{"id":4271,"date":"2023-10-26T12:09:22","date_gmt":"2023-10-26T12:09:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.icetech.io\/?p=4271"},"modified":"2023-10-26T12:22:01","modified_gmt":"2023-10-26T12:22:01","slug":"exploring-the-digital-government-africa-2023-summit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.icetech.io\/2023\/10\/exploring-the-digital-government-africa-2023-summit\/","title":{"rendered":"Exploring the Digital Government Africa 2023 Summit","gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"text"}]},"content":{"rendered":"

A Look Back at ICE Tech’s Experience<\/strong><\/p>\n

In the ever-evolving landscape of government technology, attending conferences is not merely a choice, but a necessity. ICE Tech recognizes this, which is why our team eagerly participated in the Digital Government Africa 2023 Summit held in Lusaka from October 4th to 6th. This event, hosted at the Ci\u00eala International Conference Centre, brought together high-profile representatives from various countries, including honorable ministers and even the President of Zambia himself, His Excellency Mr. Hakainde Hichilema.<\/p>\n

To give you an idea of the summit’s magnitude, consider this: Tony Blair from the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change joined President Hakainde Hichilema in addressing the delegation. The conference was blessed by many more high-profile individuals including, but not limited to, Mr. Percy Chinyama the National Coordinator for Office of the President, E-Government Division (SMART Zambia Institute) and Honorable Felix Mutati the Minister of Technology and Science, giving welcome to the delegation and overseeing discussions among esteemed delegates. Delegates, representing both public and private sectors, gathered to share insights, experiences, and ideas. Notably, private companies that were sponsors of the event were granted exhibition stands, and ICE Tech was one of them.<\/p>\n

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Key Takeaways and Highlights<\/strong><\/p>\n

The conference’s agenda was rich and diverse, encompassing introductions, speeches, and presentations in the morning, and interactive sessions with high-level representatives from different ministries in the afternoon. A central theme echoed throughout the conference was the “3 A’s” valued by citizens in terms of E-Government services: Availability, Access, and Affordability. While these principles are crucial for the successful delivery of digital government services, they present considerable challenges for many African countries.<\/p>\n

A major hurdle identified is the lack of proper infrastructure, with particular emphasis on connectivity and citizens’ access to services through smartphones. Efforts by mobile operators and solutions like Starlink have made strides, but the infrastructure gap remains. To address the affordability concern, Zambia’s government aims to establish smartphone assembly sites in the country, to make these devices more accessible to its citizens. Private sector involvement and investment were highlighted as crucial components for success in implementing a government digitalisation plan.<\/p>\n

Mr. Tony Blair emphasized the importance of ambition, focus, and determination in executing a digitalisation plan effectively. One promising aspect of Zambia’s journey is the existence of a National Electronic Government Plan, slated for implementation between 2023 and 2026.<\/p>\n

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Charting the Way Forward<\/strong><\/p>\n

The consensus reached at the Digital Government Africa 2023 Summit is clear: the government of Zambia is determined to implement its Digital Electronic Government Plan before the 2026 elections. This ambitious plan is complex and follows a top-down strategy, emphasizing constant engagement with key stakeholders, particularly private sector participation.<\/p>\n

To align with the government’s plan and secure a role in it, ICE Tech is determined to deliver services that speak to its Mission: \u201cTo streamline and improve governments\u2019 compliance and revenue collection capability by providing the resources and tools to improve service delivery and their citizens\u2019 overall experience.\u201d and Values: \u201cTo be open and honest; to support and care; customer-centric service; being passionate and innovative with a hunger for knowledge.\u201d<\/p>\n

Day 1: Insights and Highlights<\/strong><\/p>\n

Day 1 set a tone of determination and action, with prominent statements from key figures in the host government:<\/p>\n