Energy crisis stalls Zambia’s national registration system rollout, says Mwiimbu

The Zambian government has announced that the ongoing energy crisis is hindering the rollout of the Integrated National Registration Information System (INRIS), particularly in rural areas.

This development comes as the country prepares to host the 2024 Digital Government Africa Summit.

Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security, Jack Mwiimbu, made the announcement during a joint media briefing at Pamodzi Hotel in Lusaka on Monday.

He noted that digitizing the Ministry’s operations was essential for improving service delivery to Zambian citizens and welcomed contributions from institutions involved in digitization to optimize existing platforms.

“The Republic of Zambia will host the Digital Government Africa Summit 2024 (DGA2024), an important event for like-minded counterparts to engage and share knowledge,” Mwiimbu said.

The summit, which he claimed has attracted over 500 delegates, would bring together technologists, solution providers, and industry investors to discuss critical issues, including the implementation of national digital identity, e-participation, citizen authentication, capacity building, and the development of digital government infrastructure.

His Excellency President Hakainde Hichilema is expected to officially open the three-day event.

Education Minister, Douglas Syakalima, emphasized that the summit highlighted government’s commitment to embracing digital transformation as a way to improve the lives of its citizens.

He added that the event aimed to foster partnerships and knowledge-sharing among government leaders, policymakers and technology experts.

Meanwhile, Minister of Technology and Science, Felix Mutati, pointed out that Zambia’s leadership in the global digital compact, in partnership with Sweden, had elevated the country’s profile in the digital sector.

“This partnership focuses on advancing digital inclusion, innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainable investment,” Mutati said.

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