Dot Com Zambia Chief Executive Officer Mawano Kambeu has urged Local Government and Councils to embrace Information Communication Technology, ICTs, because they are vital in the delivery of services to the general public, and councils have to adapt to the changing times.
E-governance is the application of ICT for delivering governments services to stakeholders, in addition to using ICT to make backend operations more efficient. Mr Kambeu made these remarks in Livingstone during the 59th Local Government Association of Zambia Annual Conference under the theme “Inclusive Local Governance: Strategy for Success”. ”
He added that Dot Com Zambia, is an example of a company that has been successful, because it has used ICTs to solve problems that Zambians are facing, proving that Zambian problems can be solved by Zambians” He added that, “local government is faced with many challenges as it attempts to deliver its services to the people effectively and Dot Com Zambia wants to help them face these challenges through Public Private Partnerships, which is the best way to make the model work.
He later went on to stress the importance of government’s support if the local ICT movement that is happening by young entrepreneurs is to succeed as is the case in countries like Kenya and Rwanda to name a few. He said “There are a number of talented ICT companies and entrepreneurs in the country that government can work with, who understand the real problems on the ground, and we don’t always need to look outside to countries like South Africa for these solutions”.
He further called on government to work with local ICT companies not because they are Zambian, but because they have demonstrated that they are innovative and have the capacity to deliver, and in turn, supporting local businesses will have tremendous economic benefits.
During his speech, he cited examples of Councils like Ndola City council that have started embracing ICT and e-governance, adding that they have already seen their revenue base double because of improved control systems and increase the publics access to services.
Playing on the theme of strategies for success, Mr. Kambeu went on to reveal some of the specific strategies that Dot Com Zambia can implement with the councils, which included, facilitating partnership between approved, licensed Call Boys and Councils to officially sell Bus Tickets and other products in a controlled organized manner, benefiting both parties and the general public, who have complained bitterly at the mobs of harassful call boys that have invaded bus stations.
He also sighted building ICT systems that would make the management of parking enforcement and other levies collected in the field more efficient as well as give field inspectors access to information in real time.
Mr. Kambeu concluded by advising the creation of E-services and content that will allow easy access to information and for select services to be done electronically or through third party agents reducing congestion at councils and increasing the capacity and quality at which these services can be offered, as there are many instances of the public have to line up for hours or days waiting for select services and permits to be processed.
Dot Com Zambia is a local technology company specializing in e-commerce solutions for the Zambian market. In addition to their online shopping and shipping platforms from the UK and USA, the company has been recognized for its innovative intercity bus ticketing system called Bus Tickets Zambia which was named Africa’s best new venture for 2015 by Harvard Business School and by ZICTA for the project’s role in creating accessibility.
Well done Mawano, this is what we need. If only the powers that be can realise to potential of ict and wilfully leverage them like the countries you have mentioned. Zambia can ill afford to continue lagging behind, the key is ict infrastructure across the country.
This is really commendable. Really nice that you guys are using ICT to improve service delivery. It’s a given that with the improvement in connection speeds, increases in amounts of gadgets and an enabling policy environment, DotCom’s platforms have come at the right time. Please keep pushing. #proudofyou.
THID us incredible Mwana. We are very proud if you. This is so so long overdue .it is the answer to Local Authorities especially to the improved revenue base do violated and depleted in the councils brave Mutekulyange .