SMART Zambia, Copperbelt University partner to drive digital transformation, localized software development

SMART Zambia Institute has signed an agreement with the Copperbelt University (CBU) to drive localized software and systems development.

The strategic partnership aims to transform CBU into a digital hub, providing government services and digital literacy opportunities to citizens.

SMART Zambia’s Acting National Coordinator, Mulomba Hameja, signed on behalf the Institute with Pastor Hampande, Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Director for Business and Innovation signing on behalf of the Copperbelt University.

The signing ceremony took place on Tuesday at the Copperbelt University in Kitwe District of the Copperbelt Province.

According to Hameja, the collaboration would focus on thematic areas that will propel Zambia’s digital transformation forward.

“The establishment of a Digital Transformation Center (DTC) at CBU will be a key milestone in this journey,” he said.

Hameja stressed that SMART Zambia had set up the Government Service Bus (GSB), which was in the interest of citizens in terms of easy access to government services.

“The degree of utilization of government services by citizens would be enhanced through the appointment of digital ambassadors,” he added.

Meanwhile, Hampande, explained that his institution had internalized software development issues by establishing a software development department.

“This department builds systems locally, eliminating the need to buy from developers abroad and through the agreement, the institution will produce students with proper expertise, bridging the gap between industry and academia,” he said.

Hampande appreciated SMART Zambia for recognizing CBU’s efforts in the digital space, emphasizing that the agreement covers council-in-a-box solutions, fleet management systems, and dotmax systems, which are already being evaluated.

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