In its continued push to digitise service delivery and go paperless, the SMART Zambia Institute's Luapula Unit conducted interactive ICT training for heads of government departments at the provincial administration in Mansa.
According to SMART Zambia, the training took place late last week and focused on improving digital skills and knowledge to support effective service delivery and better governance.
It included key subjects such as cyber security awareness, e-services, and artificial intelligence (AI) tools, showcasing their practical applications in everyday operations.
The move follows multiple endeavours by the institute to upgrade service delivery, the most recent of which was the transfer of a substantial quantity of ICT equipment to the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development worth around $379,000 (9 million Kwacha).
Also, in June the government exhibited its paperless system at the Ministry of Health headquarters, aimed at improving service delivery through technology, managing massive amounts of data, and saving the government millions of dollars in stationery costs, signalling progress in the nation’s quest to embrace digital transformation and eliminate reliance on paper-based legacy systems.
Samuel Banda, the institute's principal ICT officer, pointed out that the program aimed to provide heads of government departments with the essential digital skills and expertise to improve service delivery, governance, and digital literacy.
He added that the undertaking supports the Southern African country's socio-economic development goals and aligns with the digital government transformation agenda.
Banda went on to say that the cyber security aspects remains crucial as more digitisation brings an increased risk of cyber threats.
“The training's focus on cyber security awareness is particularly crucial in today's digital age, where cyber threats are increasingly common. By educating government officials on best practices for cyber security, the SMART Zambia Institute is helping to protect government systems and data from potential threats."
Regarding AI technologies, the institute said:“The introduction to AI tools also opens up new possibilities for government departments to leverage technology and improve decision-making processes.”
“Overall, the training is a significant step towards promoting digital government and enhancing the efficiency of government services in Zambia,” it concluded.
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