CENTRAL GOVERNMENT ICT OFFICERS SUBSCRIBED TO ICTAZAugust 20, 2024

The Information and Communications Technology Association of Zambia (ICTAZ) have announced the successful on-boarding of about 400 information technology officers working in central government.
At a media briefing, ICTAZ president, Dr Clement Sinyangwe, alongside the National Coordinator of the Electronic Government Division (SMART Zambia Institute), Mr. Percy Chinyama, the two institutions described the collaboration as an important milestone in Zambia’s Digital Transformation agenda as members of the public can be assured that the online Government services are supported by professionals.
Dr. Sinyangwe stated that major strides are being made by the E-Government Division in digitising Government services and processes. The ZamPortal and other initiatives has benefitted agriculture, education, health, mining and manufacturing sectors. The online services range from issuing licenses to making payments – electronic transactions are becoming more and more part of our daily lives.
“As ICTAZ, we are mandated to ensure that the people behind the technology conduct themselves in a manner that adds value to the I.T. sector and promotes local innovation,” he said.
“The roll-out of the Electronic Government agenda will be further explained by the National Coordinator and I want to take this opportunity to highlight the importance of cross collaboration across the I.T. sector.
It is impossible for Zambia to attain the Vision 2030 of becoming a “prosperous middle-income country by the year 2030” without cross collaboration and a united I.T. sector.
“Information technology plays an important role in all sectors of society.
“I would like to acknowledge the commitment demonstrated by the United Party for National Development, under the able leadership of the Republican President Hakainde Hichilema, that has established a strategic approach in the adoption of technology for socio-economic development.
“I also want to acknowledge the great work and support rendered by the SMART Zambia National Co-ordinator and his team over the years.
“The NC is a Fellow of ICTAZ and has actively demonstrated his commitment to growing the association and ensuring we serve to the expectation of the public. You may wish to know that a Fellow is the highest category of membership and is awarded to stand-out individuals who have made a positive impact on the I.T. sector.
SMART Zambia has been able to implement systems, roll out infrastructure and implement policies that are expanding the uptake of digital technology.
“Through your efforts we have seen initiatives that foster public-private collaboration in national development agenda. This has seen Government partner with commercial entities to bridge the development gaps.”
Dr Sinyangwe praised Mr Chinyama for his demonstration of professionalism in the IT sector and acknowledged that he deserved to be an ICTAZ Fellow.
Meanwhile, Mr Chinyama issued an ultimatum to all ICT professionals to register with the Information and Communication Technology Association of Zambia (ICTAZ) by the end of September this year.
Mr. Chinyama emphasized that this directive aligns with a pronouncement made in 2023 and is in accordance with the law.
He made this announcement during the ICTAZ-SMART Zambia press briefing in Lusaka on 20 August 2024. Several ICT professionals from the public and private sector were in attendance.
The highlighted the importance of ICTAZ in setting standards in the ICT sector, emphasizing the need for professional stability and optimal service provision.
Mr. Chinyama stressed that while technology is crucial, people management and adherence to high standards are equally important.
He further emphasized the need for collaboration between the government and the private sector to drive the digital transformation agenda through dialogue, knowledge sharing, and mutual support.
He noted that achieving a fully digital Zambia requires concerted efforts from both the public and private sectors.
Mr. Chinyama also underscored a presidential pronouncement on the importance of growing the economy in collaboration with small and medium enterprises, highlighting the potential of ICT to support SME growth and job creation.
Speaking at the same event, ICTAZ President Dr. Clement Sinyangwe acknowledged the support and work of SMART Zambia’s National Coordinator, Mr. Percy Chinyama, and his senior management team in growing the association and meeting public expectations.
Dr. Sinyangwe highlighted the achievements of the Electronic Government Division, including the implementation of systems, infrastructure development, and policy expansion, which have increased the adoption of E-Government services and digital technology.
He also commended SMART Zambia’s public-private collaborations with commercial entities to foster national development.
Dr. Sinyangwe further urged ICTAZ members to convene and draft a constitution that reflects the association’s aspirations, promoting innovative, responsible, and reputable ICT professionals.