport Office, Road Transport and Safety Agency, government hospitals and clinics.

To this end, the Judiciary, in 2009, embarked on an ambitious computerisation programme, making Zambia one of the leading African countries to introduce real-time digital court recording and case management systems.

One factor that will be key in determining whether or not 2018 will be a collective success for Zambians is technology.

The pace at which technology is embraced in all spheres will either take Zambia onto a speedy track of development and improved standards of living or down a path of backwardness.

The year 2017 has closed with a perfect example of benefits of embracing technology. This has been evidenced at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH), which has introduced an electronic health record system.

President Edgar Lungu has directed Ministers and Permanent Secretaries to prioritise implementation of Information and Communication Technology -ICT- in government operations in order to accelerate sustainable development in the country.

President Lungu has also moved the functions of the e-government and ICT to his office.

The President says the e-government is aimed at improving coordination and implementation of ICT projects.

Despite enjoying district status, Shangombo lacks basic social services such as health among others.

With this in mind, the Provincial Health Office in Western Province recently saw it prudent to offer mobile health services to the people of Shangombo.

He was addressing the media on Cabinet’s decision on the measures to enhance competitiveness.

In an interview at the ongoing Zambia International Trade Fair, Sumani said next year Ndola residents would be able to check their account balances and pay their rates online.

"Ndola City Council has decided to go digital. We have gone E-governance. This E-governance is simply the use of Information Communication Technology to enhance efficiency and improve local governance and service delivery," he said.

President Edgar Lungu has bemoaned the poor performance of the public service despite Government consistently improving the working conditions for staff.

The Head of State has since implored staff in the public service to scale-up performance of individual roles for Government to accelerate the country’s social and economic transformation.

“You will recall that in September 2013, this Government is on record to have awarded an unprecedented salary increment to date in a bid to improve employee motivation, productivity and performance.

Republican President Edgar Lungu has today launched the e-government division which he said will contribute to reducing transaction costs and improve productivity.

Mr Lungu has since moved the functions of e-government and information and technology to his office.

Speaking during the launch of the e-government division in Lusaka today, President Lungu said that the move was aimed at improving coordination, implementation of information and communication technologies projects as well as ensuring that services required by citizens and other stakeholders from government are automated.

Republican President Edgar Lungu today launched the Performance-Based Contract System for Permanent Secretaries.

Speaking at the launch held at Government Complex, Mr Lungu said despite improved conditions of service for civil servants the public has continued to bemoan the poor performance by the public service.