Story Courtesy of Mwebantu Media
National Institute of Public Administration (NIPA) and Smart Zambia Institute (SZI) have signed a memorandum of understanding to provide high-quality training in the area of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs).
The MoU will contribute to increased use of ICTs and E-governance to the public service for improved service delivery.
The signing ceremony took place at Government Complex on 14th January, 2021.
Speaking during the signing ceremony NIPA Executive Director, Ambassador Professor Royson Mukwena emphasised that improved ICT infrastructure directly translated into Zambia enjoying some of the benefits of the globalised economy.
Prof. Mukwena said training of public sector employees, the private sector and the general citizenry is an investment in human capital and will contribute to sustainable industrial development.
“NIPA agrees with Smart Zambia’s goals to build capacity in our local human resource in the areas of ICTs so that the nation cuts down on expenditure spent to hire foreign expertise to respond to the country’s ICTs infrastructural requirements,” he said.
He said ICTs will make the public sector more responsive and adaptive to global trends.
And speaking at the same function, Smart Zambia Institute National Coordinator, who is also Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet, Dr. Martine Mtonga said improving ICTs infrastructure is an effective and efficient way of running the country’s economy.
He said digitalisation of the economy promotes the livelihoods of citizens at various levels of society.
He also noted that the MoU between the two institutions is timely as it is a mode of closing up the existing digital divide in the country and ensure optimal usage of ICTs and e-Services by citizens.
“Through the development and implementation of the Government Service Bus, Government through SMART Zambia Institute provides an opportunity for Citizens to access Government services effortlessly and in a more effective and efficient manner and therefore spurring Social Economic Development for the Citizens and the Nation,” he said.
